The BHSMS Pupil Personnel Service team is committed to the academic and emotional well-being of all students. Our team consists of two guidance counselors, a social worker, and an attendance teacher.

A private space where you can open up about your experiences and emotions, and get non-judgmental support from a licensed therapist who specializes in teens. Teens are typically covered by insurance or free local programs.

NYC Teenspace

NYC Teenspace is a free mental health support program available to any teenager age 13 to 17 living in New York City. Whether you struggle with mental health challenges or just want somebody to talk to about your everyday ups and downs, you can sign up for Teenspace to be connected to a licensed therapist for ongoing support. You will also get access to online mental health exercises to complete at your own pace.

Teenspace is offered by the NYC Health Department and powered by Talkspace.

Sign Up Instructions for Teens

Follow these steps to register:

1. Visit Talkspace and enter your address and birthday.
2. Enter your parent or guardian’s information and email address so they can provide consent.
3. Complete a simple online assessment to share your mental health needs and preferences.

You will then get matched with a licensed therapist for ongoing virtual support, access to online mental health exercises or both.

Types of Care Provided

Once signed up, a teen will be matched with a therapist within days. All Talkspace therapists participating in this program are licensed in New York and have experience working with teens. They can address a vast range of mental health conditions and concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, grief and trauma.

Teens do not need to be experiencing mental health symptoms to participate. You can sign on with a Talkspace therapist to discuss thoughts and feelings about your day-to-day life.

Therapy will take place primarily through messaging on the secure Talkspace platform. You can message your therapist as much as you like and the therapist will reply five days per week. As part of the Teenspace program you can also schedule one 30-minute live virtual session, by via video or audio, each month.

Teens will also have access to interactive exercises and short lessons designed specifically to support teen mental health.

Eligibility

The NYC Teenspace program is free to anyone ages 13 to 17 living in New York City, regardless of school, income level or insurance status. If a teen turns 18 while enrolled in the program, they can continue with their therapist until June 30 of the following year. Then, if they choose to continue, they can pay with insurance or out-of-pocket.