Photo: Bloom App
PEABODY, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Residents in Peabody now have free access to mental health support thanks to a partnership with the Bloom App.
Mayor Ted Benttencourt introduced the initiative to make resources like therapy and mental health support available after the suicide of 14-year-old Jason Bernard this year.
"You know, mental health challenges, the bullying, suicide prevention, all those things can happen in a moment's notice, and to provide quicker access is critically important," Benttoncourt said.
The city has covered $25,000 for the first year of services provided by the app. Bloom Co-Founder and CEO Joanne Mercaldi says providing timely, equitable access is critical when it comes to prevention.
"Access immediate appointments with our in-network psychiatry team that treats everything from children, families, adult seniors, and even school mental health counseling, as well as our professional therapy team, and same-day and next-day appointments are available," Mercaldi stated. "So it bridges the gap in the lack of mental health accessibility."
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Through the app, residents can access a month of free psychiatric care, online therapy, and expert-led resources.
"We as a city felt this was an initiative that we wanted to take to offer this. It spoke to me, it spoke to our health department, our health director, and so many in the community; we felt this was something we wanted to try and offer this service," Benttoncourt remarked.
The app is available to all Peadbody residents and their family members outside of the city.
WBZ NewsRadio's Shari Small (@ShariSmallNews) reports.