The mental health crisis among teenagers has reached a critical point, and behavioral health providers are taking action. One such provider, Brightside Health, is expanding its virtual behavioral health services to meet the increasing demand for age-specific care, particularly for teens. This move comes as part of a broader trend within the behavioral health industry to recognize and address the unique mental health needs of young people. Brightside’s expansion is a timely response to what CEO Brad Kittredge describes as a “teen mental health pandemic,” and reflects the growing urgency of the issue at hand.
A Critical Need for Specialized Teen Mental Health Care
On Tuesday, Brightside Health made a significant announcement, unveiling its new teen-focused behavioral health services. This expansion aims to address the growing concerns over the mental well-being of teenagers, which have reached alarming levels in recent years. According to Kittredge, the decision to extend services to teens was driven by both clinical necessity and a persistent demand from the community.
“The need is obvious from a clinical standpoint,” Kittredge told Behavioral Health Business. “We know that. We hear all the time and we get asked, ‘Will you please support teens?’ We knew that the time was right to lean into it.”
Despite Brightside’s desire to expand into teen mental health care for some time, the complexities involved in offering care to this age group—such as navigating state-specific regulations, obtaining informed consent, and managing parental involvement—presented significant challenges. These logistical hurdles delayed the company’s entry into teen care, but ultimately, the increasing demand for specialized services pushed Brightside to act.
The mental health needs of teenagers are distinct from those of adults, requiring a tailored approach that accounts for their developmental stage and specific challenges. With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions among teens, providing effective care for this population has never been more critical. Brightside’s decision to address this need comes at a crucial moment, as the pandemic and its associated social and emotional impacts continue to weigh heavily on young people’s mental health.
Expanding Access to Teen Mental Health Care: Initial Launch and Future Plans
Brightside’s initial expansion into teen mental health care will focus on offering virtual psychiatry and therapy services for teens in 15 states. This rollout is just the beginning, with plans for a nationwide expansion by early 2025. However, this process requires a nuanced, state-by-state approach, as mental health care regulations vary significantly across different geographies. Brightside is committed to navigating these regulatory challenges to provide consistent and reliable care for teens across the country.
In the early stages of the expansion, teens will have access to telehealth services that include virtual psychiatry and therapy, designed to address a wide range of behavioral health concerns. As the program matures, Brightside plans to broaden its services to include more intensive forms of care, such as intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. By gradually introducing these services, Brightside hopes to provide a comprehensive care continuum for teens, ranging from those with mild symptoms to those facing more severe challenges.
Substance use disorder treatment is particularly important in the context of teen mental health care, as this age group is increasingly vulnerable to addiction and other substance-related issues. By incorporating SUD treatment into their offerings, Brightside aims to address a significant gap in the behavioral health system, providing an integrated solution for teens struggling with mental health and substance use.
Brightside’s Comprehensive Approach to Behavioral Health
This expansion into teen mental health care is just one part of Brightside’s broader vision to provide a comprehensive and high-value behavioral health service. As Kittredge explains, Brightside aims to be a “one-stop partner” for health systems and payers, offering a range of services that span the full spectrum of mental health care, from mild to severe conditions.
“When I look at the offerings that we have built in our building, I would contend that Brightside is the most comprehensive and most rigorous mental health platform in the industry,” Kittredge said.
Brightside’s focus on providing high-quality care for patients with both mild and severe mental health conditions positions the company as a key player in the behavioral health space. The platform is designed to support individuals at every stage of their mental health journey, whether they are dealing with acute symptoms, chronic conditions, or complex co-occurring issues.
In addition to traditional psychiatry and therapy, Brightside’s offerings include support for chronic condition comorbidities, suicide risk prevention, and screenings for various mental health disorders. The provider also emphasizes the importance of providing care for high-acuity patients—those with the most severe and urgent needs—ensuring that no patient is left without the support they require.
Strategic Growth and the Road Ahead in Teen Mental Health Care
As Brightside continues to expand its offerings, it remains committed to building strong relationships with health systems and payers, which will be critical to its success. By offering a comprehensive array of services and focusing on both clinical quality and patient experience, Brightside aims to position itself as a trusted partner in the mental health care ecosystem.
Brightside’s acquisition of LionRock Recovery in June further strengthens its position in the behavioral health market. LionRock, a provider of substance use disorder treatment, brought a new level of expertise to Brightside’s platform, allowing the company to expand into SUD treatment. Kittredge noted that the integration of LionRock was a challenging process, but one that was necessary for Brightside to continue expanding its service offerings.
“Everyone will tell you acquisitions are hard. I believed them, and it’s even harder than I imagined,” Kittredge said. “There are multiple layers and levels to that integration. There are logistical considerations, regulatory and operational considerations, and there are a lot of people considerations.”
Despite the complexities of integrating LionRock, Brightside was able to maintain a smooth patient experience during the transition, ensuring that its services remained uninterrupted and continued to meet the needs of its patients.
A Broader Industry Movement Toward Teen Mental Health Care
Brightside’s expansion into teen mental health care is part of a larger movement within the behavioral health industry to meet the mental health needs of young people. Other providers are following suit, recognizing the urgent need for services designed specifically for teens. In February, Talkspace, one of the leading virtual therapy platforms, expanded its services to include teens. Similarly, Bicycle Health, which specializes in opioid use disorder treatment, began offering teen-focused care in July.
The growing focus on teen mental health care has also caught the attention of investors, with several teen-focused behavioral health providers securing significant funding. Virtual teen mental health provider BeMe raised $12.5 million in August, while Blackbird, a provider of care for children and young adults aged 2 to 26, raised $17 million in February. These investments reflect the increasing demand for specialized teen mental health care and the recognition that this demographic requires targeted interventions.
Looking to the Future: Opportunities in Medicaid and Medicare
While Brightside has no plans to expand treatment to individuals younger than 13, Kittredge sees significant opportunities for future growth, particularly within government-sponsored health programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Medicare Advantage plans. These programs provide a critical safety net for vulnerable populations, and expanding access to virtual mental health care within these systems could further enhance Brightside’s ability to reach teens in need.
As Brightside rolls out its services nationwide and continues to innovate in the behavioral health space, the company remains committed to its mission of providing high-quality, accessible mental health care to individuals of all ages. By focusing on the unique needs of teens, Brightside hopes to make a meaningful impact on the mental health of young people, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Comprehensive Teen Mental Health Care
Brightside Health’s decision to expand its virtual behavioral health services to teens marks a crucial step in addressing the mental health crisis among young people. As the company continues to roll out its services and integrate more specialized care options, it hopes to provide a comprehensive solution for teens facing mental health challenges. With a growing focus on teen mental health care across the industry, Brightside’s efforts contribute to a broader movement aimed at ensuring that every teen has access to the care they need to thrive.
