AdvocateMH, a new behavioral health triage company founded by Dr. David Mou, the former CEO of the troubled mental health provider Cerebral, has successfully raised $6.2 million in funding. The company, based in Brookline, Massachusetts, had initially sought a total of $8 million to help launch its mission of improving access to mental health care through strategic partnerships with health systems, payers, and providers.
AdvocateMH’s approach focuses on guiding individuals through the often complex behavioral health landscape by connecting them to the appropriate care at the right time. This could include therapy, psychiatry, peer support, or other mental health resources. The company’s model is designed to prioritize quality care, patient experience, and seamless care coordination, with the goal of making mental health services more accessible and effective for everyone.
Dr. David Mou, who previously served as the CEO of Cerebral, will take the reins at AdvocateMH as its CEO. Mou resigned from his role at Cerebral earlier this year but remains involved with the company as its chief medical officer. His leadership at Cerebral was marked by significant challenges, including scrutiny over the company’s Adderall prescribing practices, layoffs, legal battles, and a shift away from prescribing controlled substances.
The new venture’s leadership team also includes Bridget Stewart as chief operating officer and Dr. Thomas Insel as president, both of whom bring substantial expertise to AdvocateMH’s mission.
AdvocateMH is part of a growing trend of behavioral health companies securing significant funding. In the past few weeks, several other mental health startups have raised substantial capital, including Bluebird Kids, which secured $31 million, Ria Health raising $12.5 million for its virtual substance use disorder treatment, and Little Otter, a child mental health provider, which raised $9.5 million.
With this funding, AdvocateMH aims to expand its reach and offer more robust support for individuals navigating mental health challenges. By building strategic partnerships, the company hopes to improve patient access to effective care, while also ensuring a smoother, more coordinated experience in the behavioral health field.
