10 Celebrities Taking a Stand for Mental Health

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9 Celebrities Taking a Stand Against Mental Health Stigma

Jamie Imperial Jun 28, 2021

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It’s common for people to hide their mental health struggles. Feeling shame around seeking help can probably be blamed on generations of stigma around mental health.

But celebrities and athletes who share their own stories about mental health help to reduce that stigma. Take tennis legend Naomi Osaka, who recently made headlines for pulling out of the French Open for mental health reasons. When she didn’t attend a press conference after her first match, she was fined $15,000. Still, she decided to do what was right for her.

Osaka was open about her struggles with depression and anxiety after relentless scrutiny and criticism from the media. The bold move added fuel to the conversation surrounding mental health, and fellow athletes have applauded Osaka for her openness.

Osaka set an amazing example by prioritizing her mental health, and stories like hers help reduce the stigma surrounding it. Here are 9 other celebrities and athletes who have also been open about their experiences.

Serena Williams; tennis player

Fellow tennis legend Serena Williams reached out in support of Osaka’s decision, and has been vocal about her own mental health struggles during her decades-long career. In her autobiography, Williams describes how depression kept her sidelined for half of 2006. In 2019, she opened up about seeing a therapist after her outburst at the US Open overshadowed Osaka’s win.

She’s also been candid about her experience with postpartum depression after she had her child in 2017. In a 2018 Vogue cover interview, Williams said:

“No one talks about the low moments—the pressure you feel, the incredible letdown every time you hear the baby cry. I’ve broken down, I don’t know how many times. Or I’ll get angry about the crying, then sad about being angry, and then guilty, like, Why do I feel so sad when I have a beautiful baby? The emotions are insane.”

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson; actor

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is known for playing invincible heroes, so it’s hard to imagine him as someone who can be as vulnerable as the rest of us. In 2018, he opened up about his experiences with depression, which began after he witnessed his mother attempt to commit suicide by walking into oncoming traffic. Thankfully, both he and his mother overcame these experiences, and Johnson remains a huge advocate for mental health treatment:

“I reached a point where I didn't want to do a thing or go anywhere. I was crying constantly. [My mother and I] both healed but we've always got to do our best to pay attention when other people are in pain. We have to help them through it and remind them they are not alone.”

Kristen Bell; actor

Kristen Bell has used her platform to become a passionate mental health advocate. The Frozen star (and voice of Gossip Girl) has been living with depression and anxiety since she was 18. Earlier this year, she opened up about how the pandemic affected her mental health, and said she found herself in a “mental zone that wasn’t healthy for my family to be around.”

In a video for Child Mind Institute from 2018, Bell shared some wise words on mental health:

“Don't be fooled by this game of perfection that humans play. Because Instagram and magazines and TV shows, they strive for a certain aesthetic, and everything looks so beautiful, and people seem like they don't have any problems, but everyone's human. Everyone has problems. Everyone feels yucky on the inside sometimes.”

Jonathan Van Ness; actor, writer, and hairstylist

Jonathan Van Ness is part of the ‘Fab Five’ that makes up the cast of Queer Eye, a show about transforming the lives of struggling people. On the show, Van Ness is famously charismatic and bubbly, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t experienced his own fair share of mental health struggles.

As a passionate mental health advocate, Van Ness has opened up about his experiences with addiction, depression, and compounded trauma, as well as navigating being HIV-positive. In his memoir Over the Top, Van Ness describes the messy process of healing:

“It wasn’t until I had lost everything I thought I wanted that I realized being an adult wasn’t about being ‘normal,’ or having a life that seems enviable to people from the outside. Being a fulfilled and successful adult has required accepting that I do have an inner child who was hurt and traumatized. It’s my job as an adult to nurture him, alongside all the other parts of me that make me who I am.”

Karamo Brown; actor, writer, and licensed psychotherapist

Also of Queer Eye fame, Karamo Brown sits down with each Queer Eye contestant and gives them an outlet for processing their emotions, many of them for the first time. As a licensed psychotherapist and social worker, he’s an outspoken advocate for mental health, and has the tools to discuss the issues surrounding the community.

