Headway, the New York-based startup dedicated to connecting patients with mental health clinicians, is expanding its leadership team as part of its ongoing growth in the digital health space. The company recently announced two key hires: Matt Hackett as chief strategy officer and head of product, and Dr. Nicole Christian-Braithwaite as head of medical and clinical strategy. These additions highlight Headway’s focus on enhancing both its product offerings and clinical strategy while continuing to build one of the most innovative digital mental health platforms in the market.
Matt Hackett to Lead Product and Strategy
Hackett brings extensive experience in scaling high-growth startups and leading product and design teams. In his new role, he will oversee product development, design, and research, ensuring that Headway continues to innovate as a leading digital mental health platform. Before joining Headway, Hackett served as interim COO at digital events company Hopin and previously held positions at Beme, CNN, and Tumblr. He also co-founded live broadcast startup Oda and invested in multiple early-stage companies including SUPERPLASTIC, LULA, and Aanika Biosciences.
Reflecting on his new role, Hackett said on LinkedIn, “I’ve worked with a lot of high-growth startups, but nowhere have I witnessed a team that prizes rigor as highly as kindness. This is a truly unusual team, and one I could not be more excited to spend the next chapter of my career helping build.” His appointment underscores Headway’s commitment to combining operational excellence with a compassionate, patient-centered culture.
Dr. Nicole Christian-Braithwaite Joins as Head of Medical and Clinical Strategy
Dr. Nicole Christian-Braithwaite brings deep clinical expertise to Headway as head of medical and clinical strategy. A trained adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist, she currently operates her own private practice and serves on the Board of Directors of the New England Council of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (NECCAP). At Headway, she will guide the company’s clinical strategy, ensuring that patients using the platform receive care that meets the highest standards.
Headway’s Growth and Platform Features
Founded in 2017, Headway set out to solve a critical challenge in mental health care: helping patients find providers within their insurance networks. By building one of the leading digital mental health platforms, the company allows patients to search for in-network clinicians, view availability, review treatment specialties, and explore provider demographics. The platform has attracted significant investor attention, closing a $70 million funding round in 2021 and raising a total of $100 million to date.
Headway partners with a wide array of payers, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, and regional Blue Cross plans. These partnerships enhance the reach and impact of the company’s digital mental health platform, helping patients access care while supporting payers in improving behavioral health access.
Strategic Partnerships to Improve Access
Over the summer, Headway partnered with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to make it easier for members to connect with behavioral health providers. Through the platform, patients can see in-network clinicians, check appointment availability, and explore provider specialties and demographics. Initiatives like this demonstrate how Headway is leveraging its digital mental health platform to remove barriers to care and improve patient experiences.
Geographic Expansion
Geographic expansion is another key focus for Headway. In October, the company entered the California market, its fifteenth state. As Headway grows, its digital mental health platform is now reaching more patients than ever, making it a vital tool in the national effort to improve behavioral health access.
Looking Ahead
With these leadership additions, strategic partnerships, and continued expansion, Headway is solidifying its position as a top digital mental health platform. By combining experienced leadership, clinical expertise, and cutting-edge technology, the company is helping patients find the right care efficiently and compassionately.
As the demand for digital behavioral health solutions continues to rise, Headway’s digital mental health platform demonstrates how technology can connect patients with clinicians in meaningful and effective ways, creating a model for the future of mental health care.
