Venus Williams joins forces with WTA and Better Help to provide free mental health therapy

Seven-time singles Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has partnered with the WTA and the therapy platform Better Help to provide free therapy for those in need.

The former World No.1 is a big proponent of mental health awareness, and has shown great resilience, both physically and mentally, as she has progressed in her illustrious career.

“My parents were big proponents of mental health,” said Williams. “Not just self-care, but proactivity. It was about realizing that the world is a beautiful place, but it’s also a challenging place, and that you have to prepare mentally to be able to handle the pressures.

“I was able to succeed in places where others didn’t because I had that support from a young age.”

This collaboration will provide $2 million worth of therapy to people who need it, with individuals able to get access to up to one month of free therapy if required.

"There are no barriers,” revealed Williams. “You just need a phone or a laptop and access to the Internet.

“For me, mental health means being in a place where you have that peace of mind, that happiness, that sense of being free, of having the ability to dream big and go for it.

Furthermore, the 41-year old is pleased to see people paying more attention to their mental health, a condition that was once viewed as a stigma in the past.

“People are talking to each other about their therapists. And not just in person, on social media, too. I love that this next generation can have the opportunity to be proactive and take care of their mental health.”