BetterHelp, the world's largest online therapy platform, has launched a timely initiative aimed at supporting student-athletes facing increasing online harassment and mental health challenges. The "Stop the Madness" campaign, featuring college basketball standouts Kiki Rice, Zoe Brooks, and Chance Gray, addresses the mounting pressure on young athletes, particularly as sports betting continues to gain popularity.

The initiative comes at a critical moment when one in three high-profile collegiate athletes report receiving abusive online messages, with female athletes experiencing three times more online threats than their male counterparts. Last year's tournament alone saw nearly 72,000 harmful comments directed at student-athletes.

Fernando Madeira, president and CEO of BetterHelp, emphasized the importance of the campaign: "Mental health is not a sideline issue—it is the entire game. We are breaking down the barriers that keep athletes from seeking help, transforming mental health support from a whispered conversation to a powerful statement of courage and hope."

Starting immediately, BetterHelp is offering a free month of therapy to any US-based student-athlete who visits StopTheMadness.org. This resource comes at a crucial time, as studies show that while one in five collegiate athletes reports experiencing mental health concerns, fewer than half seek support.

The partnership with Rice, Brooks, and Gray brings visible credibility to the initiative. The athletes will wear jackets featuring the StopTheMadness.org website to inspire dialogue among their peers.

Rice highlighted the unique challenges athletes face: "As athletes, we're trained to handle pressure—and not just during the game. It follows us off the court and everywhere we go. Without the right support, it can really take a toll."

The campaign represents a significant development in how mental health resources are being made available to student-athletes, who face unique pressures compounded by the rise of sports betting and social media.

BetterHelp's initiative stands out for addressing a specific vulnerable population within its broader mission of making mental health care more accessible. With its network of 35,000 licensed therapists having already helped 5 million people worldwide, the company continues to expand its reach to underserved communities.

Student-athletes interested in participating can visit StopTheMadness.org for more information and to register for their free month of therapy support.