Seattle Offers Free Virtual Therapy for Teens
A new program makes mental health care easier to access for young people
By Sarah Stackhouse December 19, 2024
Being a teenager is tough. I know — I have one. Friendships, school pressures, and social media can complicate everything. She’s lucky she can talk to us, but not every kid has that support.
Last week, Seattle launched a free online therapy program for residents ages 13 to 24. In partnership with Talkspace, young people can connect with licensed therapists through live video sessions and unlimited messaging. They’ll also have access to a mental health app designed for teens, available 24/7.
The initiative stems from a city report that identified telehealth as an important tool for improving access to care. “Our young people are facing unprecedented mental health challenges,” Mayor Bruce Harrell says, “and my administration remains committed to building a comprehensive ecosystem of services to support the wellbeing of all Seattle students.”
The program is part of a $14.55 million investment in safety and mental health by Seattle Public Schools and the city. It addresses growing concerns about gun violence and the mental health struggles exacerbated by the pandemic. The CDC reports that 40% of high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2023 — slightly lower than 2021 but still much higher than a decade ago.
Seattle is ahead of the curve nationally with this initiative. While some states subsidize mental health services through Medicaid or community programs, few cities offer free telehealth therapy specifically for teens and young adults. By focusing on accessible, digital care, Seattle is setting a model for how local governments can address the youth mental health crisis head-on.
Teens and young adults can sign up at talkspace.com/seattle. They’ll be matched with a Washington-based licensed provider for one live session per month and ongoing, unlimited messaging support. Services are secure and HIPAA-compliant.
“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,” says Dr. Jon Cohen, CEO of Talkspace.
The program is expected to support more than 55,000 young people, with additional telehealth options coming soon.
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