The landscape of behavioral health care is rapidly evolving, with telehealth playing a pivotal role in expanding access and improving quality of care. In August 2020, Adventist Health, a multi-state integrated health system, announced a strategic partnership and investment in Synchronous Health, a tele-behavioral health startup. This collaboration represents a forward-looking approach to addressing rising behavioral health needs while leveraging technology and innovation to deliver whole-person care.
Who Is Adventist Health?
Adventist Health is a nonprofit integrated health system headquartered in Roseville, California. The organization operates hospitals, clinics, home-based care agencies, hospices, and retirement centers across more than 80 communities in California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. Known for its mission-driven approach, Adventist Health emphasizes whole-person care, supporting physical, mental, and spiritual health. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, the health system has consistently adapted to meet evolving health needs in the communities it serves. By investing in innovative solutions such as Synchronous Health, Adventist Health is advancing its long-term transformation strategy to strengthen behavioral health and wellness offerings.
Who Is Synchronous Health?
Synchronous Health is a Nashville-based tele-behavioral health company that combines a national network of mental health counselors with artificial intelligence (AI). Its platform, named Karla, is designed to enhance traditional counseling by providing personalized coaching, alerts, and check-ins tailored to each individual. This hybrid model ensures patients not only have access to professional behavioral health providers but also receive real-time digital support that reinforces their treatment and progress. By blending human interaction with AI-driven engagement, Synchronous Health aims to close gaps in care, improve accessibility, and drive better outcomes for individuals dealing with behavioral health challenges.
Details of the Partnership
Under the partnership agreement, Adventist Health has made a strategic investment in Synchronous Health while committing to co-develop new behavioral health and wellness solutions. The collaboration focuses on addressing the most pressing health care cost drivers and community needs. Through this partnership, both organizations will expand their capabilities, enabling them to reach more individuals and provide innovative solutions to behavioral health challenges. Adventist Health’s financial backing, coupled with Synchronous Health’s technology and provider network, creates a strong foundation for delivering impactful programs.
Programs Launched During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The partnership has already produced tangible results in the form of new programs. In July 2020, Adventist Health and Synchronous Health launched a program specifically aimed at combating isolation among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation, particularly among seniors, became a widespread issue during lockdowns, contributing to declines in both mental and physical health. The program leveraged Synchronous Health’s AI-powered Karla platform to connect more than 2 million older adults in Adventist Health’s communities to peers, resources, and telehealth services. The initiative sought to address both emotional well-being and practical health needs, providing older adults with a lifeline during a particularly vulnerable time.
Addressing Caregiver Burnout
Earlier in 2020, the two organizations collaborated on another pressing issue: caregiver burnout. In April, Adventist Health introduced Synchronous Health’s tools to its own workforce, offering staff access to behavioral health professionals and AI-driven support. The initiative recognized that health care workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis were under enormous strain, facing unprecedented levels of stress, fatigue, and anxiety. By providing immediate access to counseling and digital reinforcement through Karla, Adventist Health demonstrated its commitment to supporting the mental well-being of its employees, which in turn helps ensure high-quality patient care.
Statements from Leadership
Both Adventist Health and Synchronous Health leaders have emphasized the importance of this partnership. Synchronous Health CEO Guy Barnard highlighted how the collaboration will help the company expand its reach, enabling it to serve more populations and address widespread behavioral health needs. Adventist Health CEO Scott Reiner echoed this sentiment, emphasizing how behavioral health and well-being are central to the health system’s mission. Reiner explained that two-thirds of Adventist Health’s mission statement is dedicated to behavioral health and wellness, reflecting the high demand in the communities it serves. He also noted that the partnership with Synchronous Health aligns with Adventist Health’s 10-year transformation strategy, which prioritizes innovative, accountable, and community-based well-being solutions.
Why This Partnership Matters
The significance of this collaboration extends beyond the two organizations. Behavioral health challenges have been escalating nationwide, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders have underscored the need for accessible, effective mental health care solutions. Tele-behavioral health offers a scalable and flexible approach to meeting this demand. By combining Adventist Health’s broad community reach and patient base with Synchronous Health’s AI-enhanced platform, this partnership sets a model for how health systems and technology companies can work together to deliver comprehensive, innovative care.
The Role of Technology in Behavioral Health
Technology has become an essential component in modern behavioral health treatment. AI-powered tools like Karla provide personalized support between therapy sessions, helping individuals stay engaged with their treatment plans. This consistent engagement can reduce relapse rates, improve adherence, and provide real-time feedback to both patients and providers. In addition, telehealth platforms reduce barriers such as transportation, stigma, and provider shortages, ensuring more people can access care when they need it. Adventist Health’s investment in Synchronous Health demonstrates a recognition that technology is not just a complement to care but a core part of the future of behavioral health.
Looking Ahead
As this partnership develops, it is expected that Adventist Health and Synchronous Health will continue co-developing innovative programs to address diverse behavioral health challenges. Future initiatives may focus on populations such as youth, individuals with chronic conditions, or underserved rural communities. The scalability of Synchronous Health’s AI-driven platform allows it to be adapted to different demographics and needs, making it a versatile tool in improving population health. With Adventist Health’s commitment to whole-person care and Synchronous Health’s technological innovation, the partnership is poised to make a lasting impact on how behavioral health services are delivered across the United States.
Conclusion
The partnership between Adventist Health and Synchronous Health marks an important milestone in the evolution of behavioral health care. By combining a large nonprofit health system with a cutting-edge tele-behavioral startup, this collaboration highlights the potential of technology-enabled solutions to address widespread mental health challenges. Together, these organizations are developing programs that support patients, caregivers, and entire communities, demonstrating a model for how the health care industry can adapt to meet urgent needs. With a focus on accessibility, innovation, and whole-person care, Adventist Health and Synchronous Health are shaping the future of behavioral health and wellness.
