Headspace Launches Mental Health Coaching, Therapy To Follow
The wellness platform’s text-based coaching service serves as a “here and now” alternative to traditional therapy
Headspace has made a bold move in the mental health space, launching a one-on-one text-based subscription service with a mental health coach to help users tackle the pain points of everyday life.
The meditation and mental health platform says more traditional therapy services are in the pipeline for later this year, but its initial rollout assists subscribers with the “here and the now,” offering actionable tips and tools for stress management or better habit-building rather than deep psychoanalysis.
“The reality is that mental health is not linear; in fact, it’s quite the opposite,” Jenna Glover, Ph.D., chief clinical officer of Headspace, explained. “One day, a person may feel like they can manage anxious thoughts with a simple breathing exercise. The next day, they may need to unpack a mountain of emotions. Mental health coaches adeptly assist people in navigating these emotional waves, offering tailored guidance, practical strategies and curated resources to forge a path forward.”
The monthly mental health coaching subscription, $99.99/month, includes three 30-minute text-based sessions and unlimited access to the Headspace app, which offers guided meditations, wellness-centered programs and skill-building exercises. Members are asked to answer a few questions before being matched to a Headspace mental health coach and can then begin scheduling their sessions.
Headspace mental health coaches (who all have over two years of relevant work experience and have either completed the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching Approved Training Program or have a Master’s-level degree in a psychology-related field) are meant to guide members through challenges that could use some positive intervention but don’t require advanced-level support or a diagnosis.
Headspace’s new mental health support service may resonate particularly with Gen Z and Millennials, who tend to be comfortable with text-based communication and are increasingly invested in their overall health and well-being.
“We believe coaching is a lower-cost and more accessible level of care than therapy that can help the majority of our members stay on track with health and wellness goals and feel supported,” Glover added.
Headspace’s new support services also come amid a therapist shortage in the U.S., making it difficult for patients to find support.
Headspace’s new mental health coaching subscription may be eligible for reimbursement through a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA).
