Targeting male gamers, Talk Squad offers free and confidential in-game therapy sessions

Men’s care brand Harry’s is leveling up mental health access with Talk Squad, an initiative blending therapy with gaming. In collaboration with mental health service Shout, Talk Squad offers UK gamers free and confidential counseling sessions while they play Fall Guys, Apex Legends or Halo. All they need to do is fill out a Google form to book a 1-on-1 session with a qualified Shout clinician, during which they’re invited to talk about anything that’s bothering them.

Harry’s and Shout are taking aim at two of men’s biggest mental health barriers — accessibility and stigma. Embedding support into a gaming environment makes therapy feel less like an intimidating leap and more like an easy power-up. Talk Squad launched with a Twitch livestream where UK gaming influencers showcased the service in action, helping normalize mental health conversations in gaming culture.

The bigger picture? While the sessions are only on offer from 28 November through 18 December 2024, this is no one-off CSR play. Harry’s has an ongoing commitment to men’s mental health, donating 1% of its sales to organizations supporting that goal. With Talk Squad, the brand is showing up in a space where its audience already gathers. Cause if you want to connect, you’ve got to play the game ;)