As Mental Health Month approaches in May, the spotlight on mental health in America is intensifying. A recent survey revealed that 90% of Americans believe the nation is facing a mental health crisis.
The aftermath of the pandemic continues to cast a shadow over mental well-being, with anxiety and depression rates still above pre-pandemic levels. While much of life in American life has returned to normalcy, effects from the pandemic linger on mental health including a five percentage point increase in adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Substance abuse is also on the rise as 15% of adults in the U.S. reported starting or increasing the use of substances to cope with stress from the pandemic. By the end of 2021, overdose deaths had also reached a nearly 50% increase from 2019.
Meanwhile, even anecdotal evidence from the streets of most major American cities shows a troubling increasing in the rise of mental illness, substance abuse and homelessness.
While the reasons for this rise in mental health issues are complicated, a lack of access to effective treatment for many Americans is exacerbating the problem.
America is grappling with shortages of affordable treatment options. Many people struggling with mental illness are also reluctant to seek care because of the associated stigma, the trouble and costs involved, or are unaware of how to find help. One estimate shows that over 27 million adults with a mental illness received no treatment.
It is not all doom and gloom though as countless individuals, organizations, and companies around the country are finding ways to reverse these trends. One encouraging story comes from a company that works to develop more accessible, affordable, and technology-driven solutions that are capable of having a huge impact, quickly.
You probably have not heard of Future Health, but might be aware of their subsidiary Done, a remote and in-person ADHD treatment service. Launched in 2021 as a response to escalating mental health needs during the pandemic, Done offers online and hybrid treatment solutions for ADHD, filling a critical gap in accessible care. “The need for more personalized and accessible mental health treatment in the US is staggering,” noted one of the brains behind Done, Joanne Dai, Group Leader at Future Health,
The cornerstone of Future Health’s success lies in its innovative use of technology to democratize mental health care, removing the need to schedule appointments as well as the limitations for effective treatment provided by a single practitioner. Through online services provided Done, Future Health has revolutionized treatment accessibility.
The impact of Future Health’s initiatives is profound. In just one year, they have served hundreds of thousands of patients, achieving a 34% increase in treatment response rates. Moreover, patients benefit from substantial cost savings of over $3,000 annually and save an average of 11 hours per year compared to traditional in-person treatments. These outcomes underscore the transformative potential of technology in bridging gaps and delivering timely, effective mental health care.
The company’s latest offering is its cutting-edge AI-powered platform “Olivia” that is tailored to address lower-income communities, offering a comprehensive knowledge base for personalized and accurate mental health therapy coaching.
Just as Done increased accessibility for ADHD diagnosis, Olivia uses technology to address an even wider range of mental illness. Olivia uses AI trained on a massive amount of data to provide online patients with more complete, personalized, and accurate care that is also more affordable and instantly accessible.
Joanne Dai emphasizes the significance of this technology to help destigmatizing mental health care and provide accessible options. “Every person is different, and every treatment option should be different as well,” she notes, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches.
As Mental Health Month approaches, Future Health’s message resonates strongly: help is available, accessible, and tailored to individual needs. By leveraging technology and innovation, Future Health is paving the way for a more inclusive and effective mental health care landscape, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards mental wellness.
Meet Abby, a passionate health product reviewer with years of experience in the field. Abby's love for health and wellness started at a young age, and she has made it her life mission to find the best products to help people achieve optimal health. She has a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics and has worked in various health institutions as a Nutritionist. Her expertise in the field has made her a trusted voice in the health community. She regularly writes product reviews and provides nutrition tips, and advice that helps her followers make informed decisions about their health. In her free time, Jane enjoys exploring new hiking trails and trying new recipes in her kitchen to support her healthy lifestyle.