In Stop the Stigma, a CBS This Morning special, Brown opened up about his struggles with accepting his sexuality, particularly as a Black man, and assuming that mental health was a “rich white person” problem. In the special, Brown said:

“So for me, I wake up in the morning and I say, 'Today, I plan on being happy.' If there's things happening where I don't see myself being happy, I try to find support from other people or I try to figure out what I can do within myself, what education I can get. And I think that's important because when we talk about our emotions, we think of them as this ambiguous thing that's happening. Or I want a good year, as if like every day doesn't happen that changes that.”

Taraji P. Henson; actor

Taraji P. Henson is a Golden Globe award winner for her role as Cookie Lyons in Empire and a SAG Award winner for her role in Hidden Figures. After she struggled to find a Black therapist to help herself and her family, Henson decided to do something about it and launched the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to bridge the gap. The foundation is named after her father, a Vietnam war veteran who struggled with his mental health throughout his lifetime.

The foundation aims to bring much-needed mental health support to urban schools, reduce the recidivism rate in prisons, and increase the number of Black therapists in the field. In her Facebook Live show, Henson has said:

“When we initially launched the Boris Henson Foundation, our goal was to make the conversation around mental health normal. And if we do that, we can start to pick away at the stigma. We can talk about every illness that we have, colon cancer, or getting myectomies, but when it comes to our mental health, it’s taboo. [As] a mother, I can’t stand by and normalize that.”

Dan Levy; actor, writer, and director

Dan Levy is one of the creative geniuses behind Schitt’s Creek, which swept the Emmy Awards in 2019. In Schitt’s Creek, Levy plays David, a neurotic, pansexual man who is known for his particular taste. Part of the character’s personality includes his anxiety, which is sensitively played by Levy.

In real life, Levy has lived with debilitating anxiety since childhood. His anxiety physically manifested as ‘iritis’, an eye inflammation that doctors feared would eventually take his vision. While filming Schitt’s Creek, Levy’s anxiety got so paralyzing that his neck would physically seize up. On living with anxiety, Levy has said:

“I think that came from a deep-rooted fear of knowing that I was gay and not being able to be free. By the time I got to high school, when your brain is starting to catch up to your physical impulses, it led to a very confusing time. Because on the one hand, you are now being introduced to things like self-awareness and anxiety. At the same time, you're becoming more and more savvy when it comes to hiding it.”

Kevin Love; basketball player

Kevin Love is a five-time All-Star award winner and NBA champion playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. In 2018, Love opened up about a panic attack he experienced during halftime against the Atlanta Hawks. At the time, Love couldn’t identify what was wrong, but felt as if he was going to die. He learned later that anxiety had been deeply affecting him for nearly his entire life.

After seeing a therapist and getting treatment, Love became a passionate advocate for mental health:

“Mental health isn’t just an athlete thing. What you do for a living doesn’t have to define who you are. This is an everyone thing. No matter what our circumstances, we’re all carrying around things that hurt — and they can hurt us if we keep them buried inside. Not talking about our inner lives robs us of really getting to know ourselves and robs us of the chance to reach out to others in need.

So if you’re reading this and you’re having a hard time, no matter how big or small it seems to you, I want to remind you that you’re not weird or different for sharing what you’re going through.”

These celebrities and athletes are only a tiny fraction of the millions of people who are living with a mental health condition. If you’re struggling with your mental health, you are far from alone. The mental health community is becoming stronger every day, and Cerebral wants to welcome you into it.

As the stigma around mental health keeps improving, Cerebral aims to make mental health care accessible for everyone. We make it easy for you to start your journey by completing a free, short emotional assessment.

