The Growing Need for Scalable Youth Mental Health Support

The potential long-term effects on the mental wellbeing of children following the challenges of the past year are a significant concern. Consequently, there is an urgent requirement for mental health services for young people that can be readily expanded to meet increasing demands.

Despite potential reservations about virtual interactions, a UK-based startup believes it has developed an effective model for delivering online therapy to children.

Healios Secures £7 Million in Series A Funding

Healios has successfully raised £7 million ($10M) in a Series A funding round to facilitate the expansion of its platform throughout the United Kingdom. Should this initial rollout prove successful, the company intends to pursue international growth opportunities.

InHealth Ventures spearheaded the investment round, with continued support from existing investor AlbionVC.

Investing in Technology and Expertise

The newly acquired funding will be strategically allocated to bolster Healios’ capabilities in AI, machine learning, and data science. Furthermore, the company plans to expand its team of skilled professionals.

Healios emphasizes that its platform streamlines the clinical process, allowing children, adults, and their families to access vital clinical services from the comfort of their homes.

Addressing a Critical Gap in Mental Healthcare

According to official statistics from the UK government, approximately one in eight (12.8%) of individuals aged five to nineteen experience a mental health disorder. However, a substantial two-thirds of these young people are currently unable to receive care through the National Health Service (NHS) due to overwhelming demand.

The Covid-19 pandemic has undeniably exacerbated this already challenging situation.

Proven Track Record and NHS Collaboration

Since its launch in 2013, Healios has established partnerships with 65% of NHS Mental Health Trusts. To date, the platform has facilitated 70,000 specialized clinical sessions, representing a notable achievement for a startup navigating the complexities of NHS approval processes.

A Family-Focused Approach to Therapy

The online therapy program offered by Healios is designed with a family-centric approach, targeting a diverse range of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. The company highlights research indicating that early family involvement can reduce suicide rates by as much as 90%.

Services encompass support for anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD, alongside resources for their families.

An End-to-End Service Provider

Distinguishing itself from some competitors in the mental health sector, Healios operates as a comprehensive provider of services, rather than simply a marketplace connecting individuals with advisors.

New Board Members

Richard Bradford, Chair of InHealth Ventures and InHealth Group, will join the Healios board. Cat McDonald from AlbionVC will also be taking a board position.

Vision for the Future

Rich Andrews, Founder and CEO of Healios, stated: “This funding will empower us to reach more families in need and to continue developing groundbreaking interventions and therapies. By uniting clinical expertise with the tools to connect with patients regardless of location, we are actively addressing the long-standing access barriers in mental health provision.”

Andrews further explained: “A young person will initially undergo a mental health assessment with our team. If a diagnosis is warranted, they will then proceed to receive further interventions through our platform, ensuring a cohesive and streamlined experience.”

Industry Recognition and Positive Impact

Dr. Ben Evans, Managing Director of InHealth Ventures, commented: “Healios exemplifies innovation in healthcare. They effectively integrate clinical excellence with digital technology, collaborating with the NHS to tackle a critical and intricate area of care delivery. The results achieved by Healios to date are compelling; their comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment has demonstrably improved clinical outcomes and patient experiences.”

The Rise of Remote Care

Cat McDonald, Investor at AlbionVC, added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the pace of innovation within the healthcare sector. We’ve observed that remote care is not only viable but often surpasses traditional methods in effectiveness. The preference among most children experiencing mental health challenges is to receive care remotely, within a supportive family environment.”