The Mental Health Crisis

A study published last month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. found that symptoms of anxiety disorder has increased 3X in the past year, and depressive disorder 4X. Several populations, such as Blacks and Hispanics, essential workers, unpaid caregivers, and young adults, are having disproportionately worse mental ... See more

A study published in 2016 in Health Affairs found that mental disorders topped the list of the most costly medical conditions in America, at over $200 billion in annual spend.

While 2.0 companies such as Calm and Talkspace enabled human care to be delivered digitally, and enabled more access through on demand care, 3.0 companies will offer fully-digital or hybrid human-digital care and enable more people to get access to affordable mental healthcare at anytime.

Demand for care outstrips supply, and many patients also end up paying out-of-pocket for mental healthcare. Far too few treatments are covered by insurance today, and that must change if we are to address this crisis.

If I could summarize the low-hanging-fruit opportunity in mental healthcare in one word it would be accessibility.