VENTURA COUNTY, CA – In a significant step toward improving mental health access for U.S. Navy personnel and their families, Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) has been selected to participate in a pilot program providing free virtual mental health services through Talkspace.
This initiative, in partnership with Talkspace, a leading behavioral healthcare company, allows Sailors, their spouses/partners, and dependents aged 13 and up to access therapy and mental health care from licensed professionals at no cost.
Improving Mental Health Access for Sailors and Families
Talkspace offers support for a variety of mental health concerns, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use issues
- Relationship and family challenges
- Grief and stress management
NBVC is one of only six U.S. Navy installations selected for this pilot program, which aims to expand mental health access for service members in unique and widespread operational environments.
“Talkspace is a great opportunity for our Sailors to access mental health care, and we’re excited about this pilot program,” said Cmdr. Marvin Mitchell, Director of Psychological Health at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Camp Pendleton.
How the Program Works
Effective immediately, eligible participants at NBVC’s three operating locations—Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island—can:
- Match with a licensed mental health provider
- Receive therapy through unlimited, asynchronous messaging
- Schedule live video sessions with their provider
- Access Talkspace Go, a 24/7 self-guided mental health program with on-demand therapist-led content
The program is designed to reduce stigma around seeking mental health care, ensuring that service members can access support discreetly and conveniently from anywhere.
“We want to provide an easy mental health solution for service members who might otherwise have difficulties accessing care options,” Mitchell explained. “All care takes place on a secure and encrypted platform, compliant with federal HIPAA regulations.”
Prioritizing Mental Health for Mission Readiness
The U.S. Navy has recognized that mental fitness is essential to mission readiness, alongside spiritual, social, and physical health. Maintaining resilience in all these areas enables Sailors to recover more effectively from adverse events in their lives and military careers.
Dr. Jon Cohen, CEO of Talkspace, praised the Navy’s leadership for prioritizing mental well-being:
“Serving those who selflessly serve is a profound privilege. We applaud the U.S. Navy for making mental health care accessible and convenient for service members and their families.”
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