Waltham, Massachusetts-based Eleanor, a hybrid mental health care and substance use disorder (SUD) provider, has announced the appointment of William McKinney as its new Chief Executive Officer. This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it continues to expand its footprint in the evolving field of value-based behavioral health care.
McKinney brings a strong track record of leadership in healthcare operations, with extensive experience in managing large teams and complex service models. Previously, he served as CEO of Sevita, a home- and community-based care provider for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). There, he oversaw 45,000 employees serving 55,000 individuals nationwide. He has also held senior roles such as president of the Integrated Care Group at Fresenius Medical Care and vice president of operations at WellCare.
“When you tackle the big issues in healthcare, it’s critical to consider the whole person — physical health, mental health, and social well-being,” McKinney said. “This holistic perspective is the heart and soul of Eleanor’s hybrid mental health care model, and it’s why I’m committed to leading the organization forward.”
Leading the Future of Hybrid Mental Health Care
Eleanor’s innovative hybrid mental health care approach combines the convenience and accessibility of virtual treatment with the depth and support of in-person care. This integrated delivery model allows Eleanor to meet patients where they are, offering tailored services for those with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
At the core of Eleanor’s hybrid mental health care model is a commitment to value-based care, which focuses on improving patient outcomes while controlling costs. Eleanor’s offerings include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and harm reduction strategies, which are especially effective in supporting sustained recovery.
Backed by robust investor confidence, Eleanor raised $50 million in Series C funding in 2022, totaling about $82 million in capital to date. The company currently holds 17 value-based care contracts in seven states, partnering with three national payers — an impressive footprint for a behavioral health provider specializing in hybrid mental health care.
Chris Bischoff, managing director at General Catalyst, one of Eleanor’s investors, emphasized the importance of McKinney’s leadership:
“The large, underserved population Eleanor serves, combined with its pioneering hybrid mental health care approach, fits perfectly with our investment thesis. We are excited to have William, a world-class leader with both vision and execution ability, guiding the company.”
Navigating Leadership Transitions
William McKinney takes the helm after a period of change at Eleanor. Founder and former CEO Corbin Petro announced her departure nearly five months ago, with board member Kyle Raffaniello serving as interim CEO in the interim. The leadership transition follows several executive hires over the past year, including appointments to chief customer and patient engagement officer, chief financial officer, and chief of staff — moves aimed at strengthening Eleanor’s executive team to support growth.
The organization has also faced operational challenges common to many digital health startups, including a staff reduction of approximately 18% to 20% in late 2022. Despite these pressures, Eleanor remains dedicated to advancing its hybrid mental health care model and expanding access to integrated, whole-person care.
Why Hybrid Mental Health Care Matters
The demand for hybrid mental health care continues to rise as patients seek flexible, personalized treatment options. Eleanor’s model acknowledges that many individuals benefit from a blend of virtual engagement and in-person clinical support, creating a more responsive and effective continuum of care.
With McKinney’s leadership, Eleanor aims to refine this model further, deepening payer partnerships and improving clinical outcomes. His background managing large, community-based healthcare organizations uniquely equips him to address the complexities involved in scaling mental health care services.
Eleanor’s Commitment to Whole-Person Care
Eleanor’s mission is to treat the whole person — addressing mental health, substance use, and physical health challenges together. This integrated approach is at the core of hybrid mental health care and is increasingly recognized as the future of behavioral healthcare delivery.
By combining technology-enabled virtual care with accessible in-person services, Eleanor breaks down traditional barriers and meets patients’ diverse needs in a compassionate, effective way. With the infusion of strong leadership and ongoing investment, the company is well-positioned to lead the way in value-based behavioral health innovation.
About Eleanor
Eleanor is a behavioral health provider based in Waltham, Massachusetts, offering mental health care and substance use disorder treatment services. The company specializes in value-based care contracts across multiple states and national payers, delivering virtual and in-person treatment options focused on medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction.
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