HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i Athletics Department has partnered with online counseling service, Talkspace, to provide mental health resources to all Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine student-athletes.
 
Talkspace is a secure and confidential online mental health care service that provides student-athletes on-demand access to thousands of licensed clinicians. After signing up for the service and being matched with a designated and licensed counselor, UH student-athletes can send text, voice and video messages at any time and from any place that is convenient to them without the hassles of scheduling in-person appointments.
 
"The well-being of our student-athletes has and will always be our top priority," Athletics Director David Matlin said. "During this pandemic, their mental health has never been more important. Talkspace is a trusted resource that provides a valuable service to our student-athletes with around-the-clock access that fits their busy schedules."
 
The on-demand service provided by Talkspace, along with a recent gift from the H.T. Hayashi Foundation to provide in person mental health support, highlights the commitment of both the athletics department and its community to the overall wellness and well-being of Rainbow Warrior and Rainbow Wahine student-athletes.

UH Athletics initiated the Talkspace partnership through their relationship with athletic insurance specialists, Dissinger Reed.  
 
"We are excited and proud to implement the Talkspace partnership with the University of Hawai'i," said Dissinger Reed CEO, Christian Reed. "As the mental health challenges continue within all athletic departments across the country, we feel our program will enhance and provide valuable benefits for all of the Warrior student-athletes."

Founded with the mission to eliminate stigma associated with mental health and make therapy available to all, Talkspace has been used by over two million people. All therapists at Talkspace are experienced, fully-licensed and insured, and can help student-athletes with common collegiate mental health concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, relationships and more.