In a pioneering move that could reshape the landscape of fantasy sports and mental health support, PrizePicks, a leading operator in the fantasy sports sector, has partnered with Kindbridge Behavioral Health, a prominent mental health service provider. This groundbreaking collaboration aims to address problem gaming through comprehensive prevention and treatment resources.
Breaking Down the Partnership
The partnership between PrizePicks and Kindbridge Behavioral Health is set to provide a holistic approach to problem gaming, targeting both prevention and treatment. As part of this initiative, players and customer-facing employees of PrizePicks will have access to an array of essential mental health services at no cost. These services include clinical assessments, clinical reviews, care plan development sessions, and educational and peer support groups.
Adam Wexler, Co-Founder and CEO of PrizePicks, expressed his enthusiasm about this initiative, stating, “We are proud to partner with Kindbridge and to be the first operator to cover program costs entirely, removing a significant barrier to access. It’s essential that the fantasy sports industry invests and innovates in the area of responsible gaming. This initiative not only helps players and employees but also strengthens PrizePicks’ role in promoting social responsibility within the industry. By addressing both prevention and treatment, we are paving the way for a healthier gaming community.”
Addressing Financial Barriers
One of the standout features of this partnership is the removal of financial barriers associated with mental health care. Phil Sherwood, Senior Director of Responsible Gaming at PrizePicks, highlighted a critical issue: “Many individuals face high out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare even with insurance, making it difficult to get the help they need. Partnering with Kindbridge allows us to help those individuals who wish to take preventative measures with a variety of world-class mental health services at no cost to them.”
This approach not only aids in early intervention but also ensures that financial constraints do not hinder access to vital mental health resources. By covering the costs entirely, PrizePicks sets a new benchmark in the industry for supporting mental well-being.
The Importance of Comprehensive Care
Daniel Umfleet, Founder and CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health, emphasized the significance of the collaboration: “It is inspiring to see a DFS operator actively providing essential care resources to their audience. Many individuals struggling with gaming-related health issues face significant financial barriers, even with insurance, which hinders their ability to follow a comprehensive care plan. This collaboration is a pivotal step toward eliminating these barriers, ensuring people can access the support they need, regardless of their financial situation.”
The initiative represents a crucial step forward in integrating mental health support within the fantasy sports industry. By offering clinical assessments, care planning, and educational support, PrizePicks and Kindbridge are addressing a critical need for accessible mental health services.
A Model for Social Responsibility
This partnership sets a precedent for how fantasy sports operators can contribute to responsible gaming and mental health. The collaboration underscores the importance of addressing both prevention and treatment in mental health care. By removing financial barriers and offering comprehensive support, PrizePicks and Kindbridge are not only helping individuals in need but also promoting a culture of social responsibility within the industry.
Broader Implications for the Industry
The collaboration between PrizePicks and Kindbridge Behavioral Health is a significant development in the broader context of responsible gaming. As the fantasy sports and gaming industry continues to grow, the need for effective mental health support becomes increasingly important. This initiative highlights the potential for operators to play a proactive role in addressing problem gaming and supporting mental health.
The partnership between PrizePicks and Kindbridge Behavioral Health represents a forward-thinking approach to responsible gaming. By providing essential mental health services at no cost, PrizePicks is setting a new standard for the industry and demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of its players and employees.