Area tech firm receives grant to expand international distribution

ST. PETERSBURG — TAO Connect, a digital health company, has received a $141,799 grant from the National Science Foundation that will help it develop a French-language version of its behavioral health software used by employee and student assistance programs. 

In a press release, founder and chief strategy officer Sherry Benton states that the support will help TAO Connect extend its reach in “Canada and other areas where French resources are needed.”

CEO Bob Clark adds, in the release, “This is a big step forward for technology’s role in behavioral therapeutics, and we’re honored to be on the receiving end of the NSF’s trust and support toward this goal.”

In October, TAO Connect’s software received the award for Best Use of Technology in Employee Assistance from the Employee Assistance Professionals Association.

The company’s online programs, the release states, provide therapy for common behavioral health problems using a platform of virtual tools for therapists and clients. TAO Connect resources are used by more than 120 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, as well as in rural areas where mental health counseling is more difficult to access.