In This Article:
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Therapists can now produce audio episodes based on clients’ unique needs to support them between sessions
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90% of clients in the initial rollout say podcast is helpful
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Talkcast is secure, maintains clinician-client confidentiality, and adheres to HIPAA regulations and Talkspace’s responsible AI principles
NEW YORK, March 31, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK), a leading online behavioral healthcare company, announced the launch of Talkcast, a new AI-powered feature that allows therapists to generate personalized podcast episodes for their clients. Talkcast, available to 18+ members, extends the benefits of therapy by reinforcing key insights from their therapy sessions.
"Talkcast is an exciting new tool for our providers to encourage and better engage their clients, all with the vital goal of improving clinical outcomes," said Nikole Benders-Hadi, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Talkspace. "Just as therapists might traditionally recommend a worksheet or reading assignment between sessions, they can now offer clients an immersive, personalized way to support their mental health and practice the techniques they learn in therapy. In a limited rollout, providers indicated they like how Talkcast references the concepts they’ve introduced and addresses their clients’ specific concerns."
Talkcast episodes are therapist-curated, 3-5 minute-long audio experiences available within the secure Talkspace app. Episodes stay confidential between a member and their therapist. Therapists identify topics and themes covered in their clients’ session and can click on the feature to produce an episode featuring AI-voice-generated "podcast hosts" that include affirmations, guidance, and strategies to reinforce their clients’ therapeutic progress.
Research shows that therapeutic exercises lead to better outcomes, helping clients apply their therapy learnings to everyday life and encouraging them to practice the skills they acquire during treatment. Clients are also more likely to engage in therapy when their therapists design, plan, and review between-session exercises in accordance with their goals and takeaways from their sessions.
Commitment to Privacy and Responsible AI
"In keeping with Talkspace’s dedication to Responsible AI, our AI tools are designed to enhance — not replace — the therapist-client relationship by providing personalized support throughout the course of care," said Michael Rodio, General Manager of AI at Talkspace.
Talkcast was developed in close collaboration with Talkspace’s Chief Medical Officer, compliance team, and licensed providers, with oversight from Talkspace’s AI Governance Committee. The feature, which lives within the Talkspace platform, adheres to HIPAA regulations and Talkspace’s responsible AI principles, with built-in safeguards to protect client confidentiality.