Latest news with #Talkspace
Associated Press
30-07-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
NCDHHS Partners with Talkspace to Provide Free Virtual Mental Health Therapy to Teens Involved in or Impacted By the Justice System
RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 30, 2025-- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with Talkspace, a virtual therapy platform now available for free to justice-impacted teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17 in North Carolina. Recent data from North Carolina shows that 100% of young people in youth development centers had at least one mental health diagnosis, with more than half also having a substance use disorder diagnosis. Additionally, youth involvement in the justice system can increase a young person's risk of experiencing more trauma or psychological distress. It can also lead to increased risk of adult criminal activity, lower education attainment and difficulty finding a job. 'There is an urgent need for youth-focused solutions to help young people involved in the justice system get the care they need so they can thrive in their homes and communities,' said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. 'The partnership with Talkspace is one of the ways the department is working to transform mental health care to build a system that works for every person in North Carolina.' The Talkspace partnership is a part of an effort to expand services for individuals in the justice system, with a focus on increasing quality and consistency of behavioral health programs for youth. The two-year program will serve as many as 20,000 youth impacted by the legal system, including people who may have personally been detained/court-involved, have lived experience as victims of crime or are otherwise identified as at risk (for example, having incarcerated members of family). Teenagers who download the app or go to the website will be put in contact with a trained clinician who can be matched by age, culture, gender, etc. The platform offers 24/7 text, audio and video access and self-guided activities. Those participating may immediately access Talkspace services using a referral keyword provided by court counselors, case managers or other community partners such as local Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils and other youth advocacy groups. Participation is voluntary and will not be court-ordered. Talkspace offers 'asynchronous' therapy which differs from traditional approaches by allowing therapists and clients to communicate in various formats without scheduled appointments. The client engages in the therapeutic process whenever and wherever is most convenient. 'Increasing access to treatment is critical for justice-involved youth. Tele-mental health does this by meeting youth and families where they are and allows for immediate therapy from culturally responsive providers in a comfortable format,' said Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services. 'Ensuring children and youth involved with or impacted by the justice system receive mental health care is critical in stopping the re-entry cycle and ensuring children go on to live full and meaningful lives.' 'We're proud to partner with the North Carolina Juvenile Justice System and NCDHHS to bring accessible, confidential mental health support to teens who need it most,' said Jon Cohen, M.D., Chief Executive Officer at Talkspace. 'This collaboration marks a meaningful expansion of our work with youth—reaching them in a new context, at a critical moment, and reinforcing our commitment to equitable care for all.' This initiative is part of NCDHHS' mission to improve access to mental health care in North Carolina and is funded by the $835 million investment that focuses on mental health transformation. An overview of the historic investment made possible by the NC General Assembly is available in this white paper: Transforming North Carolina's Behavioral Health System; Investing in a system that delivers whole-person care when and where people need it. About Talkspace Talkspace is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives through access to high-quality mental healthcare. Talkspace pioneered the ability to text with a licensed therapist from anywhere and now offers a comprehensive suite of mental health services, including therapy for individuals, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatric treatment and medication management (18+). For more information, visit View source version on [email protected] KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA NORTH CAROLINA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH TELEMEDICINE/VIRTUAL MEDICINE SOURCE: Talkspace Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 07/30/2025 02:30 PM/DISC: 07/30/2025 02:31 PM
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Talkspace, Blue Cross Idaho partner to improve behavioural health access
