The City of Memphis has extended its partnership with Talkspace, the leading online behavioral healthcare company, for a fifth consecutive year. The new agreement will provide free virtual therapy and mental health resources to approximately 8,000 employees and now includes dependents aged 13 and up. This marks a significant expansion of the city’s commitment to the mental well-being of its workforce and their families.
Since January 2021, Talkspace has been offering Memphis city employees confidential and convenient access to licensed mental health professionals through its virtual platform. Employees and their dependents can engage in live video, audio, or text sessions with their therapist at any time, from anywhere. All communications are secured on a HIPAA-compliant platform, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
Fonda Fouche, Chief Human Resources Officer for the City of Memphis, emphasized the importance of supporting the mental health of the city’s employees, noting that they are integral to the city’s functioning, from performing key services to protecting residents on the front lines. “We are proud to extend this resource to our employees’ dependents, because building resilience is a life skill that starts at a young age,” she said.
Natalie Cummins, Chief Business Officer at Talkspace, highlighted the company’s dedication to providing accessible mental health services. “Whether working through trauma, managing stress, or simply getting something off their chest, Talkspace ensures that employees and their families have 24/7 access to confidential services wherever they are,” she said.
This partnership demonstrates the City of Memphis’ continued focus on fostering a resilient and healthy workforce. By making mental health resources more widely available, Memphis sets an example for other public sector employers in Tennessee and beyond. The initiative also aligns with Talkspace’s mission to provide high-quality mental health services and increase accessibility for those in need.
For more information about the program, including registration details and consent requirements for dependents aged 13+, visit Talkspace’s website.
About Talkspace Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK) is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider that aims to improve access to high-quality mental healthcare. The company pioneered text-based therapy and now offers a comprehensive range of services including therapy for individuals, teens, couples, and psychiatric treatment (18+). Talkspace ensures confidentiality and security by providing services through a fully encrypted platform, meeting HIPAA and other regulatory standards. More than 179 million Americans have access to Talkspace through their employer, health insurance, or public sector programs.