New York City is launching TeenSpace, a free mental health platform for teenagers in the city.
According to a Nov. 15 news release from New York City Mayor Eric Adams, anyone between the ages of 13 and 17 can receive free support from a licensed therapist through phone, text or video call.
Between 2011 and 2021, rates of teenagers in New York City reporting feelings of sadness and hopelessness, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidal ideation rose, according to the release. The free platform is designed to reduce cost barriers to care for young people and was developed with the input of teenagers in the city.
"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," Mr. Adams said. "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."