Talkspace has announced a new partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho, aiming to enhance behavioural health access across the region. The collaboration integrates Talkspace's virtual mental health services into Blue Cross Idaho's network, providing members with asynchronous message-based therapy and live video sessions from licensed clinicians. Talkspace chief growth officer Erin Boyd said: 'Partnering with Blue Cross of Idaho allows Talkspace to continue our important mission of expanding access to high-quality, convenient mental health care. 'This collaboration will make therapy and psychiatric support affordable for individuals and families across the nation, empowering them to prioritise their mental well-being on their own terms.' Blue Cross of Idaho became part of TalkSpace's expanding list of health plans, and benefits clients such as Carelon, Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and select Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. With this new partnership, Talkspace now extends its coverage to approximately 200 million people in the US, including those with Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Licensed therapists of Talkspace, available in all 50 states, provide members the choice between asynchronous therapy options and live video sessions. This flexibility allows users to customise their care and overcome barriers to treatment, thereby increasing engagement. Blue Cross of Idaho Healthcare Operations vice-president Dawn Atkin said: 'Blue Cross of Idaho members deserve access to mental healthcare that fits into their lives. 'That's why we're proud to partner with Talkspace to significantly enhance mental health services for all of our members, providing a direct line to an experienced, licensed professional anytime and anywhere they need support.' Members of Blue Cross of Idaho, encompassing couples and teens aged 13 and above, can sign up for therapy and psychiatric medication support (for those 18 and above) through the Talkspace website. "Talkspace, Blue Cross Idaho partner to improve behavioural health access" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Talkspace Announces New In-Network Partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho
Blue Cross of Idaho Members Across All Lines of Business Now Have Access to High-Quality Tele-Mental Healthcare NEW YORK, July 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Talkspace, a leading online behavioral health company, today announced a new in-network partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho to increase behavioral health access across Idaho. As of July 1, 2025, all Blue Cross Idaho members now have access to Talkspace's comprehensive virtual behavioral health services, including support from licensed clinicians through its exclusive asynchronous message-based therapy (featuring voice and video options) as well as live video sessions. "Partnering with Blue Cross of Idaho allows Talkspace to continue our important mission of expanding access to high-quality, convenient mental health care," said Erin Boyd, Chief Growth Officer at Talkspace. "This collaboration will make therapy and psychiatric support affordable for individuals and families across the nation, empowering them to prioritize their mental well-being on their own terms." "Blue Cross of Idaho members deserve access to mental healthcare that fits into their lives," said Dawn Atkin MS, BSN-RN, CPHQ, CCM, Vice President, Healthcare Operations for Blue Cross of Idaho. "That's why we're proud to partner with Talkspace to significantly enhance mental health services for all of our members, providing a direct line to an experienced, licensed professional anytime and anywhere they need support." Blue Cross of Idaho now joins Talkspace's expanding roster of health plans and benefits clients which include Aetna, Carelon, Cigna, Optum and select Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, with Talkspace now covering nearly 200 million lives across the U.S. Talkspace also accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage for seniors. Talkspace provides licensed therapists across all 50 states and gives members the flexibility to choose live video sessions and asynchronous therapy options. This approach lets users tailor their care to best fit into their busy lives, reducing obstacles to accessing treatment and maximizing engagement. Blue Cross of Idaho members, including couples and teens aged 13+, can register for therapy and psychiatric medication support (18+ only) at About Blue Cross of Idaho Blue Cross of Idaho is part of an Idaho-based, not-for-profit mutual insurance holding company group dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve. We are the state's oldest and largest health insurer, and the only Idaho-based insurer serving the entire state. Blue Cross of Idaho offers a broad portfolio of health plans for employers of all sizes, as well as individual and Medicare plans. Our plans offer innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of Idahoans and Idaho-based employers. For more information, visit About Talkspace Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK) is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives through access to high-quality mental healthcare. At Talkspace, we believe that mental healthcare is core to overall health and should be available to everyone. Talkspace pioneered the ability to text with a licensed therapist from anywhere and now offers a comprehensive suite of mental health services, including therapy for individuals, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatric treatment and medication management (18+). With Talkspace's core therapy offerings, members are matched with one of thousands of licensed therapists within days and can engage in live video, audio, or chat sessions, and/or unlimited asynchronous text messaging sessions. All care offered at Talkspace is delivered through an easy-to-use, fully-encrypted web and mobile platform that meets HIPAA, federal, and state regulatory requirements. Most Americans have access to Talkspace through their health insurance plans, employee assistance programs, our partnerships with leading healthcare companies, or as a free benefit through their employer, school, or government agency. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts press@
Japan Today
14-07-2025
- Health
- Japan Today
The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health?
