Digital health innovator Color, known for its expertise in population health, is entering the behavioral health space with a major focus on school-based mental health care. The company recently announced the launch of a new school-based mental health service alongside the acquisition of Mood Lifters, a peer-based mental health provider focused on youth anxiety and depression. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Through these initiatives, Color aims to provide public school districts and departments with access to school-based mental health care. The program will offer screenings, access to mental health providers, and an integrated billing infrastructure, ensuring students can receive care efficiently and sustainably.
“The challenges in behavioral health access come from a supply shortage that can be fixed by reimagining the logistics around delivering health care – something Color has been doing since our founding nine years ago,” said Othman Laraki, CEO of Color. “Providing access to care in the context of how people live their everyday lives is the key to creating effective care delivery programs, including school-based mental health care.”
Mood Lifters Acquisition Brings Group-Based Support
The acquisition of Mood Lifters allows Color to expand its offerings to non-clinical, group-based mental health care in schools. Mood Lifters’ programs aim to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression among youth through peer support and structured group activities. These programs are designed to integrate with community resources and offer multilingual support, emphasizing accessibility and health equity.
“At Mood Lifters, we’ve built a program that reduces the personal and economic burden of stress, depression, and anxiety,” said Dr. Patricia Deldin, CEO of Mood Lifters. “Now, with Color, we can bring high-quality, evidence-based care to those who need it, wherever they are, through school-based mental health care.”
Addressing Youth Mental Health Needs
The need for school-based mental health care is urgent. According to the CDC, about 20% of teens have experienced a major depressive episode, and 36.7% of high schoolers report feeling sad or hopeless. Programs like Color’s aim to intervene early, providing school-based mental health services directly where students spend much of their day.
The federal government is also investing in school-based programs. In July, the Biden administration pledged nearly $300 million to expand mental health services in schools, a sign of growing recognition of the importance of school-based mental health care in preventing long-term mental health issues.
Digital Health Companies Transforming Behavioral Health
Color’s move into behavioral health reflects a broader trend of digital health companies providing school-based mental health care. By combining technology, community integration, and evidence-based interventions, these programs can overcome traditional barriers like provider shortages, geographic disparities, and stigma.
Other companies, like Hazel Health, are also expanding digital behavioral health programs in schools, demonstrating the demand and effectiveness of school-based mental health service models for adolescents.
A New Model for School-Based Mental Health Care
By integrating clinical services, peer-based group therapy, and digital infrastructure, Color is creating a comprehensive model for school-based mental health care. Schools now have access to programs that are sustainable, measurable, and designed to meet the diverse needs of students.
Color’s approach is particularly valuable for underserved communities, ensuring school-based mental health services are accessible to youth regardless of language, location, or financial means. This model could serve as a blueprint for future interventions nationwide.
Conclusion
Color’s expansion into behavioral health, through its new school-based services and Mood Lifters acquisition, demonstrates the growing role of technology in providing school-based mental health services. By offering accessible, equitable, and evidence-based programs, Color is helping address the mental health crisis among youth and ensuring that effective care reaches students where they need it most.
