Doctor Care Anywhere (DCA) is partnering with mental health businesses Koa Health and Kooth to boost the support it offers to users.
The collaboration with Koa Health, a digital mental health care provider, will facilitate a range of programmes for DCA patients, including audio clips, meditations and games designed to enhance sleep and relaxation and combat depression.
The partnership with Kooth, an online mental health platform will facilitate outreach on an anonymous basis to an online peer community with trained professionals monitoring and engaging with users to ensure safety and effectiveness of service at all times.
These services are in addition to DCA’s GPs which can identify and advise on complex physical and mental health conditions for their patients.
DCA has seen a significant rise over the last 12 months in mental health-related appointments, with more than 10 per cent of patients presenting with mental health conditions. Dr Bayju Thakar, founder and CEO of Doctor Care Anywhere says: “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.”
Dr Oliver Harrison, CEO of Koa Health says: “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 says: “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.”