Amae Health, a Los Angeles-based startup dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals with serious mental illnesses (SMI), has secured an additional $6 million in funding through a partnership with the nonprofit academic health system Cedars-Sinai. This new investment is a significant step forward for the less-than-two-year-old company, which continues to grow and innovate in the mental health space. This announcement follows a successful $15 million Series A funding round in April 2024, led by Quiet Capital, further fueling Amae Health’s expansion and ambitions.
Partnership with Cedars-Sinai to Improve Care for SMI Patients
The primary focus of this new partnership with Cedars-Sinai is the integration of Amae Health’s services with Cedars-Sinai’s electronic medical records (EMR), which will streamline and enhance the continuity of care for patients with serious mental illness. By working together, the two organizations aim to provide a more cohesive and integrated care experience that addresses the complex needs of individuals with SMI, who often face fragmented care in the current healthcare system.
Expanding Technology and Services for SMI Care
The collaboration also includes joint research efforts and a focus on expanding Amae Health’s technology platform, which is designed to improve the management and delivery of care for patients with serious mental illness. The capital raised through this deal will be used to accelerate the growth of Amae Health’s clinics, which are already operating in several major cities, including Los Angeles, Raleigh, North Carolina, and New York. The company’s goal is to expand its reach to even more communities across the country, providing patients with more access to specialized care and improving the quality of life for individuals living with serious mental health conditions.
A New Approach to Serious Mental Illness Treatment
Amae Health’s approach to treating serious mental illness is distinct in that it brings together a multidisciplinary team of professionals who coordinate care for patients in a way that is typically not seen in the traditional mental healthcare system. Many patients with serious mental illnesses often experience episodic care, particularly when they are admitted to emergency rooms during mental health crises. This can lead to a cycle of inadequate treatment and a lack of continuity in care. By focusing on outpatient care, Amae Health aims to address this gap by offering more consistent and tailored treatment plans that are designed to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Coordinated Care Teams Lead by Psychiatrists
The care teams at Amae Health consist of psychiatrists, social workers, peer support specialists, health coaches, and primary care physicians, all working together to create individualized treatment plans that are coordinated and managed to ensure the best possible outcomes. At the center of this care model, psychiatrists lead the decision-making process, ensuring that treatment plans are rooted in evidence-based practices and focused on the whole person’s well-being.
Cedars-Sinai’s Commitment to Whole-Person Health
Cedars-Sinai, with its expansive network of healthcare services in the Los Angeles metro area, operates more than 40 locations and over 1,000 beds. The organization employs 17,000 people, including 3,000 physicians, making it one of the largest healthcare providers in the region. In its most recent fiscal year, Cedars-Sinai generated approximately $4.7 billion in revenue, further solidifying its role as a key player in the healthcare industry. The partnership with Amae Health highlights Cedars-Sinai’s ongoing commitment to addressing the mental health needs of the community, as well as its emphasis on integrated care that spans both physical and mental health.
Integrated Care for SMI Patients
Dr. Itai Danovitch, the chair of the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, spoke about the importance of this partnership and the integration of care. “Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand, and patients with serious mental illness can often benefit from structured, individualized plans,” he said. “Our investment in Amae Health represents our ongoing commitment to whole-person health.”
Addressing Gaps in the Healthcare System for SMI
This partnership is especially important as the healthcare system continues to evolve and adapt to the growing need for more comprehensive mental health services. The traditional system, which often fails to provide patients with a seamless experience, can be difficult to navigate, especially for those living with serious mental illness. Amae Health’s innovative approach seeks to break down these barriers by providing a unified platform for care that addresses both the mental and physical health needs of patients.
Advancing Research and Technology for Better SMI Treatment
In addition to improving patient outcomes, the collaboration with Cedars-Sinai will also contribute to advancing research in the mental health field, particularly in understanding and treating serious mental illness. With the support of Cedars-Sinai’s extensive research capabilities and Amae Health’s innovative technology, the two organizations hope to drive forward new insights into the treatment of SMI and improve the overall healthcare experience for individuals living with these conditions.
Looking to the Future of SMI Care
As Amae Health continues to grow and expand its services, the company’s focus remains on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of individuals with serious mental illness. The partnership with Cedars-Sinai is a significant milestone for the company and demonstrates a shared commitment to improving access to specialized care, enhancing patient outcomes, and supporting the mental and physical health of those who need it most.
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