Mental Therapy Startup Talkspace to Start Prescribing Medication, Report Says
The startup hired former UnitedHealth Group executives Neil Leibowitz to lead the online prescription program
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On Thursday, Talkspace announced it hired former UnitedHealth Group executives Neil Leibowitz to the role of chief medical officer. According to CNBC’s report, Mr. Leibowits was hired to lead the medical prescription program.
TalkSpace co-founders Oren and Roni Frank. Photo: Talkspace
Founded by Israeli couple Roni and Oren Frank, Talkspace developed and operates web and mobile apps that connect users with licensed therapists, offering digital mental therapy plans through text messages or recorded voice and video messages, and charging $49-$79 per week.
According to CNBC, Talkspace's physicians will begin prescribing medication using the video chat to comply with state and federal regulations.
- Online Mental Therapy Startup Talkspace Raises $31 Million
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CNBC also reported that the company is considering a potential IPO.
Talkspace was established in 2012 and is based in New York. According to the company, more than a million people have already used its service. In September 2017, Talkspace raised $31 million in Series C funding from Japan’s Softbank and other investors, bringing its total equity funding raised to $60 million.
