BALTIMORE — As the new school year approaches, Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) is prioritizing mental health by offering free services to high school students through a partnership with Talkspace, a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider.
Nikole Benders-Hadi, Chief Medical Officer at Talkspace, highlights the urgency of addressing mental health among teenagers, who are increasingly facing crises such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. “Teenagers across the country are grappling with rising rates of stress, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation,” says Benders-Hadi, emphasizing the critical need for accessible mental health support.
Since December 2023, Talkspace has partnered with BCPS to provide all 32,000 high school students in the district with access to its high-quality messaging therapy services and other evidence-based mental health resources. The goal is to help students improve their mental well-being, whether they are dealing with clinical conditions or simply seeking to enhance their communication skills and overall happiness.
Benders-Hadi notes that while many students exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression, Talkspace’s services are also designed to support those who may not yet be experiencing severe mental health issues. “We see teens who want to improve their communication skills or just need to get something off their chest,” she explains.
Talkspace aims to make mental health support easily accessible by meeting students where they are—on their phones. “Our goal is to reach students in a way that is convenient for them, aligning with how they already communicate with their peers,” says Benders-Hadi.
The need for mental health support is particularly pressing for students at Franklin High School, which has recently experienced two tragic losses. In early July, recent graduate Jaja Williams died in a UTV accident, and just last week, 16-year-old Leslie Noble passed away after a medical emergency on the football field. These events are expected to have a profound impact on their classmates.
Benders-Hadi emphasizes that Talkspace therapists are equipped to help students navigate these difficult times. “Our therapists can assist teens by guiding them through coping mechanisms, relaxation techniques, and effective communication strategies with their families, peers, and school staff. They can also help students advocate for additional support when needed,” she says.
With this initiative, BCPS and Talkspace are taking meaningful steps to support the mental health of high school students, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
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