New York City will pay Talkspace $26 million over three years to operate TeenSpace, the city's new virtual mental health platform for teenagers.
In a Nov. 15 news release, the online therapy provider said between 400,000 and 500,000 city residents ages 13-17 will have access to free, evidence-based mental health services through the platform. Teenagers can choose between messaging only or a combination of messaging and video visits.
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 a Nov. 15 news release from Mayor Eric Adams. 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.