Clippers' Paul George giving away $3 million in free therapy
After opening up about his own struggles with anxiety and depression in recent years, Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George is partnering with BetterHelp to further destigmatize mental health and encourage others to try therapy.
George and BetterHelp are providing up to $3 million worth of free therapy to people in need, according to a press release. Paul is the latest professional athlete to partner with BetterHelp, joining tennis stars Venus Williams, Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz.
"Mental health is just as important as physical health to me," George said in a statement. "I can be in the best physical shape of my life but if my mental health is lacking, it won't make a difference.
"Getting help to better yourself mentally has been extremely important in my life and has allowed me to be the player, father, husband and person I am today. This is why I am so excited to partner with BetterHelp to provide access to free therapy and help raise mental-health awareness around the world.”
BetterHelp is allowing new users to receive one month of free therapy by signing up online.
“Everyone — even pro athletes — can struggle with mental-health issues,” said Alon Matas, the president and founder of BetterHelp. “We’re teaming up with incredible athletes like Paul George to remind people to take care of themselves, and we’re providing them with the resources to get started.”
George is a seven-time NBA All-Star, a six-time All-NBA selection and an Olympic gold medalist.
The Clippers' star made headlines earlier this year when he spoke about his own mental-health struggles, particularly during the NBA Bubble in Orlando.