‘Talk About It’ mobile app launched to support mental health

With mental health concerns on the rise in Jamaica, Talk About It Limited (TAIL) has introduced a first-of-its-kind digital platform to provide professional, confidential, and easily accessible counselling services.

The initiative aims to break the barriers of stigma, accessibility, and cost by offering individuals a seamless way to connect with licensed professionals via video calls, voice calls, and text messaging.

Mental health disorders remain a significant challenge both globally and locally.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four people worldwide will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

In Jamaica, approximately three per cent of the population suffers from depressive disorders, while 4.1 per cent struggles with anxiety, with women at a higher risk for both conditions.

The financial burden is equally concerning, with mental illness projected to cost Jamaica US$2.76 billion in lost economic productivity between 2015 and 2030, ranking it as the second most financially draining non-communicable disease after cardiovascular disease.

The demand for mental health support has surged over the years, with visits to public health institutions increasing from 90,000 in 2013 to over 132,000 in 2016, according to the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

In response, Talk About It Limited has developed a revolutionary solution designed to make mental health support more accessible than ever. Through the mobile app, users can select from nine talk options, including Premarital Talk, Marriage Talk, Individual Talk, Teen Talk, Grief Talk, Nutrition Talk, Financial Talk and Company Talk, ensuring that individuals, couples, and businesses have a safe and professional space to address their challenges.

The platform operates on six core principles: convenience, confidentiality, cost-effectiveness, certified counsellors and pastors, Christian values, and community service. With just a few simple steps—downloading the app, selecting a talk option, completing a brief profile, scheduling an appointment, choosing a communication mode, and making a payment—clients can access support from licensed psychologists, guidance counsellors, financial advisors, nutritionists, and ordained pastors.

Founded by Dr Courtney Faulknor, a 26-year law enforcement chaplain and psychologist, Talk About It Limited integrates faith-based counselling with modern psychology and technology to meet the growing mental health needs in Jamaica.

The initiative is not only a business venture but a commitment to national well-being, also offering free emotional support and prayer sessions for individuals whose partners have been diagnosed with breast and prostate cancer, an often-overlooked group that experiences immense emotional strain.

Faulknor said: “For too long, too many Jamaicans have suffered in silence, either due to stigma, lack of access, or the fear of being judged. Talk About It Limited is here to change that. We are creating a safe, confidential, and professional space where people can openly seek help without barriers. By integrating faith-based counselling with modern psychology and technology, we are ensuring that no one must struggle alone.”

The official launch of Talk About It Limited was held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.

The event brought together mental health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss the future of mental health care in Jamaica and the role of digital solutions in providing essential support.