Direct-to-consumer virtual care company Ro is rolling out a new mental health platform, dubbed Ro Mind, that will initially focus on generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). As part of the service, patients will be able to get a prescription for anxiety and depression medications through the platform, if they fit the criteria. 

In a blog posting, Ro’s team said that these mental health conditions were prevalent in the customer population, sparking the new product. 

“Anxiety and depression are not only common among our patients, but they can be connected to some of the conditions they already receive treatment for through our platform — such as erectile dysfunction (ED), obesity, and acne. And, like anxiety and depression, these health needs also share similar barriers to care and impact a patient’s quality of life,” a Ro blog stated. 

Like other offerings at Ro, the patient starts the process by filling out a health assessment that consists of “clinically-backed” questions. At this point, the system is designed to flag any risk factors or concerns. 

A provider will then review the form. If the patient is deemed appropriate for treatment, the provider will schedule a one-on-one clinical consultation with the patient. If medication is prescribed during that visit, Ro will send it to the patient’s home on a monthly basis. 

Patients prescribed medications will be required to participate in video and asynchronous check-ins. The platform also offers a series of informational prerecorded videos to help with patient education. 

Down the road, Ro is planning on rolling out more services, including individual and group therapy.

WHY IT MATTERS 

Anxiety and depression are both common conditions in the United States. According to the CDC, about 11.2% of adults in the U.S. report regularly feeling worried, nervous or anxious, and 4.7% of adults regularly have feelings of depression.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety, depression and substance abuse have increased. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that during the pandemic one in four adults in the country reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, up from one in ten previously. 

Today there are scores of digital health companies looking to address mental health. In fact, Rock Health reported that in 2020 investors poured $2.4 billion of digital health funding into behavioral health companies. 

THE LARGER TREND 

It’s no secret that Ro is looking to expand its product offerings and looking to be more of a one-stop shop for healthcare. While Ro got its start in the men’s sexual health and wellbeing space, today its offerings include smoking cessation, weight management, allergies and prescription dermatology. 

Recently the company has been expanding via acquisitions. In June, Ro purchased at-home diagnostic company Kit, which allows patients to take their own samples and send them back in the mail. Additionally, it acquired Workpath, the maker of a tool that can offer on-demand in-home care services through an API system. In May, it bought Modern Fertility in order to offer users personalized at-home fertility tests, or one they can take in the lab.

The company’s valuation has also been growing in recent years. A $500 million investment made in March pushed the company’s valuation to $5 billion. This investment also pushed the company’s lifetime fundraising to $876 million. 

Ro’s main competitor, Hims & Hers, went public at the beginning of the year through a SPAC merger agreement with Oaktree Acquisition. Hims & Hers expanded into the mental health space in July of 2020. However, its initial offerings centered on group therapy and one-on-one sessions with a provider.