Collaboration to provide digital mental health services in UK
Responding to growing demand in the UK for mental health services and support, digital health provider Doctor Care Anywhere (‘DCA’), is developing new mental health services in collaboration with Koa Health, a digital mental health care provider, and Kooth, an online mental health platform.
Dr Bayju Thakar, founder and CEO of Doctor Care Anywhere said: “At DCA we have long taken very seriously the effects of mental health issues on our patients, their families and communities. So often, mental health symptoms can be substantially alleviated by early, thoughtful and sensitive interventions, by taking an integrated, holistic approach to treating both physical and mental health conditions. We are, therefore, pleased to be working with colleagues at Koa Health and Kooth, who share our vision and passion for providing excellent care, as we enhance our pathways of mental health and wellbeing services, allowing us to continue providing patients with appropriate and timely care.”
Through these collaborations, in addition to DCA’s GPs being able to identify and advise on complex physical and mental health conditions for their patients, they will also be able to provide them with access to additional and specialist support as part of an integrated mental health solution. The services will initially be made available to selected DCA patients, whereby patients will be able to access programmes including audio clips, meditations and games designed to enhance sleep and relaxation and combat depression, offered by Koa Health. Outreach on an anonymous basis to an online peer community, offered by Kooth, with trained professionals monitoring and engaging with users to ensure safety and effectiveness of service at all times, will also be available to DCA patients.
Dr Oliver Harrison, CEO of Koa Health said: “Our goal is to provide easy access to a range of digital mental health solutions which help people flourish in a challenging and changing world. Through our collaboration with Doctor Care Anywhere we want to close the growing demand gap in mental health care and provide patients with access to personalised products which meet their individual mental health needs. There has never been a more important time for this type of support, and a better opportunity to eliminate stigma and open access to mental health services for good.”
Tim Barker, chief executive officer of Kooth added: "We are delighted to be a part of this ground-breaking initiative, helping to bring digital mental health care to Doctor Care Anywhere patients, their families and communities. Demand for mental health services is stronger than ever and digital services play a crucial role in getting mental health support to people at the right time. The collaboration with Doctor Care Anywhere provides a real opportunity to bring Kooth's 20 years of experience and strong track record in delivering high quality mental health services to a wider audience."
DCA has seen a significant rise over the last 12 months in mental health-related appointments, with more than 10% of patients presenting with mental health conditions. This is confirmed by a recent survey conducted by the Office of National Statistics which found that nearly one in five adult Britons have suffered from some form of depression and almost 50% said their sense of wellbeing had been adversely affected by COVID-19.