Pelago Launches Integrated Behavioral Health Platform at Nashville Conference

The platform addresses issues such as substance misuse related to alcohol and prescription medications, alongside mental health concerns like stress and anxiety. Pelago also caters to individuals dealing with behavioral addictions, including gambling and gaming. The company provides services to both employers and payers.

With the Pelago Behavioral Health Platform, clients can manage their substance use and mental health treatments under a single contract and member record, facilitating improved care for co-occurring conditions. CEO and co-founder Dr. Yusuf Sherwani reported that nearly half of Pelago’s patients experience co-occurring anxiety and depression.

The initial step for patients is an assessment with Pelago’s clinical AI tool, Sona, which evaluates their care needs and directs them accordingly. Sona serves as a clinical assessment tool that can guide patients through various treatment paths. Low-acuity patients can engage with Sona for support, while those meeting specific diagnostic criteria can connect with Pelago clinicians for enhanced support alongside Sona’s guidance.

Sona was launched this summer, and two studies involving over 9,000 member conversations indicated that patients experienced a 20% to 25% reduction in poor mental health days each month.

Pelago’s new platform arrives amidst increasing behavioral health expenditures, which are becoming a significant concern for employers. Dr. Sherwani emphasized that the platform aims to lower costs by allowing AI to manage less critical cases, thereby freeing clinicians for more complex needs.

He mentioned the goal is to maintain or improve access to behavioral health services in the next two to three years while making mental health care more cost-effective, similar to advancements achieved in substance use care. Sherwani underscored the importance of establishing a sustainable model that reduces the overall healthcare burden.