#United States #Scottsdale #Suicide Prevention #AFSP #LifeStance Health

LifeStance Health Foundation Collaborates with AFSP

In a significant move to address the pressing issues surrounding mental health, the LifeStance Health Foundation has announced its partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This collaboration is marked by a generous grant of $100,000, aiming to advance crucial studies focused on suicide prevention strategies. The announcement was made on September 24, 2025, during a joint statement from both organizations, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing mental health resources and interventions.

LifeStance Health Foundation, spearheaded by the parent company LifeStance, has a mission devoted to funding interventional research targeting prominent areas in mental health. Their strategic focus aims to tackle various challenges, including how to effectively intervene at early stages among youth and develop predictive models to better identify individuals who may be at risk throughout their lives.

Addressing a Pressing Issue

Suicide remains a grave concern in the United States, being the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 34 and the fourth for those aged 35 to 44. Citing the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 12.8 million adults over the age of 18 have reported suicidal thoughts, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced scientific research and evidence-based prevention methods.

Dave Bourdon, the CEO of LifeStance and Director of LifeStance Health Foundation, articulated the organization's dedication to mitigating suicide risks within the communities they serve. “Suicide prevention is central to the care we provide at LifeStance,” he stated, adding his gratitude for the opportunity to partner with AFSP in driving critical research forward, which could lead to systemic changes in how the mental health community approaches suicide risk.

Supporting Community Efforts

In supporting ABSP initiatives, the LifeStance Health Foundation is not only committing funds but is also pledging to match donations made by LifeStance employees to AFSP, up to $50,000. This collaborative effort has led LifeStance employees to form over 40 teams participating in the “Out of the Darkness” Walk—a signature fundraising event for AFSP, aimed at raising awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

Bob Gebbia, CEO of AFSP, expressed his appreciation for LifeStance Health Foundation’s commitment to youth suicide prevention. “By investing in AFSP's research and programs, they are creating pathways for developing new educational programs and interventions,” he noted, highlighting the long-term impact of such initiatives on at-risk youth. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a culture that champions mental health awareness throughout communities, promoting not only support for those affected by suicide but also preventative measures.

About LifeStance Health Foundation and AFSP

Established in 2021, LifeStance Health Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to funding research in mental health. It addresses key opportunity areas such as youth intervention, fragmentation in care, and issues of access and equity in mental health services. LifeStance Health itself is one of the largest providers of both virtual and in-person mental health care, employing around 7,700 professionals across 33 states, thus holding a substantial place in the mental health landscape of the U.S.

Meanwhile, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is devoted to saving lives impacted by suicide. Headquartered in New York, with local chapters nationwide, AFSP focuses on advocacy, research, and education to improve mental health literacy within the community.

Therefore, this partnership is not just a financial transaction but a shared commitment to initiate change and foster a safer, more supportive environment for those grappling with mental health issues, particularly in the arena of suicide prevention.

As these organizations move forward in their partnership, the hope is to harness new insights from research, implement effective prevention measures, and ultimately save lives. With joint efforts to amplify awareness and understanding around mental health, LifeStance Health Foundation and AFSP pave the way for improved strategies that could transform how communities support individuals at risk of suicide.