At the end of December 2019, the government in Wuhan, China, confirmed the detection of a new disease and treatment of a handful of cases. On January 11th, China reported its first death from the novel respiratory illness — dubbed COVID-19, short for coronavirus disease 2019 — and as of this writing there have been 180,000 confirmed cases of the disease and over 7,000 deaths.

We’re seeing disruptions to travel; sporting events, concerts, and conventions canceled; an unstable stock market; schools and workplaces closed or conducting business virtually; the shuttering of bars and restaurants; and the implementation of curfews, quarantines. It’s a reminder that we live in a complex and interconnected world and that we each have a duty — to both the more vulnerable to ourselves — to take this outbreak seriously and engage necessary health precautions to limit its spread.

Because the virus is new, and we don’t know what the future holds, this ambiguity can drive panicked, irrational responses and poor decision making — for now, the most important thing we can do is stay calm and follow the directives of public health professionals.

But, despite the fact that for most us the risk remains relatively low, it’s normal in these times of collective uncertainty to experience stress, anxiety, and fear.

That’s why Talkspace is increasing access to licensed therapists and providing free resources for both existing users and those who haven’t yet tried the service.

Free Resources from Talkspace

COVID-19 Instagram Channel

Talkspace has created an Instagram channel specifically for concerns related to the coronavirus outbreak. Each day, you’ll be able to ask questions related to coronavirus and relevant topics (anxiety, loneliness, fear, working from home) using the “Questions” feature on Talkspace’s Instagram Stories, where one of our specially trained and licensed therapists will respond. We will make available on Instagram all past Q&As via Talkspace’s COVID-19 Highlight.

Coronavirus Resource Hub

On the Talkspace Voice we’re creating a compendium of content and resources that address your COVID-19 concerns, specifically from a mental health perspective. On the blog you’ll find an assortment of stories featuring clinically-backed content that addresses key and emerging areas of concern about the virus. You’ll find pieces from our therapists and experts addressing themes of loneliness; isolation; anxiety and fear around family and work; and the long-term implications of the outbreak.

Check back regularly for updates, but below you’ll find our preliminary resources from our licensed therapists and experts:

• The Chaos of Coronavirus: How to Protect Your Mental Health
• 6 Mental Health Tips for Parents During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• COVID-19 & Anxiety: Impact on Mental Health
• Confronting Feelings of Powerlessness During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• 7 Tips to Manage Working from Home During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• 7 Tips for Working From Home With Your Kids During the COVID-19 Outbreak
• How to Protect Your Mental Health During ‘Social Distancing’
• How Coronavirus is Being Stigmatized and How to Fight It
• Dealing with Disappointment During the Coronavirus Outbreak
• How College Students Can Prioritize Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak
• 5 Tips for Maintaining Community During the Coronavirus Crisis
• Talkspace’s Mental Health Resources for COVID-19 Related Concerns
• Dealing with Coronavirus-Related Financial Anxiety
• Talkspace is Donating Free Therapy to Medical Workers Fighting COVID-19
• Remaining Emotionally Connected While Practicing Social Distancing
• The COVID-19 Pandemic and The Dire Need for a Mental Health Safety Net
• 6 Tips to Keep from Destroying Your Relationship During Quarantine
• Preventing Household Conflict When You’re Stuck at Home Together

Free therapy for impacted health care workers

Updated May 5th: all donated therapy hours have been redeemed by frontline health care workers, but Talkspace is now offering a 50% discount on the first month of our Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus plan.

Because of the devastating mental health toll exacted by the spread of this virus, Talkspace provided over 2,000 free months of therapy for impacted doctors, nurses, and social workers. To access the much-needed benefit during this emergency, health care workers should register after downloading the app from the Google Play or Apple’s App Store or via the Talkspace website and provide their NPI and state of residence for verification. Once certified for eligibility, these health care workers will be provided discounted access to Talkspace’s Unlimited Messaging Plus plan.

Talkspace’s Mental Health Resources for COVID-19 Related Concerns

100% therapy donation match

Talkspace provided a 100% donation match of free therapy until April 4th offered by its network of thousands of providers, who will donate their time and expertise to offer additional supplemental psychotherapy for medical and health care workers. Talkspace is also calling on generous corporations and organizations — like those who have already contributed — to continue donating additional therapy months.

Talkspace Therapy for Coronavirus Concerns

Services for Consumers

Therapy program for COVID-19 stress and anxiety

In light of the recent pandemic, clients are seeking support from their therapists as they manage their associated anxiety symptoms. Talkspace has created a 16-day therapist-led program designed to provide support specifically for clients looking for help during the outbreak. The therapeutic regimen will include topics and worksheets to help Talkspace users:

• Reduce the physical sensations of stress and anxiety
• Learn new skills for managing stress at home for them and their loved ones
• Problem solve new and unexpected issues that arise due to COVID-19
• Improve their overall happiness and quality of life

During this emergency, when panic and uncertainty seem to increase each day and with each newscycle, Talkspace is providing coronavirus anxiety program free to all users — to calm nerves and improve mental health outcomes — all a part of our mission to broaden access to care and provide safe and effective therapy, anytime, anywhere.

Therapy from at home from your smart speaker

Talkspace therapy is now also available for all to use on Amazon Alexa. You can learn about psychotherapy and use our assortment of self-help exercises. Plus, if you’re a member, you can connect with your licensed therapist via Alexa from the safety and security of your home.

Tele-psychiatry for at-home access

In addition to therapy, Talkspace offers telehealth psychiatry services. If you need prescriptions and cannot make it to your doctor or psychiatrist’s office, please consider Talkspace as a resource.

Discounts for new users

For new Talkspace subscribers looking to work directly with a licensed therapist due to turbulence created by the coronavirus, we’re offering special pricing during the emergency. Our goal is to further broaden access to care during this emergency by allowing more individuals to experience the benefits of psychotherapy.

Services for Employers

For employers who are interested in providing more services during this time, we now offer discounted access vouchers, at any quantity. Vouchers can be secured immediately and will provide employees the opportunity to engage with a therapist for 3 months. Interested companies can reach out to [email protected] to learn more.

While in many ways our routines are being disrupted and the world feels tumultuous, remember that your feelings — whatever they may be — are valid and that it’s normal to feel unsettled in uncertain periods such as these. Unreasonable or excessive worry, however, will only cause undue strain and could actually tax your immune response. If you need to speak to a licensed therapist who can help calm your fears and assist you in making rational, healthy decisions for you and your family, try Talkspace.