Omada Health Embeds Virtual Behavioral Health Support into Chronic Care Programs to Improve Whole-Person Care

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San Francisco-based Omada Health announced on Wednesday that it is embedding virtual behavioral health support into its comprehensive suite of digital care programs. This strategic expansion aims to better address the intertwined mental and physical health needs of people managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and musculoskeletal issues—conditions that represent major drivers of healthcare spending in the United States.

Omada Health has been a leader in providing digital care interventions designed to help users prevent or manage chronic diseases. By integrating virtual behavioral health support into these programs, the company is working to remove critical barriers that prevent many patients from achieving better health outcomes. Mental health challenges often interfere with the ability to adhere to treatment plans, make lifestyle changes, or engage fully with care programs. Addressing these challenges head-on promises more sustainable improvements in health.

The new behavioral health services within Omada’s platform include upfront assessments for anxiety and depression, resources aimed at helping users overcome social determinants of health (such as housing or food insecurity), digital tools based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), care teams with dedicated mental health specialists, and specialized high-risk triage and intervention processes. This comprehensive approach is designed to meet users where they are and provide tailored, accessible mental health care alongside physical health management.

Jennifer La Guardia, senior director of clinical and behavioral science at Omada Health, noted, “Nearly half of our members identify behavioral health symptoms, and our latest investment in virtual behavioral health support allows us to offer more personalized care to help them understand and overcome these challenges.” This statement underscores the significant prevalence of behavioral health issues among Omada’s users and the company’s commitment to integrated care.

The Growing Need for Virtual Behavioral Health Support in Chronic Disease Management

Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are common nationwide, with estimates from the National Institute of Mental Health showing that roughly 21% of Americans experience a diagnosable mental health condition each year. Among those managing chronic illnesses, the rate is even higher. Omada Health reports that 47% of its members display elevated symptoms of anxiety or depression, conditions that can seriously hinder chronic disease management.

By embedding virtual behavioral health support directly into chronic care programs, Omada is addressing a critical gap in healthcare. Mental health symptoms often act as barriers to treatment adherence and can worsen physical health outcomes. Integrating behavioral health care into chronic disease management can improve treatment compliance, reduce hospital visits, and promote healthier, more sustainable lifestyle changes.

Moreover, this integration has the potential to significantly reduce healthcare costs. By addressing behavioral health issues early and providing continuous support, Omada aims to reduce expensive complications related to poorly managed chronic illnesses.

Features of Omada Health’s Virtual Behavioral Health Support

Omada’s new behavioral health services offer several key features designed for accessibility and effectiveness:

  • Upfront Behavioral Health Assessments: Members are screened for anxiety and depression at the start to identify needs and personalize care.
  • Social Determinants of Health Resources: Omada provides tools and referrals to help users navigate challenges like food insecurity, housing instability, and transportation barriers, recognizing these social factors profoundly impact health.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Tools: The platform offers digital CBT exercises and modules, enabling users to develop coping skills and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
  • Care Teams Including Mental Health Specialists: Mental health professionals work alongside chronic care coaches to deliver coordinated, holistic support.
  • High-Risk Triage and Intervention: For members with severe symptoms or crisis risks, Omada provides timely intervention to stabilize and support them effectively.

Together, these components create a robust virtual behavioral health support system that complements Omada’s chronic care programs and improves outcomes.

Funding and Industry Momentum Behind Virtual Behavioral Health Support

Omada Health’s expansion into behavioral health support follows its successful $192 million Series E funding round, led by Fidelity Management & Research Company. This funding will help accelerate the development and scaling of virtual behavioral health support tools.

The initiative is part of a broader industry trend focusing on integrating mental health into broader healthcare and workforce wellness programs. Burlingame, California-based Lyra Health, a digital mental health provider specializing in employee assistance programs (EAPs), recently raised $235 million in Series F funding and announced plans for global expansion following the acquisition of ICAS World. Similarly, Teladoc Health, a leader in telehealth services, has significantly grown its mental health platform, BetterHelp, which generated $700 million in revenue in 2021, fueled by expanding work with EAPs.

These investments reflect rising demand for scalable, accessible virtual behavioral health support that meets patients and employees where they are, reducing stigma and improving access.

The Future of Whole-Person Care Through Virtual Behavioral Health Support

By embedding virtual behavioral health support into chronic care programs, Omada Health is advancing the model of whole-person care that recognizes how mental and physical health are interconnected. This approach can lead to better health outcomes, improved quality of life for members, and lower costs for health plans and employers.

For individuals, it means receiving personalized, integrated care that addresses the full spectrum of their health challenges. For employers and health plans, it offers a more effective way to manage population health, reduce absenteeism, and boost productivity through improved employee well-being.

As virtual care continues to evolve, Omada Health’s comprehensive model sets an example of how technology-driven behavioral health integration can transform chronic disease management and whole-person health nationwide.

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