As the mental health crisis among young people continues to deepen, families and healthcare providers are increasingly facing a frustrating reality: when a child or teen is struggling with moderate to severe symptoms, options between weekly therapy and inpatient hospitalization are limited or non-existent. Now, Bend Health, a pediatric behavioral health provider based in Madison, Wisconsin, is helping fill that critical gap. The company has launched a virtual acute stabilization program in 25 states, offering a new level of virtual mental health care for youth that’s designed to be more intensive than traditional outpatient therapy, yet less restrictive than hospitalization.
Bridging a Critical Gap in Pediatric Behavioral Health
The idea for the program emerged from urgent patterns in Bend’s referral data. Roughly 75% of referrals involved youth facing moderate to severe mental health challenges—including depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and aggression.
“We found [challenges] with getting them into a more intensive program that was not inpatient,” said Dr. Monika Roots, co-founder and president of Bend Health. “We found that it didn’t exist for certain age groups… or [patients] would come back, and things would not be going well.”
In response, Bend created a solution that expands access to virtual mental health care for youth, especially for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
A New Model for Care: Virtual IOP
At the heart of the program is a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) that provides:
- Three-hour group therapy, three times a week
- Age-specific tracks:
- Children (8–12 years)
- Teens (13–17 years)
- Young Adults (18–25 years)
The program is intentionally designed to meet youth where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and logistically. For younger children, sessions are infused with interactive games and play therapy, while teen sessions incorporate activities like creating Spotify playlists to reflect mood and emotions. These age-appropriate approaches enhance engagement and emotional learning.
This hands-on format is a cornerstone of virtual mental health care for youth, combining clinical structure with social and emotional connection. Dr. Roots notes that group settings can be especially powerful for young people, who are used to being in social environments like schools.
“Only having individual therapy… without that socialization group piece is less effective,” she said. “Having that group interaction is probably the best thing that you can do for this age group.”
More Than Just Group Therapy
What makes Bend’s approach stand out is its multi-pronged, wraparound care. In addition to group therapy, participants have access to:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Psychiatric consultations
- Medication management
This layered approach helps ensure that each child or teen receives care that addresses their unique needs—another hallmark of high-quality virtual mental health care for youth.
The program is being used both as a step-up service for those needing more support than weekly outpatient therapy, and as a step-down option for those transitioning out of inpatient or residential care.
Easy Access, Flexible Scheduling
One major barrier to intensive programs has historically been scheduling—especially for children and teens who are in school. Bend’s solution? Offer services during after-school and evening hours.
“We focused on offering our acute stabilization program at a prime time,” said Roots. “That has been extremely appealing to payers because many of these structured programs tend to be during the day, which is very difficult for a kid in school.”
Making virtual mental health care for youth available outside of school hours increases access for families, reduces disruption to education, and encourages better long-term engagement with care.
Tailored for an Overlooked Age Group
Few traditional intensive programs cater to children under 12—something that Bend Health deliberately set out to change. Their new model specifically targets children, teens, and young adults, providing age-appropriate therapy for each group.
Dr. Roots emphasized that virtual mental health care for youth needs to be thoughtful and developmentally appropriate to be effective. That’s why Bend incorporated play-based techniques for younger children, creative media for teens, and self-exploration tools for young adults.
By addressing these age-specific needs, the program makes meaningful engagement possible across a wide developmental range.
Who Refers to the Program?
The acute stabilization program is receiving referrals from:
- Primary care providers
- Emergency departments
- Partial hospitalization and residential treatment programs
In many cases, these providers are desperate for virtual mental health care for youth that goes beyond what a once-weekly therapy session can provide—but doesn’t require a hospital stay.
Health insurance companies are also recognizing the value of Bend’s program. With flexible hours, proven models of care, and attention to underserved age groups, the program is well-aligned with payer goals for improving outcomes and reducing costs.
A New Future for Youth Mental Health Care
Since its founding, Bend Health has raised $32 million in seed and Series A funding. With a growing footprint and an innovative care model, the company is becoming a key player in reshaping how virtual mental health care for youth is delivered nationwide.
The acute stabilization program reflects a broader trend toward accessible, tech-enabled behavioral health care that’s both compassionate and clinically rigorous. Most importantly, it gives children and families real-time support—when and where they need it most.
In a mental health landscape where early intervention can make all the difference, programs like this aren’t just helpful—they’re transformative.
