Lady Gaga Now Providing Free Therapy to Fans

Lady Gaga keeps surprising us by finding new ways to reach out to kids who are struggling. She’s has become a kind of pop spokesperson for the importance of discussing—and treating—mental health issues. Now the singer has announced a new plan to provide free counseling before concerts on her current tour. The counseling will take place on the tour’s Born Brave Bus and will be part of a tailgating experience that includes food, games, and DJs.

Okay, mental health care in such a festive atmosphere seems a little incongruous, but Gaga specializes in defying expectations. On her Twitter account she explained, “I feel like most kids don’t look for help because they feel embarrassed so mom + I wanted to break the stigmas around ‘help’ and make it fun.” She also wrote, “BornBrave Bus is a place where mental health + depression are taken seriously w/ no judgment, FREE real help available to all.”

No way to know whether kids will take her up on her offer, but Gaga (who is only facilitating the sessions) says fans can expect “professional private or group chats about mental health, depression, bullying, school & friends.”

Given how intimidating it can be to admit you need help for mental health issues, and how often stigma prevents or delays people from seeking treatment, we can’t help but applaud. By extending her heartfelt support and resources to fans Lady Gaga is trying to make that first step easier. Sometimes just saying how you feel out loud can be an important beginning.

In the past Gaga has also spoken out about her own struggles with eating disorders and started a campaign against bullying.