Fort Health Revolutionizes Pediatric Mental Health Care with New Funding and Partnerships
Fort Health is a New York-based company that started two years ago. It partners with the Child Mind Institute to help pediatricians refer patients for mental health services. Fort Health’s team creates care plans for pediatricians to monitor their patients’ progress.
Natalie Schneider from Fort Health explains that pediatricians are trusted by families but often face many patients with mental health needs. Fort Health focuses on placing pediatricians at the center of the care team.
Fort Health is a women-led organization. It extends care teams to include school nurses, teachers, and parents. Its services are available to patients aged four to 24 years and are covered by most health insurance plans.
What strategies does Fort Health use to collaborate with pediatricians in addressing pediatric mental health issues?
Interview with Natalie Schneider, Co-Founder of Fort Health
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us today, Natalie. Can you start by sharing a little about the mission of Fort Health?
Natalie Schneider: Absolutely! Our mission at Fort Health is to transform how pediatricians approach mental health care for their patients. We believe that pediatricians are incredibly trusted figures in the lives of families, but they often face challenges when it comes to managing the mental health needs of their patients. Our goal is to empower them by creating tailored care plans and facilitating referrals to mental health services in collaboration with the Child Mind Institute.
News Directory 3: That’s a vital service. How does Fort Health ensure that pediatricians can effectively monitor their patients’ progress in mental health care?
Natalie Schneider: We create comprehensive care plans that not only guide pediatricians in treatment strategies but also involve school nurses, teachers, and parents in the process. This holistic approach ensures that everyone who is part of a child’s life is engaged in their mental health journey, fostering a supportive environment.
News Directory 3: You mentioned that Fort Health is a women-led organization. How does this influence your approach and operations?
Natalie Schneider: Being a women-led organization informs our workplace culture and our focus on empathy and collaboration. We prioritize creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives can thrive. This is crucial in mental health care, where understanding and compassion are key in addressing the needs of families and children.
News Directory 3: According to Mental Health America, around 20% of children in the US experience mental disorders annually, yet many go without adequate care. What challenges do families face in accessing mental health services?
Natalie Schneider: Families often struggle with high treatment costs and a significant shortage of mental health professionals. These barriers can make it difficult for children to receive the help they need. At Fort Health, we aim to eliminate some of those barriers by making mental health services more accessible, especially for families who cannot afford out-of-pocket costs.
News Directory 3: Can you tell us about the recent funding round for Fort Health and what it means for the company’s future?
Natalie Schneider: We’re thrilled about the support we received from Twelve Below, Vanterra, and other investors. This funding, which totals $16 million, will enable us to expand our services into Texas and Illinois. We’re excited to partner with NovaWell for behavioral health services in these new states, as it will allow us to reach more families in need.
News Directory 3: What do you see as the next steps for Fort Health as it continues to expand?
Natalie Schneider: Our immediate focus is on establishing strong partnerships in Texas and Illinois to ensure we can effectively serve those communities. We aim to continue advocating for mental health awareness among pediatricians and to provide them with the resources they need to support their patients adequately. Our vision is to create a nationwide network where every child can receive the mental health care they deserve.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Natalie, for sharing these insights about Fort Health and its vital work in pediatric mental health care.
Natalie Schneider: Thank you for having me! We’re truly passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families across the country.
About 20% of children in the US experience a mental disorder annually, but many do not receive adequate care, according to Mental Health America. High treatment costs and a shortage of professionals make it hard for families to access help. Taylor Greene from Twelve Below notes that Fort Health aims to make mental health care accessible for families who cannot afford out-of-pocket costs.
Twelve Below and Vanterra led a funding round for Fort Health, with contributions from Redesign Health, Blue Venture Fund, and True Wealth Ventures. Fort Health currently serves New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The new funding will help the company expand into Texas and Illinois, partnering with NovaWell for behavioral health services. Fort Health has raised a total of $16 million.