Company launches a geriatric behavioral health support platform

Mental health is a critical yet often overlooked factor in the well-being of older adults. With the senior population facing unique challenges in behavioral health care, solutions that address these needs are more important than ever.

And so, the US-based Vitalic has launched an innovative geriatric behavioral health platform aimed at improving care for underserved seniors — enhancing their overall health while reducing total healthcare costs.

How does it work?

Vitalic's platform is a specialized practice tool designed to address the mental health needs of older adults. It combines geriatric psychiatry with therapy, coaching, and medication management to provide a holistic approach to care. The platform uses a proprietary engagement model that works with payors to identify high-cost, polychronic members with untreated behavioral health challenges. Through predictive modeling and risk stratification, Vitalic engages patients with personalized care plans that fit their needs.

A key feature of the platform is its team-based clinical model. This includes geriatric-trained specialists such as Geriatric Boarded Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Therapists, and Mental Health Support Coaches. These professionals collaborate with patients' medical healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care that enhances self-care, emotional well-being, and medication adherence. Telehealth capabilities, secure chat, and personalized content further increase accessibility and participation.

Why does it matter?

The need for geriatric behavioral health solutions is pressing. Around 25% of adults aged 65 and older suffer from mental health issues like depression and anxiety, yet 63% of them do not receive adequate treatment. Untreated mental health conditions exacerbate chronic illnesses, leading to higher healthcare costs — estimated at $63 billion annually. Moreover, ageism and stigma discourage seniors from seeking care, further widening the treatment gap.

"Despite the fact that this population continues to grow, targeted efforts to address seniors' specific needs and impact on the healthcare industry have been too small and fallen far short," said Ben Gardner, CEO and Co-Founder of Vitalic.

Vitalic's approach tackles these challenges by addressing the root behavioral health issues that influence physical health and healthcare behaviors.

By reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency visits, the platform lowers costs and improves seniors' quality of life. This is especially valuable for Medicare Advantage payors and risk-bearing providers, as older adults with untreated mental health issues cost payors more than three times as much as those without such issues.

The context

The senior population in the United States (and many other parts of the world, for that matter) is rapidly growing, and so are the complexities of their healthcare needs. Behavioral health issues are often misdiagnosed or overlooked, resulting in poor outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Traditional healthcare approaches focus primarily on treating chronic medical conditions without addressing underlying mental health challenges. This fragmented care model leaves significant gaps in treatment.

"Every day, our skilled clinical teams overcome enormous challenges in delivering high-quality patient and member care to older adults with complex, complicated care needs," said Dan Savitt, President and CEO of VNS Health.

Collaborating with VNS Health, Vitalic provides a solution tailored to this vulnerable population, closing critical care gaps and setting a new standard for geriatric behavioral health care.

Now, the question is - could a similar service be launched to serve the GCC and MENA markets? Or Arabs living abroad?