Description
NC InCK's November 2025 Integrated Care Rounds introduces Talkspace as a secure, accessible online therapy platform for North Carolina youth ages 13–17, offering virtual therapy, peer support communities, and self-guided mental health courses without requiring parental consent or insurance. The discussion highlights the urgent need for youth mental health support, describes Talkspace’s privacy protections and suicide risk algorithm, and shares upcoming community events and resources for promoting mental wellness.
Click this link for the November 2025 Integrated Care Rounds Slide Deck
Key Takeaways
- NC Dept. of Health and Human Services is collaborating with Talkspace to offer free virtual behavioral health services for NC-based youth ages 13-17 who have been affected by the legal/justice system (including directly justice-involved youth, youth who have been victims of crime, and youth affected indirectly by the justice system, e.g. teens who have family members who are/have been incarcerated or detained by immigration enforcement).
- The program is available for free regardless of insurance and citizenship status. Caregiver/guardian consent is not required for youth to enroll.
- Available services include messaging and live sessions with licensed providers, moderated online peer support communities, and a two-week self-guided mental health course designed for teens.
Resources
- Talkspace Program for NC Youth: Form to learn more about and enroll in free Talkspace services. Page is English-only, although Spanish-speaking therapists are available; care managers may need to assist patients speaking languages other than English with completing the request form.
- Talkspace Resources: Printable and digital materials to share program information with interested teens.