Business
The New Normalization: Talkspace Findings Show More People Are Openly Embracing Therapy, View It as a Necessity in Post-Pandemic Life
‘New Normalization’ Survey Shows Discussion of Mental Health Care Has Shifted From Secrecy and Stigma to Everyday Conversation 8 in 10 Respondents Reported
About this update from Talkspace, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n‘New Normalization’ Survey Shows Discussion of Mental Health Care Has Shifted From Secrecy and Stigma to Everyday Conversation\n\n\n8 in 10 Respondents Reported That More People Are Open to Going to Therapy Than They Were 3 Years Ago\n\n\n NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nTalkspace (NASDAQ: TALK), the leading provider of virtual behavioral health services, released insights from “The New Normalization,” a new survey of their community, that found more people than ever are open to seeking help for mental health issues, and talking about it without fear of stigma. In fact, 8 in 10 respondents reported that more people are open to going to therapy than they were 3 years ago. More than 90% of respondents currently in therapy say they’ve shared that information with friends or family.\n\n\nAs collective attention on mental health emerges as the post-pandemic “new normal,” stigma around mental health care is waning dramatically: 65% of respondents said they’re more likely to discuss mental health with their friends than pre-pandemic. Mental health was also ranked among topics people were most comfortable talking about with friends (66% of respondents), only behind their jobs (82%), and ahead of other issues like physical health (65%), family dynamics (57%), weight or physical appearance (46%), and finances (27%).\n\n\nAdditionally, people believe mental health deserves the same attention and upkeep as physical health. Expectations of insurers and employers have shifted, as more people want their employers and insurers to support mental health care. 98% of respondents believe mental health treatment should be covered by their insurance, “regardless of a diagnosable condition,” and in the same way that preventive care is covered for physical health. 86% of respondents also said that getting therapy covered through their employer would make them more likely to stay at their job.\n\n\n“These findings represent a seismic shift in public opinion, and one we have been working with major health plans and employers for the last few years to lay the groundwork for: that mental health care is a necessity and needs to be treated at the level of importance we have historically treated physical health,” said Jon Cohen, CEO of Talkspace. “That people are finally doing that – and embracing therapy in the open – is a rare bright spot in an otherwise dir...