RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday a groundbreaking partnership with Talkspace, making virtual therapy services available at no cost to justice-impacted teenagers aged 13 to 17 throughout the state.
The first-of-its-kind initiative addresses a critical gap in mental health care for vulnerable youth, as recent state data reveals that 100% of young people in youth development centers have at least one mental health diagnosis, with more than half also diagnosed with substance use disorders.
Addressing an Urgent Mental Health Crisis
“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.”
Youth involvement in the justice system significantly increases risks of additional trauma, psychological distress, future criminal activity, reduced educational attainment, and employment difficulties, making early intervention crucial for breaking cycles of recidivism.
Program Features and Accessibility
The two-year program is designed to serve as many as 20,000 youth impacted by the legal system, including those who have been detained or court-involved, crime victims, and at-risk individuals such as those with incarcerated family members.
Participants can access services through Talkspace’s mobile app or website, where they are matched with trained clinicians based on factors including age, culture, and gender. The platform provides 24/7 access through text, audio, and video communication, plus self-guided therapeutic activities.
Unlike traditional therapy models, Talkspace offers “asynchronous” treatment, allowing therapists and clients to communicate in various formats without scheduled appointments. This approach enables participants to engage in therapy whenever and wherever is most convenient.
Voluntary Participation and Community Integration
Participation in the program is entirely voluntary and will not be court-ordered. Teenagers can immediately access services using referral keywords provided by court counselors, case managers, or community partners including local Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils and youth advocacy groups.
“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.
Industry Partnership and Funding
“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 Dr. Jon Cohen, 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.”
The initiative is funded through North Carolina’s historic $835 million investment in mental health transformation, approved by the state General Assembly as part of NCDHHS’ mission to improve statewide access to behavioral health care.
About the Partners
Talkspace is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider that pioneered text-based therapy with licensed professionals. The company offers comprehensive mental health services including individual, teen, and couples therapy, as well as psychiatric treatment and medication management for adults.
The partnership represents a significant step in North Carolina’s broader effort to expand services for justice-system-involved individuals, with particular emphasis on increasing the quality and consistency of behavioral health programs for youth.
For more information, visit www.talkspace.com.