By Pooja Shree Chettiar Recently, I found myself pouring my heart out, not to a human, but to a chatbot named Wysa on my phone. It nodded – virtually – asked me how I was feeling and gently suggested trying breathing exercises. As a neuroscientist, I couldn't help but wonder: Was I actually feeling better, or was I just being expertly redirected by a well-trained algorithm? Could a string of code really help calm a storm of emotions? Artificial intelligence-powered mental health tools are becoming increasingly popular – and increasingly persuasive. But beneath their soothing prompts lie important questions: How effective are these tools? What do we really know about how they work? And what are we giving up in exchange for convenience? Of course it's an exciting moment for digital mental health. But understanding the trade-offs and limitations of AI-based care is crucial. Stand-in meditation and therapy apps and bots AI-based therapy is a relatively new player in the digital therapy field. But the U.S. mental health app market has been booming for the past few years, from apps with free tools that text you back to premium versions with an added feature that gives prompts for breathing exercises. Headspace and Calm are two of the most well-known meditation and mindfulness apps, offering guided meditations, bedtime stories and calming soundscapes to help users relax and sleep better. Talkspace and BetterHelp go a step further, offering actual licensed therapists via chat, video or voice. The apps Happify and Moodfit aim to boost mood and challenge negative thinking with game-based exercises. Somewhere in the middle are chatbot therapists like Wysa and Woebot, using AI to mimic real therapeutic conversations, often rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. These apps typically offer free basic versions, with paid plans ranging from US$10 to $100 per month for more comprehensive features or access to licensed professionals. While not designed specifically for therapy, conversational tools like ChatGPT have sparked curiosity about AI's emotional intelligence. Some users have turned to ChatGPT for mental health advice, with mixed outcomes, including a widely reported case in Belgium where a man died by suicide after months of conversations with a chatbot. Elsewhere, a father is seeking answers after his son was fatally shot by police, alleging that distressing conversations with an AI chatbot may have influenced his son's mental state. These cases raise ethical questions about the role of AI in sensitive situations. Where AI comes in Whether your brain is spiraling, sulking or just needs a nap, there's a chatbot for that. But can AI really help your brain process complex emotions? Or are people just outsourcing stress to silicon-based support systems that sound empathetic? And how exactly does AI therapy work inside our brains? Most AI mental health apps promise some flavor of cognitive behavioral therapy, which is basically structured self-talk for your inner chaos. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing, the Japanese tidying expert known for helping people keep only what 'sparks joy.' You identify unhelpful thought patterns like 'I'm a failure,' examine them, and decide whether they serve you or just create anxiety. But can a chatbot help you rewire your thoughts? Surprisingly, there's science suggesting it's possible. Studies have shown that digital forms of talk therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially for mild to moderate cases. In fact, Woebot has published peer-reviewed research showing reduced depressive symptoms in young adults after just two weeks of chatting. These apps are designed to simulate therapeutic interaction, offering empathy, asking guided questions and walking you through evidence-based tools. The goal is to help with decision-making and self-control, and to help calm the nervous system. The neuroscience behind cognitive behavioral therapy is solid: It's about activating the brain's executive control centers, helping us shift our attention, challenge automatic thoughts and regulate our emotions. The question is whether a chatbot can reliably replicate that, and whether our brains actually believe it. A user's experience, and what it might mean for the brain 'I had a rough week,' a friend told me recently. I asked her to try out a mental health chatbot for a few days. She told me the bot replied with an encouraging emoji and a prompt generated by its algorithm to try a calming strategy tailored to her mood. Then, to her surprise, it helped her sleep better by week's end. As a neuroscientist, I couldn't help but ask: Which neurons in her brain were kicking in to help her feel calm? This isn't a one-off story. A growing number of user surveys and clinical trials suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy-based chatbot interactions can lead to short-term improvements in mood, focus and even sleep. In randomized studies, users of mental health apps have reported reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety – outcomes that closely align with how in-person cognitive behavioral therapy influences the brain. Several studies show that therapy chatbots can actually help people feel better. In one clinical trial, a chatbot called 'Therabot' helped reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by nearly half – similar to what people experience with