Demi Lovato has been vocal throughout her career about the demons she's struggled with, from drug dependency to self-harm. After getting the help she needed, the singer is offering her fans the chance to do the same.
Appearing on Good Morning America, Lovato revealed that she is once again bringing CAST Centers, the L.A.-based treatment, and wellness program she previously attended and now co-owns on her upcoming tour. Lovato hits the road for a two-month, 20-date nationwide trek with DJ Khaled starting next month.
The move comes as part of Lovato's fight to destigmatize mental illness, a cause she's been fighting for many years. CAST, led by CEO Mike Byer, will offer free group therapy sessions to concertgoers in an attempt to make everybody feel more included and less alone in their struggles.
Lovato explained how important it is for her to use her platform and voice to share what she's been through and to help others in the process. The singer aims to inspire people either to admit they need help or to go ahead and get the help they need.
"I just want people to know they're not alone and I'm here for them," she told host Robin Roberts.
Lovato is a very vocal mental health advocate, openly discussing her ongoing issues with bipolar disorder. Taking CAST on tour with her, she believes, is another step toward making mental illness less of a taboo topic.
She and their team will be organizing wellness sessions before every show on the tour. These sessions will be free and available to anybody 16 years old and above, who has a valid concert ticket.
"It's basically like a therapy session before the concerts, and we have speakers from all over, and we're also helping out with different charities from around the country, so it'll be incredible and a very moving and inspiring experience," Lovato said.
Byer and Lovato are also working together to donate and raise awareness for different mental health charities through the US. They will be teaming up with a different organization in each city, aiming to donate much-needed funds and to raise awareness, too. Fans will be encouraged to donate via texts during the concerts.
CAST previously accompanied Lovato on the 2016 Future Now excursion with Nick Jonas. Jonas, along with brother Joe, Phil McIntyre, Bea Miller, and Metta World Peace all spoke about mental health as part of their inclusion. Lovato described it as "an incredible experience."
She added that several people started going to CAST because of their appearance on tour. The incentive is there to further help others realize there's help out there if required. Bayer described Lovato in a statement as "an inspiration."
The 25-year-old "Tell Me You Love Me" singer opened up recently about her sobriety in YouTube documentary Simply Complicated. Lovato has never shied away from discussing her troubles, arguing that it will help younger fans to feel less hopeless. She celebrated five years sober in March of 2017.
