Headspace, Ginger Merge to Offer Comprehensive Digital Mental Health Platform

Headspace and Ginger have entered an agreement to merge into Headspace Health to offer an accessible and comprehensive digital mental health and well-being platform.

Headspace, an organization focused on mindfulness and meditation, will join Ginger, a provider of on-demand mental healthcare, to provide the full spectrum of affordable and comprehensive support.

“Headspace and Ginger have a shared recognition that the mental health crisis can’t be solved by simply hiring more therapists or moving care online,” Russell Glass, chief executive officer of Ginger, said in a press release. “Through this merger, we can uniquely tackle the full spectrum of mental health needs — from prevention to clinical care — all from one integrated platform.”

The merged organization, Headspace Health, will leverage technology to provide care to people around the world, reaching an estimated 100 million lives across all 50 U.S. states and in more than 190 countries worldwide. Members will be able to chat through text with a coach live, 24/7, 365 days a year. And users can have a secure video session with a therapist or psychiatrist with more expediency than traditional face-to-face care.

Ginger’s platform is powered by AI and data, enabling the care team to use a system that analyzes chat transcripts, clinical assessments, satisfaction, and engagement data to provide personalized and efficient care for each user. It is reimbursed as a virtual in-network benefit through fully-insured, self-insured, and government-funded programs.

Research and evidence demonstrate Headspace has produced favorable outcomes of interventions, such as reduced stress, improved focus, increased resilience, and reduced burnout. Further, a study conducted by Google and Roche revealed eight weeks of using Headspace resulted in a 31% decrease in anxiety symptoms and a 46% decrease in depressive symptoms in healthy adults.

Ginger’s model of behavioral health coaching, therapy, and psychiatry have produced an average of 59% improvement in anxiety and 70% improvement in depression.

Glass will become the chief executive officer of Headspace Health, which aims to reach consumers, employers, and health plans. The definitive agreement is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions. It is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.