Talkspace gets $26M to operate mental health platform for NYC teens

Talkspace, a leading virtual therapy provider, has teamed up with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to launch NYC Teenspace.  

The three-year initiative aims to address the escalating rates of mental health issues among teenagers by offering free therapy and self-guided mental health resources to all New York City teens aged 13 to 17. Beginning November 15th, NYC Teenspace is set to provide evidenced-based mental health services to approximately 500,000 teenagers at no cost. 

The partnership comes as part of NYC Mayor Eric Adam’s mental health plan released in March. Talkspace received $26,000,000, according to their press release.  

“When we took office nearly two years ago, we promised all New Yorkers that we would build a healthier city together, and invest in not just our physical health, but our mental health as well,” said Mayor Adams in a statement. “Earlier this year, we pledged to make mental health support available to all New York City teens, and today we are delivering on that promise. Beginning today, all New York City teenagers, ages 13 to 17, can talk, text, or make video calls to a licensed therapist for free through the city’s online ‘Teenspace’ service. Our young people shouldn’t ever feel alone. We’re here for them, and together I know we’ll build a healthier, stronger city together.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been documenting a concerning rise in rates of suicidal thoughts, depression, and anxiety among U.S. youth, 42% of teens feeling “so sad or hopeless” that their normal activities were interuppted. There was an 11% increase in the number of young women who considered suicide.  

New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) shares data going in the same trajectory: From 2011 to 2021 there was an increase of 11% of students who felt sad and hopeless.  

“There are few issues more important than the health of our children, and study after study has reinforced what we have been seeing — the mental health of our young people is on a clear downward trajectory,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Vasan in a statement. “‘Teenspace’ will provide our city’s teens with a tangible resource to support their mental health and wellbeing and reduce barriers to accessing care — helping teens take greater control of their mental journey on their own terms. Supporting healthy minds from a young age will lay a foundation for the future of a healthier New York City.”