Talkspace is very bold and innovative idea that
promises to help people via texting method, functioning as an online therapy
platform. But how successful is this project? More importantly, how effective
is it? And why is the app partnered with Michael Phelps? Let's find out!
A Text Therapy App?
Talkspace app is an online therapy text-based
platform founded on the idea of making therapy available for everyone,
everywhere and at any time. The idea behind it is fundamentally simple: you
create an app, get a lot of smart and certified/licensed therapist and connect
them with people who are in need of their services.
Keep in mind that the goal of the Talkspace app
is not to replace traditional, in-office treatment. No; the purpose of this app
is to provide help to those who can't afford conventional methods of
treatments, as well as to provide relief to those who prefer treatment in their
home environment rather than in offices or dispensaries.
What's With The Michael Phelps?
What is the relationship between Michal Phelps, a
professional swimmer, and an online therapy app? In 2014 Michal Phelps had
everything. At that time, he was one of the worlds most successful athletes and
arguably the most successful swimmer in the history of humankind. Up until
then, he had won 18 gold medals; he was the embodiment of American Dream.
On the surface, Michael was the guy that had
everything. In reality, Michael had locked himself in a room, depressed and
anxious. He didn't sleep nor eat, and the only thing he contemplated was the
idea of killing himself. After realizing that he won't be able to deal with the
burden of depression on his own, he sought help; the decision to seek help
ultimately saved his life.
Due to his experience with depression and
anxiety, Phelps partnered with Talkspace in the hope that his shared story will encourage other people to
react promptly and not to let themselves get into the position he was in.
Michael also did a commercial, which you can watch here!
Recent Developments
Talkspace is an active voice and a fighter for
human rights. They joined #Metoo campaign which was a collective response to
all the sexual harassment scandals that have been coming out over the past
couple of years.
One New Version article pointed out that the app took the fight beyond the #Metoo campaign. They
put the focus on victims, advocating that it is essential to talk about these
issues but that it is even more important to help victims cope with their
emotions and heal from their traumatic experience.
Licensed professionals that are partnered with Talkspace
app point out the severity and seriousness of such traumatic experiences,
emphasizing the importance of overcoming of guilt and shame, the two most
frequent emotions victims feel after having experienced such horrible things
(according to one GcReport article.)
Most recently, the company announced its
partnership with the New Directions Behavioral Health with the purpose of
giving more people a chance to receive the help they need. Thanks to this new
partnership, New Directions clients will now be able to reach a therapist via
the Employee Assistance Program.