SC Connecticut News

Quartet Health, a company founded in 2014 with 350 employees and investors including Google Ventures and Oak HC/FT, is pioneering a whole-person approach to mental health care. The CEO, Christina Mainelli ’11, highlighted the pressing need for improved mental health care in the United States, stating, "It’s estimated that more than one in five adults live with a mental illness. And if you add addiction—substance use disorder—that number gets much larger."

Mainelli emphasized the challenges in accessing mental health care, pointing out that "access, quality, and the fragmentation of the delivery system" are major issues that need to be addressed. She noted the significant impact of mental illness on both adults and children, with over half of adolescents having experienced a mental health issue. Mainelli stressed the importance of delivering high-quality care to achieve the best outcomes for patients, acknowledging that there is still significant variation in adherence to evidence-based care.

Regarding the fragmentation between physical and behavioral healthcare, Mainelli highlighted the need for a more integrated approach, stating, "The more we learn about mental health care, the clearer it is that physical health can be a large determinant of mental health and vice versa."

Quartet Health operates as both a technology platform and a direct provider of patient care. Mainelli explained, "Quartet is both a technology platform and a direct provider of patient care." She shared a real-life example of a 71-year-old female patient in Michigan who accessed Quartet's digital platform and was matched with a provider within hours, showcasing how technology can help improve access to care.

Mainelli also discussed Quartet's focus on the seriously mentally ill population, stating, "This is a patient population that really struggles... I have absolute conviction that we must address the 'whole person' in healthcare." She highlighted Quartet's new product, a behavioral health home that delivers whole-person treatment reimbursed in a value-based model.

In terms of the future of mental health care, Mainelli predicted a shift towards value-based care and the potential for AI to play a significant role in improving patient outcomes. She credited her experience at Yale SOM for shaping her approach to work, emphasizing the importance of a broad understanding of healthcare and collaboration across disciplines.

Quartet Health's innovative approach to mental health care underscores the importance of addressing the complex needs of individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders, ultimately aiming to deliver higher quality care, lower overall costs, and provide better patient outcomes.