West Virginia’s own Moodr Health is revitalizing the way we approach behavioral and mental health.
Moodr Health believes behavioral health is essential. Born and built in Morgantown, West Virginia, its origin story begins with the work of two passionate health care professionals, a handful of Fitbits, an abundance of text messages, and a deep dedication to patients. Although it may look more like a tech company on the outside, this growing mental health company is changing the way we approach care—for the better.
Seeing the Vision
Just a handful of years ago in southern West Virginia, a psychiatrist for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder was connecting the dots between the manic and depressive episodes her patients were experiencing and the physiological symptoms that preceded them. She took a unique approach to treatment, personally providing each patient with a Fitbit to track heart rate, sleep, and activity. Thanks to the data collected, she was able to better predict and treat oncoming episodes and thus reduce the number that her patients experienced.
While this breakthrough was taking place, a perinatal nurse on the other side of the state was determined to stay in touch with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. So determined, in fact, that she began calling them at home, checking in and supporting her patients’ physical and emotional health as well as she could from a distance. However, these unscheduled calls too often went unanswered, with a response rate of only 30%. Plan B? Text messages—and the response rate skyrocketed to an outstanding 85–90%. She was getting in touch with and providing support to new and expectant moms as well as their families.
The two providers and their dedication to mental wellness in West Virginia were brought together through fate and the combined efforts of Morgantown medtech company Intermed Labs and technology consulting company M&S Consulting. The individual methods of data collection via wearable technology and text messaging were combined to create a trailblazing digital platform, one that allows for the timely intervention, prevention, and treatment of a variety of mental health challenges for the people who are living with them. Since its inception, Moodr—originating from the idea “Mood Doctor”—and its passionate team have remained dedicated to their cause and the change they create.
At the Forefront of Mental Health
Today, Moodr Health’s innovative platform is breaking down barriers to improving mental health care in Appalachia and beyond through accessible support and treatment. Its proactive approach enables providers to better understand and meet patients where they are through remote monitoring and data collection that relies on state-of-the-art technology and predictive AI analysis. In addition, providers have access to proactive outreach opportunities, with a messaging platform response rate of 75–85%.
In its early days, Moodr’s focus was on maternal mental health, but it has since expanded its reach to include
- perinatal mental health
- substance use disorder
- student health and wellness
- mood and anxiety disorders
- trauma and stress-related disorders
- social determinants of health
- rural health
- grief and loss
- employee health and wellness
- at-risk populations related to any type of behavioral health issue
Moodr Health is partnering with health care systems, insurance providers, and other organizations in the state and around the country, and its reach is greater than ever before. With roots firmly and proudly placed in Appalachia, the Moodr team stands at the forefront of mental health care innovation. They carry this mission forward in the spirit of the two pioneering clinicians who reimagined behavioral and mental health care while keeping patients and their needs at the heart of their work.
For more information, visit moodrhealth.com.
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