In this age where smartphones play a pivotal role in teenage lives, Bark Technologies and Talkspace are collaborating to transform screens into avenues of support. Beginning May 1, 2024, teenagers utilizing Bark Phones or the Bark app will have complimentary access to Talkspace Go, a digital wellness platform that provides mental health resources designed by licensed therapists. This collaboration seeks to enhance the accessibility, proactive approach, and integration of mental health support into the everyday experiences of youth.
The partnership between Bark and Talkspace delivers a range of self-directed mental health tools right to teens’ devices. With Talkspace Go, users aged 13 and older can access:
These resources are tailored to be user-friendly and impactful, aiding teens in dealing with common issues such as anxiety, depression, and peer influence. Most importantly, they are available for free to all Bark Phone and app users.
The demand for accessible mental health resources has reached unprecedented levels. According to the CDC, over 40% of high school students report experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Furthermore, a significant number of teens in need of assistance often do not receive it due to stigma, insufficient resources, or practical obstacles.
Bark’s monitoring statistics present a similar scenario. Their technology, which analyzes billions of messages, emails, and social media posts for indicators of risk, has revealed that:
By incorporating mental health resources directly into the Bark Phone, the company is taking a proactive initiative—providing support not only in crisis situations but also as a preventive strategy to foster emotional resilience.
For adolescents who require more than self-guided resources, Talkspace provides comprehensive therapy solutions. With parental approval, teens can be paired with licensed therapists for continual support through messaging and video sessions. In many instances, these services are covered by insurance, making professional therapy more accessible than ever.
Teens can register for Talkspace Go using their email, enabling them to determine if they might benefit from connecting with a therapist. This multi-faceted strategy—starting with self-help and progressing to therapy—ensures that teenagers receive the appropriate level of assistance when necessary.
It’s not only individual families reaping the benefits. Numerous schools and districts already utilize Bark to oversee student activity across platforms like Google Workspace and Chrome. Now, these institutions can also incorporate Talkspace’s mental wellness resources into their support frameworks, aiding educators and counselors in delivering more comprehensive care.
Through this partnership, Bark and Talkspace are transforming the concept of utilizing technology for positive purposes. Rather than serving as a source of anxiety or distraction, smartphones can now evolve into instruments for healing, development, and connection. By engaging teens where they are—on their devices—this initiative makes mental health support more immediate, individualized, and free from stigma.
As the mental health crisis among teenagers persists, innovations like this provide a promising path ahead: one where help is merely a tap away.
Photo credit: Bark
