About Step Up Talk
We believe that starting therapy shouldn't be a financial burden. Our mission is to remove the barriers that keep young people from getting the support they need.
Our Story
Step Up Talk was born from a simple observation: too many young people who could benefit from therapy never start because of cost, intimidation, or uncertainty about the process.
The first therapy session is often the hardest. There's the financial commitment, the vulnerability of opening up to a stranger, and the uncertainty of whether it will even help. These barriers stop countless young people from ever taking that first step.
We created Step Up Talk to address this specific problem. By subsidizing the first three sessions with a graduated payment model, we make starting therapy affordable and low-risk. Young people can experience therapy without a major financial commitment, and if it's not right for them, they haven't lost much.
We're not a therapy provider. We're a fund that helps cover the cost of getting started, working with local referrers who know and care about the young people they recommend. We believe in community connection, therapist autonomy, and transparent, ethical practices.
Our Values
Accessibility
Mental health support should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. We work to remove cost as a barrier to starting therapy.
Transparency
We're open about how we operate, how funds are used, and what we can and cannot do. No hidden agendas, no fine print.
Respect
We respect client autonomy, therapist expertise, and the therapeutic relationship. We facilitate, we don't interfere.
Fairness
Therapists deserve fair compensation. We ensure therapists who work with Step Up Talk are paid appropriately for their valuable work.
Simplicity
Starting therapy is hard enough. We keep our model simple and straightforward so the focus stays on what matters.
Humility
We're not here to save anyone. We're here to help remove one barrier. The real work happens between therapist and client.
Ethics & Conflict of Interest Policy
No Referral Fees
We do not pay therapists for referrals, nor do we accept payment from therapists for client referrals. Our only interest is helping young people access therapy.
No Steering
We work with therapists willing to participate with Step Up Talk. We provide information, not recommendations.
Local Referrals
Nominations come from local referrers—teachers, counselors, mentors, and community members who know and care about the people they refer.
Financial Transparency
We are committed to transparency about how donations are used. We will publish regular reports on fund allocation and impact as the organization grows.
No Clinical Involvement
Step Up Talk does not provide therapy, clinical advice, or mental health services. We are a funding mechanism only. All clinical decisions are between the therapist and client.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our organization or want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you.