Teletherapy company Talkspace announced that it is now available as an in-network provider to patients through Blue Cross of Idaho, allowing individuals to access its virtual behavioral health services.
Talkspace offers nationwide access to licensed therapists via live video, chat and audio sessions. Members can also receive asynchronous text message-based therapy.
Blue Cross of Idaho's patients, including couples and teenagers 13 and older, will have access to Talkspace's offerings. Members 18 and older will be able to access therapy and psychiatric medication support.
"Blue Cross of Idaho members deserve access to mental healthcare that fits into their lives," Dawn Atkin, vice president of healthcare operations for Blue Cross of Idaho, said in a statement.
"That's why we're proud to partner with Talkspace to significantly enhance mental health services for all of our members, providing a direct line to an experienced, licensed professional anytime and anywhere they need support."
THE LARGER TREND
Talkspace touts that it has established partnerships with numerous health plans and benefits clients, including select Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Cigna, Aetna, Optum and Carelon. The platform also accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage for seniors.
Earlier this month, Talkspace announced its partnership with Tia, a hybrid women's healthcare company, which will enable Tia's primary care providers to refer women in need of mental health services to Talkspace providers.
Last year, the company announced that it had joined Amazon Health Services' program.
The partnership enables Amazon customers who search for topics such as "family therapy," "sleep health" or "stress relief" to verify their employer or health plan benefits to determine if they have access to Talkspace services.
The teletherapy company also entered into a strategic partnership last year with Wisdo Health, a social health and peer-support platform centered on combating loneliness.
The collaboration aimed to increase access to mental health resources for people 65 and older, boost member engagement and address the escalating mental health crisis among older adults.
Talkspace also partnered with the Professional Tennis Players Association as the player advocates organization's exclusive mental health technology partner to give players, their families and support teams free, 24/7 access to Talkspace's self-guided therapy app, Talkspace Go, and its virtual therapy offering at a discount.
