Telepsychiatry is the newest entry into remote telehealth offerings by American Well.
The company, focused on transforming healthcare delivery, addresses basic health issues as well as chronic conditions. American Well already serves 50 million covered Americans through its Amwell video app or work with major health insurers.
Why the move into remote behavioral health services? It's logical when you consider the numbers. According to Dr. Zereana Jess-Huff, American Well VP of Behavioral Health:
"Every year one in four people will deal with a mental health disorder, yet less than half of these individuals will actually receive treatment... "
The service launched in selected states the week of September 12th with nationwide coverage expected in early 2017.
Read more about American Well's move into behavioral health.
Co-founders Richard Kresch, MD and Polaris Partners are focused
on expanding access and improving psychiatric care with their new company. According to Dr. Kresch, President and CEO of US HealthVest:
"The need for quality
psychiatric care is increasing rapidly. US HealthVest has the experience and
resources to expand access to care by developing new facilities and acquiring
existing facilities with untapped potential...”
Previously, Dr. Kresch launched
and sold two companies including Ascend Health, owner of multiple free-standing psychiatric inpatient facilities. Venture Wire reports the US HealthVest
team “hopes to get six clinics up and running within the next year.” Facilities offering inpatient and
outpatient programs will include development of new and the acquisition of existing facilities.
In addition to Kresch and Polaris, US HealthVest
partners include the company’s management team, Fidelity Biosciences and notable
health care and technology investors. >>Read more
