Accanto Health, a leader in eating disorder treatment, is expanding its behavioral health services with the launch of Gather Behavioral Health, a new outpatient and virtual therapy services program. This launch reflects a broader trend in mental health care: the growing demand for hybrid care models that combine in-person and online treatment options, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gather Behavioral Health is designed to provide comprehensive support for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and eating disorders. Patients can choose between in-person appointments at local clinics or virtual therapy services, offering the flexibility to receive care that fits their lifestyle and personal needs. Initially, Gather will operate in Minnesota and Wisconsin, with plans to expand to additional regions, including Ohio, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia.
“We are pleased to offer compassionate outpatient care for individuals struggling with behavioral health conditions,” said Dirk Miller, executive chair, founder, and therapist at Gather Behavioral Health. “It’s becoming more difficult for people to access outpatient services, which is heartbreaking because so much of recovery happens at the outpatient level. Our community of practitioners at Gather will be able to meet clients where they are and provide exceptional psychotherapy, nutrition counseling, and support on an ongoing basis, including virtual therapy services.”
Meeting the Demand for Accessible Mental Health Care
The launch of Gather comes at a time when access to mental health care is increasingly challenging. Long wait times, geographic limitations, and a shortage of trained therapists have created barriers for many individuals seeking care. By offering both in-person appointments and virtual therapy services, Gather addresses these challenges and makes treatment more accessible. Patients can continue therapy without disrupting work schedules, school, or family commitments—a key benefit of virtual therapy services.
Gather is actively recruiting therapists, providing both virtual and in-person options to attract top talent. Clinicians can offer flexible work arrangements while meeting patient demand, which supports Gather’s mission of delivering high-quality virtual therapy services and outpatient care.
The Formation of Accanto Health
Gather Behavioral Health is the latest initiative from Accanto Health, formed after the merger of two leading eating disorder providers: The Emily Program and Veritas Collaborative. Veritas Collaborative is backed by Vestar Capital Partners, while The Emily Program is supported by TT Capital Partners, the private equity arm of Triple Tree Holdings. As of 2021, Accanto Health operated over 20 locations across seven states, providing a foundation of expertise in specialized treatment services.
By expanding into broader mental health care through Gather, Accanto Health is building on this foundation to provide holistic, patient-centered care that includes virtual therapy services alongside in-person treatment.
Hybrid Mental Health Care: A Growing Trend
The launch of Gather Behavioral Health reflects the growing movement toward hybrid care, combining traditional outpatient therapy with virtual therapy services. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, and many patients now prefer flexible options that fit their schedules and comfort levels. Other recent examples of this trend include the 2021 launch of Geode Health, which partners with psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists to provide both in-person and virtual care. Similarly, Gather leverages virtual therapy services to make therapy more accessible and effective for patients across multiple states.
Looking Ahead: Expansion Plans
After establishing its presence in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Gather Behavioral Health plans to expand into the Midwest, Southeast, and Northwest. Future markets include Ohio, Washington, Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. This expansion positions Gather to meet growing demand for outpatient care and virtual therapy services, while maintaining its commitment to compassionate, individualized treatment.
By combining evidence-based treatment, nutrition counseling, and ongoing support with the flexibility of virtual therapy services, Gather Behavioral Health seeks to create a community where patients feel supported throughout their recovery journey.
Final Thoughts
With the launch of Gather Behavioral Health, Accanto Health is addressing one of the biggest challenges in mental health care: accessibility. By offering flexible, hybrid outpatient services for depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and eating disorders—including extensive virtual therapy services—Gather provides patients with the tools and support needed for long-term recovery.
As hybrid care continues to gain popularity, Gather Behavioral Health is poised to become a leading provider of outpatient and virtual therapy, setting a new standard for compassionate, patient-centered mental health care.