Seattle Now

Young people aren't using the city's free therapy

October 6, 2026·15 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Two years ago, the city of Seattle signed a $2 million contract with Talk Space to provide free virtual therapy to young people. The city projected that as many as 4,400 young people would use it. But a few years into the contract, it’s only reached a fraction of that. Seattle Times reporter Jayati Ramakrishnan and Rebecca Plevin with Proof News teamed up to tell this story. Vote for Seattle Now to win a Signal Listener's Choice Award! We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.  Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online or on the KUOW App.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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