US mental health start-up acquires women-focused psychiatry practice

The US mental health start-up UpLift has announced it acquired the women-focused online psychiatry practice Minded.

UpLift’s behavioural health platform offers patients access to in-network therapists and mental health providers virtually or in person.

Currently, the company serves patients in Maryland, Virginia, Florida, New Jersey and Washington, D.C. The acquisition is hoped to allow it to expand to California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.

The move is also understood to expand UpLift’s ability to provide team-based therapy and psychiatry to all 50 states, increasing its network of patients and insurers.

The lack of affordable behavioural healthcare is a key driver in America’s mental health crisis.

Over half of adults in the US with a mental illness do not receive treatment, totaling over 28 million individuals. Fewer than 30 per cent of therapists accept insurance, with mental illnesses and co-occurring chronic conditions increasing the cost of care by two to three times.

UpLift’s integrated behavioural health platform aims to tackle the mental healthcare crisis by expanding access to affordable therapy and psychiatry.

The New York-based company says its model enables healthcare providers to accept insurance, matching patients with the right providers based on their clinical and non-clinical needs. The start-up also claims to help therapists find clients and manage their schedules.

“Patients, payers and providers share the same goal — access to better, more affordable, behavioural healthcare,” said Kyle Talcott, founder and CEO of UpLift.

“UpLift’s platform works for everyone, unlocking the promise of quality therapy and psychiatric care. Since our services launched in 2021, we have achieved unprecedented results and market traction – including within Medicare and Medicaid.

“The acquisition of Minded allows us to expand nationally and grow the number of patients who can now access best-in-class therapy and psychiatry covered by their insurance.”

David Ronick, co-founder and CEO of Minded, said: “Both Minded and UpLift have focused on improving outcomes for patients and improving affordability by accepting insurance.

“We are strong proponents of their model and are thrilled to join forces.”