Brightside Health is launching new mental health services tailored specifically for teenagers aged 13 to 17, the company announced on Tuesday. This expansion marks a significant step for the San Francisco-based telemental health provider, which has traditionally focused on adults suffering from clinical depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
The new services will include therapy and psychiatry, with plans to introduce Crisis Care support for high-risk teens in the future. Brightside Health collaborates with major insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, and also offers substance use disorder services.
Initial offerings for teens consist of one-on-one video therapy sessions, messaging with providers, interactive lessons, and progress tracking via the Brightside app. The program addresses common challenges faced by adolescents, such as peer pressure, social media issues, life transitions, and self-esteem. Caregiver involvement is also emphasized, as the company aims to balance parental support with the independence needed for effective engagement.
“An important part of delivering care to teens is involving their guardians carefully,” said Brad Kittredge, co-founder and CEO of Brightside Health. “There are different regulations in different states, and it’s crucial to find the right balance between parental oversight and allowing teens to connect with their providers.”
Currently, the teen services are available in 15 states, with plans to expand to all 50 states by early 2025. In addition, Brightside will introduce substance use disorder services and its Crisis Care program for teens in 2025.
The need for enhanced mental health support for adolescents is pressing; approximately one in seven individuals aged 10 to 19 experience a mental disorder, and suicide ranks as the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. Brightside’s approach emphasizes the importance of tailored care for teens, recognizing that treatment often starts with therapy rather than medication.
Kittredge noted, “The threshold to prescribe medications to a teen is higher than for adults. We typically begin with therapy and may introduce medication based on individual circumstances.” The company employs rigorous safety protocols, including suicide screenings and thorough follow-up procedures, to ensure comprehensive care.
As digital health companies increasingly target teen mental health, Brightside Health aims to strengthen its value proposition for partners in the healthcare system. Kittredge explained, “We provide a one-stop solution for addressing challenges in emergency rooms, helping to reduce readmission rates and improve clinical outcomes while supporting financial performance metrics.”
By expanding its services to include adolescents, Brightside Health is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of teen mental health care.
Related Topics:
