Parenting Platform Partners with Teletherapy Provider, Raising Questions of Editorial Independence

By Patrick Walker

NEW YORK – SheKnows, a leading digital platform for women and parents, recently launched “High-Yield Parenting,” a content series focused on proactive mental healthcare for teenagers. While the series promises valuable insights for parents navigating the complex landscape of adolescent mental health, it’s backed by a significant sponsor: online therapy provider BetterHelp. This partnership raises questions about editorial independence, transparency, and the potential for conflicts of interest, particularly given BetterHelp’s recent history with data privacy and regulatory scrutiny.

According to a press release, the series aims to “empower parents to invest in their teens’ mental wellness,” offering guidance on identifying early warning signs of mental health challenges and fostering open communication. However, experts and media critics are questioning the implications of accepting financial support from a company whose core business directly benefits from the very issues the series aims to address.

A Growing Trend, Increased Scrutiny

The partnership between SheKnows and BetterHelp is part of a broader trend of media companies collaborating with telehealth providers. With the demand for mental health services soaring – especially among adolescents – and access to traditional care often limited, these partnerships offer a seemingly mutually beneficial solution. But the line between providing valuable resources and promoting a specific service is becoming increasingly blurred.

“We’re seeing more and more of these content-telehealth collaborations,” says a media ethics professor at Columbia University, speaking anonymously. “It’s not necessarily wrong, but it requires a very high degree of transparency and rigorous editorial oversight. The audience needs to clearly understand the financial relationship and be able to discern between information and advertising.”

BetterHelp’s Troubled Past

The partnership also comes at a sensitive time for BetterHelp. In 2023, the company reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) following allegations that it improperly shared user data with advertisers and misrepresented its privacy practices. The FTC also stipulated that BetterHelp would be prohibited from selling or sharing users’ personal information for advertising purposes and would be required to implement comprehensive data security measures.

“The FTC settlement should raise a red flag for any media company partnering with BetterHelp,” says a consumer advocate who requested anonymity. “Consumers need to know that their data is protected, and that the content they’re consuming isn’t driven by profit motives.”

Research Highlights Growing Adolescent Mental Health Crisis

The timing of the series is particularly poignant given the escalating mental health crisis among adolescents. Recent studies reveal a significant increase in rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among teenagers. According to data from the CDC, in 2021, 42% of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness – a substantial increase compared to previous years.

“There’s a tremendous need for accessible and affordable mental health resources for teens and their families,” says a child psychologist specializing in adolescent mental health. “Teletherapy can be a valuable tool, but it’s crucial that parents receive unbiased information and guidance to make informed decisions.”

Transparency Concerns and Editorial Independence

While the press release announcing the series acknowledges BetterHelp’s sponsorship, some critics argue that this disclosure is insufficient. Concerns center around whether the editorial content is genuinely independent or influenced by the financial partnership.

“Simply stating that the series is ‘supported by’ BetterHelp isn’t enough,” says the media ethics professor. “The audience needs to understand the specific nature of the financial arrangement and how it might impact the content. Are there any restrictions on what SheKnows can report? Are certain topics off-limits?”

SheKnows maintains that its editorial team retains full control over the content, and that the series is designed to provide valuable information to parents, regardless of the sponsorship. However, experts emphasize the inherent challenges of maintaining objectivity when financial interests are involved.

“It’s difficult to completely separate editorial and commercial considerations,” says the consumer advocate. “Even if the editorial team is well-intentioned, there’s always a risk that the sponsorship will subtly influence the content or the way it’s presented.”

The Rise of Sponsored Content and Its Implications

The SheKnows-BetterHelp partnership is emblematic of a broader trend of sponsored content and native advertising. While these models can provide valuable revenue streams for media companies, they also raise concerns about transparency and authenticity.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly savvy about sponsored content,” says a marketing expert specializing in digital advertising. “They expect brands to be upfront about their financial relationships and to provide genuine value. If they feel like they’re being misled, they’ll quickly lose trust.”

Moving Forward: Balancing Revenue and Responsibility

As media companies continue to explore new revenue models, it’s crucial to strike a balance between financial sustainability and journalistic integrity. Transparency, independence, and a commitment to serving the public interest must remain paramount.

“The audience deserves to know who’s paying for the content they’re consuming,” says the media ethics professor. “Media companies have a responsibility to be upfront about their financial relationships and to ensure that their editorial content is independent and unbiased.”

For SheKnows, the success of the “High-Yield Parenting” series will depend not only on the quality of the content but also on its ability to demonstrate a commitment to transparency and editorial independence. In an era of growing skepticism and distrust, building trust with the audience is more important than ever.