In today’s world, where mental health and personal well-being are gaining significant attention, New York City-based startup Forum is emerging as a trailblazer in offering a digital peer support marketplace. Founded in 2022 by Dr. Rajiv Kumar and Lee Pichette, Forum aims to address the growing demand for peer-based support for individuals going through major life challenges. Whether it’s addiction recovery, grief, relationship issues, career changes, chronic health conditions, or struggles with loneliness, Forum provides a much-needed space for people to connect and support each other during difficult times through digital peer support.
At its core, Forum seeks to bridge a critical gap in the behavioral health industry. Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health support, many people turn to informal online communities and social media for comfort and guidance. However, these platforms often fall short in terms of structure, professional moderation, and a focused approach to healing. Forum’s platform is built with the understanding that digital peer support groups need to be more than just a space for venting; they must be organized, facilitated by trained moderators, and, most importantly, create an environment that fosters growth and healing.
Forum’s services are live and video-based, creating a virtual space where participants can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Each group is moderated by a vetted professional who ensures that conversations remain productive, supportive, and safe. This approach is designed to make digital peer support more accessible, personalized, and effective, offering participants a real sense of connection and understanding that is often lacking in traditional support systems.
Since its inception, Forum has attracted significant attention from the investment community. Recently, the company closed a $5.3 million seed funding round, led by NextView Ventures, with additional participation from MBX Capital, Cue Ball Capital, and notable investors such as Sahil Bloom of SRB Ventures and Romeen Sheth. This funding is a testament to the growing interest in digital peer support solutions and the confidence investors have in Forum’s ability to scale and provide meaningful change in the lives of individuals seeking support.
Lee Hower, co-founder and partner at NextView Ventures, expressed his excitement about the company’s potential, saying, “Forum is the industry’s first marketplace that truly understands what consumers are looking for in peer support groups. As demand for digital peer support skyrockets, we’re thrilled to be partnering with a founding team that has a differentiated vision informed by its deep and unique experience.”
This kind of endorsement from experienced investors signals a major shift in how digital peer support services will be delivered. As more people recognize the value of group-based support, Forum is positioning itself as a leader in this space, offering a structured, digital approach to peer-based healing.
Filling the Gaps Left by Traditional Behavioral Health Services
One of the primary goals of Forum is to fill the void left by the traditional behavioral health system, which often fails to provide the kind of peer-based support that many individuals need. While therapy and counseling are important components of mental health care, the social aspect of healing can be just as vital. Digital peer support groups provide people with a sense of belonging and the comfort of knowing they are not alone in their struggles. However, in the age of social media, many people turn to online platforms that lack structure, reliable guidance, and sometimes even safety. This is where Forum steps in to provide an essential service—one that combines professional facilitation with the power of peer support.
The platform offers users a variety of group options, each focused on different challenges. Whether it’s addiction recovery, dealing with grief, navigating a career transition, or managing a chronic health condition, Forum tailors its support to meet the diverse needs of its users. Each group session is designed to help individuals connect on a personal level, share experiences, offer advice, and work through challenges with others who truly understand what they’re going through.
The importance of having a moderated space cannot be overstated. Without trained moderators to guide conversations, online support groups can sometimes become overwhelmed by negativity or misinformation. Forum’s moderation ensures that all discussions are respectful, productive, and grounded in evidence-based practices. This ensures that participants receive both emotional support and practical guidance from their peers, making digital peer support more effective than informal, unregulated platforms.
As the demand for digital peer support continues to increase, Forum’s marketplace model stands out as a key solution. By offering a digital platform that is both scalable and accessible, Forum is helping to democratize access to vital mental health support.
Ascellus Health and BeMe Health: Expanding Access to Behavioral Health Services
While Forum is making strides in the digital peer support space, other companies are also developing innovative solutions to meet the growing need for accessible behavioral health services. One such company is Ascellus Health, based in St. Petersburg, Florida, which recently raised $4.6 million in a convertible debt and equity round. Ascellus focuses on providing behavioral health services to injured workers, offering both virtual and in-person services, including work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Their network spans across 50 states, with 1,500 providers helping individuals cope with the mental health challenges related to workplace injuries.
The company’s innovative approach is helping to address a significant gap in the traditional workers’ compensation system, which often overlooks the mental health needs of injured workers. Ascellus Health offers a comprehensive solution, combining behavioral health care with predictive analytics to help employers manage individual cases more effectively. The company previously raised $8 million in funding in 2022 and is now seeking an additional $3 million to complete its current round, bringing the total offering to $7.6 million.
In another exciting development, BeMe Health, a Miami-based startup, has announced a $1.5 million investment from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. This strategic partnership will help BeMe Health expand its platform, which provides virtual behavioral health services to teens struggling with mental health challenges. The company has already raised $17 million in funding and is actively working to address the historic shortage of pediatric-focused mental health services. BeMe Health’s platform aims to provide accessible, timely support for teens and their families, offering a transformative solution for a demographic that often falls through the cracks of traditional mental health care.
“Traditional teen mental health solutions often fall short, leaving many without access to timely support that can change their lives for the better,” said Matt All, CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. “BeMe’s platform offers a transformative solution, and it couldn’t come at a more critical time for teens and families in Kansas and across the nation.”
Nema Health: Telehealth Care for PTSD and Complex Trauma
Another promising player in the telehealth space is Nema Health, a startup based in New Haven, Connecticut. Nema Health recently raised $4.1 million in seed funding to expand its services for individuals suffering from PTSD and complex trauma. The company offers care through a combination of therapists, peer mentors, case managers, and psychiatrists, providing a comprehensive approach to healing. Nema Health’s telehealth model is designed to be accessible to people in need of support, regardless of location, and aims to reach a broad audience of trauma survivors.
Nema Health was founded in 2021 by Mariam Malik and Dr. Sofia Noori. The company is now expanding its care program to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and it has secured a partnership with a national insurance provider to extend its reach even further. Nema Health’s approach is particularly valuable for individuals who may not have easy access to in-person care or those who prefer the convenience of virtual services.
“Our current system poses significant challenges to survivors of PTSD and complex trauma,” said Dr. Sofia Noori. “They have the strength within to find healing, but until now, there hasn’t been an accessible way for them to reach it.”
The Future of Peer Support and Virtual Behavioral Health Services
These innovative companies—Forum, Ascellus Health, BeMe Health, and Nema Health—are redefining the future of behavioral health services. Whether through digital peer support groups, virtual care for injured workers, or specialized services for trauma survivors and teens, these organizations are offering new ways for individuals to access the mental health support they need.
The future of behavioral health is digital, accessible, and personalized. As more people seek help for issues like addiction, grief, mental health disorders, and trauma, these companies are leading the way in transforming how support is delivered. With technology bridging the gap between traditional care and innovative solutions, it’s clear that the mental health space is undergoing a major evolution—one that is more inclusive, flexible, and responsive to the needs of those seeking help.
