States, cities and schools are investing in free telehealth services for teenagers and young people.
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.