human therapists. Other research, including a review of over 80 studies, found that AI chatbots are especially helpful for improving mood, reducing stress and even helping people sleep better. In one study, a chatbot outperformed a self-help book in boosting mental health after just two weeks. While people often report feeling better after using these chatbots, scientists haven't yet confirmed exactly what's happening in the brain during those interactions. In other words, we know they work for many people, but we're still learning how and why. Red flags and risks Apps like Wysa have earned FDA Breakthrough Device designation, a status that fast-tracks promising technologies for serious conditions, suggesting they may offer real clinical benefit. Woebot, similarly, runs randomized clinical trials showing improved depression and anxiety symptoms in new moms and college students. While many mental health apps boast labels like 'clinically validated' or 'FDA approved,' those claims are often unverified. A review of top apps found that most made bold claims, but fewer than 22% cited actual scientific studies to back them up. In addition, chatbots collect sensitive information about your mood metrics, triggers and personal stories. What if that data winds up in third-party hands such as advertisers, employers or hackers, a scenario that has occurred with genetic data? In a 2023 breach, nearly 7 million users of the DNA testing company 23andMe had their DNA and personal details exposed after hackers used previously leaked passwords to break into their accounts. Regulators later fined the company more than $2 million for failing to protect user data. Unlike clinicians, bots aren't bound by counseling ethics or privacy laws regarding medical information. You might be getting a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, but you're also feeding a database. And sure, bots can guide you through breathing exercises or prompt cognitive reappraisal, but when faced with emotional complexity or crisis, they're often out of their depth. Human therapists tap into nuance, past trauma, empathy and live feedback loops. Can an algorithm say 'I hear you' with genuine understanding? Neuroscience suggests that supportive human connection activates social brain networks that AI can't reach. So while in mild to moderate cases bot-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy may offer short-term symptom relief, it's important to be aware of their limitations. For the time being, pairing bots with human care – rather than replacing it – is the safest move. Pooja Shree Chettiar is Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University. The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. External Link © The Conversation
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health?
Texas: Recently, I found myself pouring my heart out, not to a human, but to a chatbot named Wysa on my phone. It nodded - virtually - asked me how I was feeling and gently suggested trying breathing exercises. As a neuroscientist, I couldn't help but wonder: Was I actually feeling better, or was I just being expertly redirected by a well-trained algorithm? Could a string of code really help calm a storm of emotions? Artificial intelligence-powered mental health tools are becoming increasingly popular - and increasingly persuasive. But beneath their soothing prompts lie important questions: How effective are these tools? What do we really know about how they work? And what are we giving up in exchange for convenience? Of course it's an exciting moment for digital mental health. But understanding the trade-offs and limitations of AI-based care is crucial. Stand-in meditation and therapy apps and bots AI-based therapy is a relatively new player in the digital therapy field. But the US mental health app market has been booming for the past few years, from apps with free tools that text you back to premium versions with an added feature that gives prompts for breathing exercises. Headspace and Calm are two of the most well-known meditation and mindfulness apps, offering guided meditations, bedtime stories and calming soundscapes to help users relax and sleep better. Talkspace and BetterHelp go a step further, offering actual licensed therapists via chat, video or voice. The apps Happify and Moodfit aim to boost mood and challenge negative thinking with game-based exercises. Somewhere in the middle are chatbot therapists like Wysa and Woebot , using AI to mimic real therapeutic conversations, often rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. These apps typically offer free basic versions, with paid plans ranging from USD 10 to USD 100 per month for more comprehensive features or access to licensed professionals. While not designed specifically for therapy, conversational tools like ChatGPT have sparked curiosity about AI's emotional intelligence. Some users have turned to ChatGPT for mental health advice, with mixed outcomes, including a widely reported case in Belgium where a man died by suicide after months of conversations with a chatbot. Elsewhere, a father is seeking answers after his son was fatally shot by police, alleging that distressing conversations with an AI chatbot may have influenced his son's mental state. These cases raise ethical questions about the role of AI in sensitive situations. Where AI comes in Whether your brain is spiralling, sulking or just needs a nap, there's a chatbot for that. But can AI really help your brain process complex emotions? Or are people just outsourcing stress to silicon-based support systems that sound empathetic? And how exactly does AI therapy work inside our brains? Most AI mental health apps promise some flavor of cognitive behavioral therapy, which is basically structured self-talk for your inner chaos. