In January, California launched two new behavioral platforms for kids and young adults up to age 25. According to a Jan. 16 news release from California’s department of healthcare services, the platforms are free for anyone to use, regardless of income, insurance or immigration status.
Around 1 in 3 California teenagers reported experiencing serious psychological distress between 2019 and 2021, according to the news release, and around 2 in 3 teenagers with depression in the state do not receive treatment. The free online services are meant to make it easier for kids to access treatment.
New York City launched a similar program in 2023, partnering with telehealth platform TalkSpace to provide free telehealth services to over 400,000 city residents between 13 and 17.
“Our public schools offer a robust set of mental health supports, including social workers, school counselors, mental health clinics, partnerships with community-based mental health providers, and an emphasis on mindfulness, and I am glad that our teens will have access to another tool to engage with when they need it,” New York City Department of Education Chancellor David Banks said in a Nov. 15 news release.
School districts are also turning to telehealth to provide free therapy to students. In February, Los Angeles County announced a deal with telehealth company Hazel Health to provide free therapy to thousands of K-12 students. In 2022, Hazel Health had partnerships with 3,000 schools in 14 states, according to its website.
In 2023, nearly 60% of kids with depression did not receive any treatment, according to Mental Health America.
The telehealth programs can come with high price tags. New York City will spend $26 million over three years to operate its program with TalkSpace. Los Angeles County schools inked a $24 million deal with Hazel Health, with backing from Medicaid managed care plans in the area.
California’s free platforms are part of its $4.7 billion master plan for children and youth mental health in the state.