BetterHelp Pledges 100,000+ Therapy Hours to Combat Maternal Burnout

SAN JOSE, Calif. – May 07, 2026 – As Mother’s Day approaches, BetterHelp, the world's largest online therapy platform, has announced a sweeping initiative aimed at the often-invisible mental health struggles of mothers. The company is launching its “Motherhood With You” campaign, committing over 100,000 hours of free therapy through a series of high-profile partnerships and a new YouTube series designed to foster open conversations about the emotional realities of motherhood.

This move comes as a direct response to a growing public health concern. “At BetterHelp, we believe no mother should have to do this alone—and as a working mom of two, I know firsthand how real that need is,” said Sara Brooks, Chief Growth Officer at BetterHelp, in a statement. The campaign seeks to build a “modern village” of support through content, community, and direct access to care.

The Silent Epidemic of Maternal Mental Health

The scale of the challenge BetterHelp aims to address is staggering. Maternal mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting approximately one in five mothers. Yet, despite this prevalence, an estimated 75% of those affected go untreated, battling conditions like depression and anxiety in silence. This treatment gap stems from a complex web of barriers, including social stigma, financial constraints, and logistical hurdles like finding childcare.

The burden is compounded by what sociologists call the “mental load”—the unseen, constant labor of managing a household and caring for a family. Research cited by the company from the Gender Equity Policy Institute shows mothers spend more than 100 hours each month on caregiving and household tasks, leaving little time or energy for their own well-being. The economic cost of this untreated crisis is estimated at $14.2 billion annually in the U.S. alone, a figure that accounts for lost income and increased use of public services.

Disparities further deepen the crisis. Women of color and those with low incomes are disproportionately affected. Studies show that Black and Latina mothers experience perinatal emotional complications at nearly double the rate of white mothers, yet nearly 60% receive no treatment or support. These inequities are fueled by systemic issues, including lack of access to culturally competent care and the chronic stress associated with economic inequality.

Turning Assists and Alliances into Access

At the heart of BetterHelp’s month-long initiative is a multi-pronged strategy to convert awareness into tangible support. One of the most visible components is a creative partnership with three professional women’s basketball teams: the Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, and New York Liberty. Throughout May, the company will donate 10 hours of therapy for every on-court assist made by the teams, aiming to generate 5,000 hours of care. The collaboration reframes athletic teamwork as a direct contribution to the well-being of mothers nationwide.

Beyond the basketball court, BetterHelp is leveraging the reach of trusted community organizations to distribute a significant portion of the therapy hours. The company will donate up to 125,000 hours through partners like March of Dimes, a leading nonprofit focused on the health of mothers and babies, and Baby2Baby, which provides essential supplies to children and families in need. These organizations have deep roots in communities and are well-positioned to connect the donated services with the mothers who need them most, including those in under-resourced areas.

The campaign also includes a content strategy designed to destigmatize the conversation around maternal mental health. BetterHelp is launching a three-part YouTube series, Motherhood With You, hosted by therapist and perinatal mental health specialist Sonni Williams. The series will feature unscripted conversations between mothers at different life stages—from expecting moms to empty nesters—to explore the unique emotional challenges of each phase. “Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual, but it was never meant to be done alone,” Williams stated. The series aims to help mothers feel “seen, supported, and more confident reaching out for care.”

To amplify the message, the company has also partnered with influential voices in sports and entertainment, including actress Becca Tobin of the LadyGang podcast and soccer legends Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy of Welcome to the Party, who will facilitate honest discussions about motherhood with their audiences.

A Digital Lifeline in a Complex Landscape

This initiative highlights the evolving role of digital platforms in addressing long-standing gaps in healthcare. For many mothers, traditional therapy is out of reach due to time constraints, the cost of care, or the inability to find childcare. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer a potential solution by providing flexible, accessible, and often more affordable care from home.

However, the campaign also places a spotlight on BetterHelp's complex position within the digital health industry. The company has a documented history of large-scale social impact programs, including partnerships with celebrities like Ariana Grande and Lewis Capaldi that resulted in millions of dollars in donated therapy, as well as providing free support in the wake of natural disasters and global crises. These efforts align with its stated mission to expand mental health access.

At the same time, the company has faced scrutiny over its business practices. In 2023, BetterHelp reached a $7.8 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations that it shared sensitive user health data with third-party platforms like Facebook for advertising purposes, contrary to its privacy promises. While the company did not admit wrongdoing and stated it has since enhanced its privacy policies, the settlement raised important questions about data security in the burgeoning teletherapy market. This new, highly public giveback campaign operates in the shadow of that history, presenting an opportunity for the company to reinforce its commitment to user trust and social good. As corporations increasingly step in to fill public health voids, initiatives like “Motherhood With You” demonstrate both the immense potential of private-sector resources and the critical importance of transparency and accountability in delivering care.