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Using Insurance for Mental Health

We understand that finding affordable mental healthcare may feel like a daunting task. With rising medication and therapy costs, many people can find it hard to access the support they need within their budget. We're on a steadfast mission to change that. Here, we’ll guide you through using insurance for mental health services at Cerebral, making it easier and more affordable to get the care you deserve. {MiniWidget:Generic} More insurance partners, more access At Cerebral, we continuously collaborate with insurance partners to expand access to our online mental health services. This expansion aims to provide more people with access to our affordable therapy and psychiatry options, potentially reducing cost as a barrier. By working with various insurance providers and growing our partnerships, we strive to offer affordable therapy and medication management to all who need it. Check your insurance coverage Understanding your insurance coverage is essential if you’re looking for low-cost therapy, affordable medication management, or both. With Cerebral, you can connect with licensed prescribers and therapists who accept: Cigna BlueCross BlueShield United Healthcare & Optum and more Availability is based on state, and you can find the full details here. Wondering if you can use your insurance for Cerebral? Here are the steps you can take to check your insurance coverage for therapy and/or medication management: Verify with Cerebral: With your insurance information in hand, you can check your coverage. If your plan is eligible, we'll onboard you with a credentialed clinician. Review your benefits: Look through your insurance plan details to understand the extent of your coverage, including copays, deductibles, and any out-of-pocket costs. It never hurts to double-check. You could also reach out to your insurance company to verify if they cover mental health services, including therapy sessions and medication management for mental health conditions, under your plan. Because we're working toward adding new partners to provide low-cost therapy and medication management, you always have the option of signing up and using your insurance at a later date if your carrier becomes a partner. How it works After you’ve confirmed your eligibility, getting started with Cerebral is easy. Here’s how it works: Create your account in a few easy steps, and we’ll set you up with an in-network plan. Choose your in-network clinician and schedule a session on a weekday, night, or weekend. Collaborate with your care team on a personalized plan with progress tracking and ongoing support. Focus on your care — we bill your insurance provider for you. The majority of our clients are able to see someone within a week, and while most of them are happy with their first choice, you can pick a new one whenever you want for any reason. Cost of Cerebral subscription benefits With insurance, you can access all subscription plan benefits for $30 per month. This fee includes a range of services and features designed to support your mental health goals, including: Quick access to care (typically less than a week) Easy online scheduling and session reminders Flexibility to choose your preferred in-network clinician A personalized treatment plan with progress tracking Unlimited messaging with your care team between visits In-app resources and therapeutic exercises Complimentary lab work at partner labs when clinically appropriate for bipolar treatment Access to CerebralRx, our at-home medication delivery service with free 2-day delivery It’s important to note that CerebralRx medication costs are billed separately and are not covered by insurance benefits. If you choose to fill your prescription through another pharmacy, your insurance may cover those medications. You may also be responsible for additional cost share fees such as copays and deductibles. Understanding cost share Depending on your insurance plan, you could be responsible for additional cost-share fees like copayments, coinsurance, or the full cost of services if you haven't met your deductible. If you’re newer to the ins and outs of insurance (or, understandably, get a little confused by it), here’s what those terms mean: Copayment (copay): A fixed amount you pay for covered services at the time of your visit. Coinsurance: A percentage of the costs of a covered healthcare service you pay after your deductible. Deductible: The amount you need to pay out of pocket for healthcare services before your health insurance plan begins to cover costs. Your insurance company will send you an explanation of benefits (EOB) outlining any additional costs. For copays and your deductible, you might be able to offset costs by using tax-free dollars from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). No one likes surprise bills, so we also notify you of any owed cost share fees 7 days before charging the payment method on file. Cerebral Network and clinicians At Cerebral, we offer a network of fully licensed and trained prescribers and therapists that you can connect with all from the comfort and convenience of your home. At Cerebral, we display profiles of in-network providers, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your needs and is in-network with your payer. When using insurance for Cerebral, you’ll be able to meet with your care team whenever clinically appropriate. We’ll manage all the billing and claim submissions for you so you can focus on getting high-quality care. You can also message our care team for support between sessions. They're available during business hours and will respond to you within 1-3 business days. Other ways to help cover costs If you would prefer not to use your in-network coverage or aren't covered by insurance or one of our partners, there are other options. Using FSA/HSA funds FSA or HSA accounts allow you to set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses, often including mental health services. You can absolutely use your HSA or FSA card as your primary payment method in your Cerebral account. Just a reminder: These accounts could also be used to cover copays and your deductible. It's always helpful to double-check and get more information. Contact your insurance provider to find out more about HSA or FSA options and how to submit receipts for reimbursement. They can also provide answers to any questions you have about submitting a claim, using your HSA or FSA funds, or receiving reimbursements. How to get reimbursed for out-of-network services If you decide to choose an out-of-network clinician, you can request a special type of itemized receipt (known as a superbill) that typically includes: Client contact information Provider information Your diagnosis in the form of an ICD code CPT code(s) Dates of service Itemized list of costs Referrer contact information (if applicable) Our team would be happy to assist you with this process — all included with your subscription plan. Then, all that’s left is submitting it to your insurance provider for reimbursement. How to get one: To request a superbill, simply log into your account and send us a message. Requesting verification of your payer when added We’re continuously working to onboard new payers to expand our insurance coverage. If your insurance provider isn't currently on our list, as a Cerebral client, we'll notify you via email when new partners are added. This way, you can start using your plan benefits as soon as your carrier becomes available. Expanding insurance partnerships At Cerebral, we understand the importance of accessible mental health care. That's why we're committed to expanding our insurance partnerships to provide more people with the support they need. We're actively working to onboard new providers so our clients can have more options for affordable mental health care. Navigating insurance coverage for mental health services can be challenging, but we’re doing what we can to make it easier. Our expanded insurance partners and low-cost monthly subscription plans for insured clients can help you receive high-quality care with the convenience and affordability you deserve. Check your insurance coverage today and take the first step toward better mental health. Images by diana.grytsku and freepik on Freepik.

