Over 55,000 Seattle teens and young adults ages 13 to 24 now have free access to online therapy and mental health support through Talkspace, a behavioral healthcare company.
The new program, funded by a $14.55 million joint investment between the City of Seattle’s Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) and Seattle Public Schools (SPS), allows students to access confidential mental health support through a digital platform.
From City of Seattle report “A Student-Led Approach to Mental Health Services.”
A local, state, and national crisis
The new program is a step in addressing a youth mental health crisis felt throughout Washington and the nation. According to the national mental health advocacy group Mental Health America, Washington ranked at the bottom (48th) in the U.S. in terms of youth mental health or wellness. The national Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) most recent “Youth Risk Behavior Survey” found that between 2013 and 2023, 40% of high school students felt sadness or hopelessness that impacted their daily activities for two weeks or more.
In Washington, a recent report from the statewide Children’s Alliance calculates that 80,000 adolescents in the state are currently suffering from significant depression without professional care. And 2023 SPS data showed 71% of 12th graders were struggling with feelings of anxiety while 30% of 12th graders reported feelings of depression. Moreover, the Washington Department of Health has declared suicide is the second leading cause of teen death in the state. (To learn more about ways to address teen mental health, read “New report: Increase access to youth mental health solutions” at Seattleschild.com).
The national Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) most recent “Youth Risk Behavior Survey” showed increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among teenagers. The report found that between 2013 and 2023, 40% of high school students felt sadness or hopelessness that impacted their daily activities for two weeks or more.
Connecting with Washington providers
Here’s how the Talkspace program works:
- Seattle teens sign up through the Talkspace portal.
- Students are matched with a dedicated mental health provider licensed in Washington.
- They receive care through one live video session per month and unlimited asynchronous messaging therapy.
- Students will also have access to a 24-hour self-guided mental health program designed to help them navigate stress, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges.
- All care takes place on a secure and encrypted platform that is compliant with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
“Our young people are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, and my administration remains committed to building a comprehensive ecosystem of services to support the wellbeing of all Seattle students,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell in a release. “The city’s report on the youth mental health landscape found that expanding free telehealth and virtual therapy options are impactful ways to improve mental health outcomes and allow students to match with providers who can offer culturally competent care.”
Breaking down barriers to care
According to the city’s report, “A Student-Led Approach to Mental Health Services,” less than half of students referred to care successfully received treatment. The report was based on SPS data.
“This highlights the shortage of qualified mental health providers,” the report authors wrote. “This also highlights the impacts of barriers such as cost and confusion navigating the healthcare system. We also heard from many students and experts that lack of diversity in the profession is another barrier to students seeking mental healthcare.”
Harrell says the free, evidence-based online Talkspace program removes some barriers teens face in accessing counseling and support. Other measures to further address teen mental health concerns will soon be implemented.
“We know that youth perform better academically, socially, and emotionally when they have the support they need,” said Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning.
Seattle residents ages 13 to 24 should visit talkspace.com/seattle to sign up for free online therapy through the new collaboration.
To access Talkspace Go, the self-guided therapy app, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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