Binc Launches Mental Health Wellness Program

The Book Industry Charitable Foundation is now offering two months of free therapy to booksellers and comic retailers through its Mental Health Wellness Program, which began as a limited pilot program earlier this year. 

Through the program, booksellers and comic retailers can receive two months of free therapy (up to four live sessions per month as well as unlimited texting) through a partnership with the online mental health platform BetterHelp. BetterHelp offers individual, couples and teen therapy services, and the therapists on BetterHelp are licensed, accredited and have a Master's or Doctorate degree in their field.

Since the start of the pilot program, reported Binc executive director Pam French, 300 members of the book and comics communities have received access to therapy without any charge or obligation.

Binc launched the pilot program based on the results of its biannual survey, which found that 54% of participants felt that mental health therapy assistance would have the greatest value to the bookselling and comics communities. The American Psychological Association has found that demand for anxiety, depression and stress-related treatment is at a three-year high, with 60% of psychologists at capacity and unable to accept new patients.

Those in need can fill out a short application on Binc's website. Binc will not know who is receiving therapy and will not have access to any associated data.

Powered by: Xtenit