Bark and Talkspace Partner to Expand Youth Mental Health Access

Black-and-white image of a Bark phone placed on top of its packaging, displaying child-safe apps and parental control tools. The box features the Bark logo, highlighting the phone’s focus on digital safety and monitoring for kids.

As Florida moves forward with significant new investments in mental health services, including funding authorized in the 2025 legislative session, private sector innovators are stepping in to complement state efforts.

Bark Technologies, a leader in digital safety tools for families, has partnered with virtual therapy provider Talkspace to offer free mental health resources to users of the Bark Phone and Bark App. Through this collaboration, teens gain access to Talkspace Go, a library of self-guided videos and exercises designed by licensed therapists. Some users may also qualify for covered live therapy sessions, depending on their insurance and state requirements.

This partnership builds on Bark’s mission to protect children online by integrating emotional support tools with its existing product line, which includes content monitoring, location tracking, screen time controls, and customizable kid-focused devices.

Bark CEO Brian Bason emphasized the importance of equipping families with trusted mental health tools, especially as today’s teens navigate a complex digital world.

The initiative aligns with broader national and state-level efforts to expand access to behavioral health services for youth. Florida’s recently passed budgets include expanded funding for school-based mental health, youth services, and digital safety education — part of a growing recognition that early, accessible intervention can reduce long-term health and societal costs.