May 1, 2024

In the News

The State of Mental Healthcare in 2024

Historically, our society has focused health-related conversations on the physical, treating mental illness as something private, strengthening the stigma that keeps many from seeking help. In reality, 90% of the American public believes we are in a mental health crisis, with 33% of American adults citing that they have felt anxious “often or always” within the last year according to a survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN. In the wake of global, unprecedented challenges, the demand for accessible and effective mental health services has never been more urgent. However, stigma and limited accessibility has created a critical need for a digital revolution and a new era of mental health support that breaks down these barriers. Barriers to access: why are so few people getting treatment? Accessibility Accessibility remains a significant barrier to mental health treatment, particularly for underserved populations. Similarly, mental health challenges, traumas, and triggers can strike at any moment, underscoring the critical need for improved accessibility to care outside the constraints of traditional healthcare models. Addressing these accessibility barriers requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding offerings, increasing the diversity of providers, implementing culturally competent care practices, and investing in community-based initiatives to reach those most in need. Effective Care Even if patients can overcome the issue of accessibility, they will often experience a barrier to effective care. While access is essential, the quality and effectiveness of care is equally crucial. In many cases, individuals may not receive evidence based treatments tailored to their specific needs leading to less than ideal outcomes. Disparities in treatment modalities and lack of treatment measurements can contribute to unoptimized quality of care. Furthermore, the rampant stigma surrounding mental illness may deter individuals from seeking help altogether, slowing their access to effective interventions and prolonging silent suffering. Trust in the Healthcare System Combined, these barriers continue to break down trust in the healthcare space. For underserved communities, a data-driven approach is not only an innovation, but a foundational standard. Building trust and encouraging the public to engage in their mental health care looks like proactive care, meeting people where they are, and providing products and services with long term, meaningful value. While the mental health space has made transformative strides in the last four years since the COVID-19 pandemic, we must move beyond telehealth 1.0 in order to set up consumers for their utmost success. Cerebral’s Mission: Creating A New Era of Care The reality for many patients is that it has been very hard for them to get help. We believe that improving the quality of care requires addressing both effectiveness of and access to healthcare. Cerebral is creating a new era of mental health care that goes beyond a static virtual model. By delivering dynamic care that combines a personalized, integrated approach with innovative accessibility, we’re empowering each individual to take control of their health on their terms. And the outcomes are the proof: As of March 2024, the majority of Cerebral clients with moderate to severe anxiety and/or depression report a significant reduction in GAD-7 and/or PHQ-9 scores. We understand that outcomes and measurement are sorely lacking in the mental health space, a bar which must be raised. By tracking meaningful and actionable clinical quality indicators, we monitor effectiveness, efficiency, safety, and timeliness of care, adding value beyond the traditional mental health care model. Finally, the Cerebral Way takes radical transparency seriously. Our clinicians take your goals, needs, and life experiences into account so you get a personalized plan for treatment. This collaborative approach means you will know what to expect along your way to mental wellness. Plus, all Cerebral clinicians are thoroughly vetted, credentialed, and trained to provide the highest level of care, driving home the mission of addressing both effectiveness and trust. What’s next? The current standard of effectiveness and access is not enough. At Cerebral, we are committed to facing this challenge head on and we will continue to create affordable, high-quality mental health care for everyone. It’s time to take control of your health on your terms.

