This article is one of a series of articles produced by Word in Black through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Word In Black is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country.
By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there is an alarming increase in the rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among teenagers nationwide. According to a recent report, a staggering 40% of high school students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless for at least two consecutive weeks, underscoring the urgent need for accessible mental health support.
In response, the City of Seattle has launched a groundbreaking partnership with the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) and Talkspace, a leading online behavioral healthcare platform, to expand virtual therapy and mental health services for local teens and young adults between the ages of 13 and 24.
“The City’s report on the youth mental health landscape found that expanding free telehealth and virtual therapy options are impactful ways to improve mental health outcomes and allow students to match with providers who can offer culturally competent care,” said City of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “This new partnership with Talkspace will remove barriers to accessing counseling and support, ensuring our students have the resources they need to build resilience and healthy coping skills to thrive in school and life.”
To ensure easy access and remove potential barriers to seeking mental health support, Jonah Spangenthal-Lee, DEEL Communications Manager, said there is no referral process for individuals to enroll.
“Students do not need a referral from schools or counselors. The program allows eligible individuals, 13 to 24, to self-enroll directly on Talkspace,” said Spangenthal-Lee. “Allowing students to independently sign up online provides autonomy and confidentiality, encouraging youth to take the initiative in managing their mental health without approval or involvement from a third party, such as a school counselor.”
Through Talkspace’s secure digital platform, over 55,000 teens and young adults in Seattle will gain access to confidential, high-quality mental health care. The program addresses the growing demand for accessible mental health services and the unique challenges faced by Generation Z, a group widely recognized for experiencing the poorest mental health among recent generations.
“This initiative ensures that young people can now access high-quality mental health care in a way that’s flexible, private, and empowering, enabling them to take control of their mental health journey,” said Dr. Jon Cohen, CEO of Talkspace.
Effective immediately, eligible residents in Seattle can sign up for the service. Participants will be matched with Washington state-licensed mental health providers and can access unlimited asynchronous messaging therapy and one live video session per month. Additionally, the program includes 24/7 access to Talkspace Go, a self-guided mental health resource designed to address common issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. All therapy is conducted on a secure, encrypted platform compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ensuring user privacy.
“Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning has taken another significant step towards creating accessible and affordable mental health care for teens and young adults,” Cohen said.
The Talkspace initiative is part of a broader effort by the City of Seattle to combat the youth mental health crisis. In August, Mayor Harrell and Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones announced a $14.55 million joint investment to expand mental health and safety resources for students during the 2024–2025 school year. DEEL’s partnership with Talkspace is a key element of this plan, which also includes enhanced access to in-person counseling at school-based health centers and telehealth therapy services.
“Supporting the emotional well-being of Seattle’s young people is a top priority for DEEL,” said Dr. Dwane Chappelle, Director of the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning. “We know that youth perform better academically, socially, and emotionally when they have the support they need. By partnering with Talkspace, we’re expanding our capabilities to ensure our teens and young adults have greater access to free and convenient mental health care. With this unique resource, we seek for our young people to cultivate the wellness to thrive not only in their learning but in life.”
Based on previous work done with teens, Spangenthal-Lee said that many teens need a broad range of support, including assistance with managing stress and workloads, as well as seeking productivity tips. He believes that when students experience improvements in mental health, they are more likely to attend school regularly and engage more effectively in their studies.
“Virtual therapy can address these needs by helping students manage emotional and mental challenges and helping teens come up with strategies to better focus, which can directly impact attendance and academic achievement,” said Spangenthal-Lee.
This initiative builds on Talkspace’s proven track record of partnering with schools, municipalities, and community organizations across the country to make mental health care as accessible as possible for the young people who need it the most. However, beyond Talkspace, additional resources designed for educators, parents, caregivers, mentors, and other trusted adults, including professional development and consulting, will be available in early 2025.
As a generation, Gen Z, which includes both teens and young adults in their 20s, reports the poorest mental health. By offering flexible digital mental health solutions, this partnership seeks to eliminate the barriers to therapy, ensuring that high-quality mental health care is accessible, convenient, and timely.
“Our young people are facing unprecedented mental health challenges, and my administration remains committed to building a comprehensive ecosystem of services to support the well-being of all Seattle students,” Harrell said.
By addressing the emotional and mental well-being of students, Spangenthal-Lee said that they are better able to face challenges both in life and academically, which are crucial for effective learning and benefiting their education.
“This proactive intervention meets [our] broader mission to foster the development of healthy, resilient learners who are equipped for long-term success,” Spangenthal-Lee said. “[It] also ensures mental health resources are accessible to underserved communities, leveling the playing field for students who may face systemic barriers to care.”
The program’s flexible digital format ensures that teens and young adults can access care in a way that suits their individual needs. Whether it’s seeking immediate support through messaging therapy or using self-guided tools, the partnership emphasizes accessibility, privacy, and empowerment.
The city is encouraging students to sign up online at www.talkspace.com/seattle.