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing, the Japanese tidying expert known for helping people keep only what "sparks joy." You identify unhelpful thought patterns like "I'm a failure," examine them, and decide whether they serve you or just create anxiety. But can a chatbot help you rewire your thoughts? Surprisingly, there's science suggesting it's possible. Studies have shown that digital forms of talk therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially for mild to moderate cases. In fact, Woebot has published peer-reviewed research showing reduced depressive symptoms in young adults after just two weeks of chatting. These apps are designed to simulate therapeutic interaction, offering empathy, asking guided questions and walking you through evidence-based tools. The goal is to help with decision-making and self-control, and to help calm the nervous system. The neuroscience behind cognitive behavioral therapy is solid: It's about activating the brain's executive control centres, helping us shift our attention, challenge automatic thoughts and regulate our emotions. The question is whether a chatbot can reliably replicate that, and whether our brains actually believe it. A user's experience, and what it might mean for the brain "I had a rough week," a friend told me recently. I asked her to try out a mental health chatbot for a few days. She told me the bot replied with an encouraging emoji and a prompt generated by its algorithm to try a calming strategy tailored to her mood. Then, to her surprise, it helped her sleep better by week's end. As a neuroscientist, I couldn't help but ask: Which neurons in her brain were kicking in to help her feel calm? This isn't a one-off story. A growing number of user surveys and clinical trials suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy-based chatbot interactions can lead to short-term improvements in mood, focus and even sleep. In randomised studies, users of mental health apps have reported reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety - outcomes that closely align with how in-person cognitive behavioral therapy influences the brain. Several studies show that therapy chatbots can actually help people feel better. In one clinical trial, a chatbot called "Therabot" helped reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by nearly half - similar to what people experience with human therapists. Other research, including a review of over 80 studies, found that AI chatbots are especially helpful for improving mood, reducing stress and even helping people sleep better. In one study, a chatbot outperformed a self-help book in boosting mental health after just two weeks. While people often report feeling better after using these chatbots, scientists haven't yet confirmed exactly what's happening in the brain during those interactions. In other words, we know they work for many people, but we're still learning how and why. Red flags and risks Apps like Wysa have earned FDA Breakthrough Device designation, a status that fast-tracks promising technologies for serious conditions, suggesting they may offer real clinical benefit. Woebot, similarly, runs randomised clinical trials showing improved depression and anxiety symptoms in new moms and college students. While many mental health apps boast labels like "clinically validated" or "FDA approved," those claims are often unverified. A review of top apps found that most made bold claims, but fewer than 22 per cent cited actual scientific studies to back them up. In addition, chatbots collect sensitive information about your mood metrics, triggers and personal stories. What if that data winds up in third-party hands such as advertisers, employers or hackers, a scenario that has occurred with genetic data? In a 2023 breach, nearly 7 million users of the DNA testing company 23andMe had their DNA and personal details exposed after hackers used previously leaked passwords to break into their accounts. Regulators later fined the company more than USD 2 million for failing to protect user data. Unlike clinicians, bots aren't bound by counselling ethics or privacy laws regarding medical information. You might be getting a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, but you're also feeding a database. And sure, bots can guide you through breathing exercises or prompt cognitive reappraisal, but when faced with emotional complexity or crisis, they're often out of their depth. Human therapists tap into nuance, past trauma, empathy and live feedback loops. Can an algorithm say "I hear you" with genuine understanding? Neuroscience suggests that supportive human connection activates social brain networks that AI can't reach. So while in mild to moderate cases bot-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy may offer short-term symptom relief, it's important to be aware of their limitations. For the time being, pairing bots with human care - rather than replacing it - is the safest move. (The Conversation)