Dec 18, 2023

In the News

Therapy

Introducing Cerebral Way: Your Personalized Path to Feeling Better

Navigating mental health can be difficult, and understanding the benefits and differences between online mental health providers can add an additional layer of confusion to the process. So we’ve introduced Cerebral Way: results-oriented care that puts you first with personalized plans and clear goals for your mental health. How is Cerebral Way different? Most online mental health services simply match you with a clinician and hope you’ll stay on their plans without any goals or end-points in sight. Cerebral Way recognizes you as an active participant in your mental health care. We’ve developed a program with your goals and milestones at the center, so you can track your progress and know what to expect along the way. A collaborative approach Cerebral Way has struck an important balance between consistent care with high standards for all of our clients. Our clinicians take your goals, needs, and life experiences into account so you get a personalized plan for treatment. This collaborative approach means you’ll always know what to expect along your way to mental wellness. When you work with any of our high-quality clinicians, you’ll know they’re upholding Cerebral standards to shape your path forward. How it works 1. We'll get to know each other Your journey with Cerebral starts with an intake session with your therapist or prescriber. They’ll ask you some questions about your experience, why you’re seeking support, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. The focus is on understanding you and your experiences, goals, and challenges. There are a few administrative points in this session as well: confirming your identity and making sure you have the app are two examples. This only happens in the first session. If you opt for a medication plan, your clinician may determine a diagnosis and prescribe medication if it’s appropriate. After this session you can decide whether you’d like to continue with your clinician or start with a new one. Cerebral makes it easy for you to switch any time. 2. You'll get a personalized plan Now that they’ve gotten to know you, your clinician will craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs, and you’ll set goals together. This is a roadmap for your mental health journey, complete with milestones and check-ins with your therapist and/or prescriber. If you were prescribed medication at your intake session, you’ll have a follow-up session to discuss how you’re doing with the medication and its dosage, if you’re experiencing any side effects, and any other general questions you might have. 3. Keep track of your progress At this point in therapy, you’ll begin regular check-ins to see how you’re feeling about your progress. Your therapist or prescriber will discuss how treatment is going and make any adjustments to your sessions or treatment plan. If you’re on a medication plan, you can message your prescriber between sessions to get help with dosage and refills. You can also get your medication shipped directly to your door with CerebralRx. How Cerebral Way helps Cerebral Way is our intentional approach to mental health care and our commitment to helping you see as much progress as possible. Completely personalized care With Cerebral Way, you're not just a name or diagnosis. Your clinician understands your specific needs, goals, and experiences, shaping a path forward that is unique to you. You're always in control If you find that you're not making the progress you’d like to see with your therapist or prescriber, you have the flexibility to switch to a new one at any time. Consistent, quality care Cerebral therapists and prescribers are thoroughly vetted, credentialed, and trained to provide high quality care. You can also message them between sessions if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment. Clear destinations Your clinician will review your goals, milestones, and progress with you so you can see how much progress you’re making and adjust your care if your needs change. An evidence-based approach Cerebral clinicians have access to the most up-to-date studies and breakthroughs in the industry to make sure their approach to treatment is based on meaningful research. Clinically proven results Cerebral clients are three times more likely to report feeling better after two months* of following their therapy or medication plans. Cerebral Way is not just a mental health service – we’re invested in your progress and your partner toward a healthier and happier life. *Based on Cerebral clients with moderate to  severe anxiety and depression from 2020-2023.

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