Teletherapy company Talkspace entered into a strategic partnership with Wisdo Health, a social health and peer-support platform centered on combating loneliness. 

The collaboration aims to increase access to mental health resources for people older than 65 while lowering healthcare costs, boosting member engagement and addressing the escalating mental health crisis that is pervasive among older adults.

Wisdo's platform uses a patented AI precision-matching technology to link members to trained peers who have experienced similar situations, along with 30-plus moderated communities and group coaching to build social resilience and healthy habits.

The platform also creates actionable data on clinical outcomes and breaks in care. For example, when therapy is considered relevant or required, users will be directed to Talkspace, where, depending on the state, they can use Medicare benefits to receive treatment.

"By partnering with Wisdo Health, we are deepening our mental health care expertise for older adults as well as addressing the hidden epidemic faced by this population," Erin Boyd, chief growth officer at Talkspace, said in a statement. 

"Together, we offer Medicare Advantage plans a continuum of evidenced-based care, from 24/7 peer communities to therapy with licensed providers, helping them address the unique needs of the senior population at scale."

Wisdo Health CEO Ron Goldman said peer support offers an evidence-based and scalable solution to deal with the loneliness epidemic, make mental health outcomes better and lower cost.

"By partnering with Talkspace, we are advancing our mission to help people lead happier, healthier lives through meaningful connections and community support," Goldman said in a statement.

THE LARGER TREND

Last month, Talkspace partnered with Amazon Health Services to help Amazon customers check their eligibility for and enroll in Talkspace's mental health services. 

Through the partnership, customers can visit Amazon Health's webpage to look at insurance coverage for Talkspace and review the mental health company's offerings.

In August, Talkspace joined the player advocates organization, Professional Tennis Players Association, as its sole mental health technology partner. The aim is to give players, their families and support teams 24/7 access to Talkspace’s self-guided therapy app, Talkspace Go, at no cost and its virtual therapy offering at a discount.

In May, Wisdo Health welcomed Health Colorado to its state-wide campaign to decrease loneliness and social isolation. The collaboration provides Health Colorado members access to Wisdo Health's evidence-based peer support and social health platform. 

Last year, New York-based Wisdo Health closed a $11 million Series A financing round, which the company said it would use to accelerate growth and expand its operations.