Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is taking a proactive approach to support the mental health of its high school students by partnering with Talkspace, a leading online behavioral health care company. This new initiative, set to begin in December 2023, will provide free, unlimited telehealth therapy to over 32,000 students aged 13 and above.
Teenagers across the country are facing a daunting increase in stress, anxiety, depression, and even thoughts of suicide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has highlighted this critical issue. In response, BCPS is committed to addressing the holistic well-being of its students, recognizing that academic success goes hand in hand with mental and emotional well-being.
BCPS Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers (Yarbrough) emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, ‘We want to ensure that our students have access to the comprehensive resources and support they need to navigate any day-to-day mental health struggles they may face. By offering Talkspace’s digital modalities, like unlimited messaging therapy, we can extend support that students can access beyond school hours, year-round, at their convenience.’
Eligible students will have the opportunity to sign up for therapy by taking a brief assessment tailored specifically for teens. Once matched, they will be connected with a dedicated, licensed therapist on Talkspace’s secure and encrypted platform. The therapy sessions can be accessed from smartphones, tablets, or computers, allowing for convenient communication at any time.
Talkspace’s message-based therapy has been proven effective through numerous studies conducted in collaboration with esteemed research institutions such as Columbia University and New York University. Teenagers have praised the ability to reach out to their therapists in moments of need or crisis, finding solace and guidance through unlimited private messaging.
Jon Cohen, M.D., CEO of Talkspace, expressed his pride in partnering with BCPS and their commitment to providing accessible mental health support to high school students. This collaboration builds upon Talkspace’s successful track record of working with schools and educational departments across the nation.
To be eligible for this program, teens must be enrolled in a BCPS high school and be at least 13 years old. Alongside unlimited messaging therapy, eligible students will also gain access to Talkspace Go, a comprehensive mental health self-guided program tailored specifically for teenagers. For more information and registration, visit the Baltimore County School District’s website.
The partnership between Baltimore County Public Schools and Talkspace represents a significant step towards prioritizing the mental health of high school students. By providing free telehealth therapy and evidence-based mental health resources, BCPS aims to empower students to overcome their day-to-day struggles and thrive both academically and emotionally. This innovative approach sets a positive example for other educational institutions around the country, highlighting the importance of mental health support in today’s fast-paced and demanding world.
