Talkiatry and Charlie Health, both US-based virtual care start-ups, have joined forces to offer an integrated experience for mental health needs. 

While Charlie Health offers evidence-based virtual intensive outpatient programme (IOP) for teens and young adults, Talkiatry offers in-network psychiatry and therapy. 

Together, their aim is to address the mental health crisis in the US, which impacts one in five Americans, particularly children and adolescents.

Only half of those with diagnosable mental health issues receive treatment, stated Talkiatry citing a study by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP).

To address this issue, the companies intend to provide integrated mental healthcare for youth by combining virtual intensive outpatient care at Charlie Health with ongoing psychiatric care at Talkiatry.

The alliance involves coordination in case management, discharge planning, and information sharing, to improve clinical outcomes.

Charlie Health’s IOP is designed for those requiring more-than-once weekly therapy or additional support during the transition from residential or hospital-based care.

To serve patients, who have less intensive care requirements, Talkiatry provides virtual psychiatric services covered by over 100 health plan contracts, ensuring prompt appointments for new patients.

The Talkiatry team, comprising more than 300 board-certified psychiatrists, supports those dealing with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, among others. Patients see the same psychiatrist for every appointment.

The company offers child and adolescent services in 31 states.

Talkiatry chief medical and co-founder Dr. Georgia Gaveras said: “The youth mental health crisis is palpable in our everyday work with adolescents and young adults, and its care needs are more acute than that of any recent generation.

“It's critical that we not only focus on solving the problem of access to care but also ensure that the right type of care is available to those with differing needs.

“That's what the Talkiatry and Charlie Health partnership is designed to achieve.”

Charlie Health chief clinical officer and co-founder Dr. Caroline Fenkel said: “At Charlie Health, we're redefining the mental health treatment experience.

“This goes beyond therapy; care navigation is a core commitment of ours and we're excited to work with Talkiatry's team to further support our clients throughout their care journeys.”