Garnett says having classroom accommodations can change the student’s life trajectory.

“To have accommodations that address those limitations like extended time on tests, note taking support, access maybe to audio books or extra support and tutoring all of those things can make a significant difference,” said Garnett.

The test asks questions about critical stages in the student’s development, specifically childhood.

It takes approximately 90 minutes, and can be accessed online.

Aside from allowing the college to reach accommodation decisions faster, Mentavi Health’s Cory Hart says leveraging tele-health helps address the widespread provider shortage.

“There’s a provider shortage of not just master’s level clinicians, but also Ph.D. level clinicians, psychologists, psychiatrists across the country. Global. The best thing that we can do and show up as mental health is help make those clinicians more efficient and productive,” said Hart.

The test costs $189 dollars.

It is reviewed by a phd level clinician that will render a diagnosis within 2 to 5 days.

For information on how you can access the online test, visit Mentavi Health.

ADHD Online has garnered significant acclaim for its groundbreaking podcast, “Refocused, A Podcast All About ADHD.” Last year, as part of ADHD Awareness Month in October, our host Lindsay Guentzel took the weekly podcast to daily episodes aimed at reshaping the narrative around ADHD and mental health. 

The series, honored with multiple 2023 Communicator Awards, stands out for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education. Spearheaded by Lindsay Guentzel and Keith Boswell, “Refocused Together” is driven by authentic stories, aiming to foster understanding and solidarity among listeners. 

The team defines creative success as sparking feelings of comfort, recognition, and surprise in their audience. The goal of having as many diverse individuals represented as possible is in the hopes that everyone listening can find someone like them.  Sharing their stories has a profound impact on individuals’ lives and can help fuel their ongoing growth. “Refocused” is more than a podcast; it’s a communal embrace, offering resources, experiences, and the reassuring reminder that no one is alone in their journey.

Link: https://www.communicatorawards.com/2023/10/23/refocused-together-october-adhd-awareness-month-by-adhd-online-llc/

The article “You’ve Been Diagnosed With ADHD as an Adult — Now What?” from EverydayHealth.com discusses the challenges and implications of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.

ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition, and it can persist throughout a person’s life. There is an emotional journey individuals often undergo upon diagnosis, ranging from relief to anger, sadness, and confusion.  It’s important that adults seek proper treatment, which is received by fewer than 20% of adults with ADHD. These treatment methods include medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.

“The key to living with ADHD is to receive the right treatment and to stay in treatment,” says Barry K. Herman, MD, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer of ADHD Online, a virtual ADHD treatment platform.

Click here to read the full article: https://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd/youve-been-diagnosed-with-adhd-as-an-adult-now-what/

Dr. Barry K. Herman, not involved in the study but a chief medical officer for ADHD Online, observed that the error increase has been steady over two decades, attributing it to the rising number of ADHD medication prescriptions. He also provided a crucial insight into the dangers of these errors, warning, “Doubling up on psychostimulants… can definitely cause distressing side effects.” Furthermore, he emphasized the risks of non-stimulant ADHD medications, which can lead to significant health issues.

Both experts underscored the importance of patient and caregiver education, with Herman suggesting the transition to unit-dose packaging and the use of tracking apps as potential solutions.

The alarming rise in ADHD medication errors is a pressing concern for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. This article sheds light on the gravity of the issue, offers expert insights, and suggests preventive measures, making it a must-read for those involved in the care of ADHD patients.

Source: Fox News Article

Dr. Barry Herman, chief medical officer of Mentavi Health, was recently interviewed by Steve Scott on his Podcast Health & Well-Being presenting daily tips for healthy living on WCBS Newsradio 880.

Dr. Herman talks through an overview of ADHD, how parents can look for signs of ADHD, about generic vs. brand name prescriptions and their effectiveness. You can listen to each of the one-minute segments below.  

Segment 1 – What is ADHD?

Segment 2 – How can parents spot possible ADHD?

Segment 3 – Using generic drugs to treat ADHD amid medication shortage

Segment 4 – Are generic drugs adequate to treat ADHD?

Segment 5 – How effective are generic drugs for ADHD?

Addressing the ongoing medication shortage, especially of Adderall, Dr. Herman believes the introduction of these generics will be beneficial. He also highlighted the cost benefits, noting that the presence of multiple manufacturers would drive prices down. Concluding on the timely significance of this approval, Dr. Herman remarked, “Having a generic drug available that is approved for both ADHD ages 6 and up, and for adults with moderate to severe binge-eating disorder, could not come at a more opportune time.”

This article sheds light on a crucial development in the healthcare sector, especially for those affected by ADHD medication shortages. It provides insights from experts like Dr. Herman, helping readers understand the implications of the FDA’s decision, both in terms of medical efficacy and economic impact. Reading it offers a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape of ADHD medication and the promising steps being taken to address its challenges.

For the complete article and more details, visit Fox News.

A veteran tech entrepreneur, Brophy became ADHD Online’s CEO at the end of June, about two years after he joined the company as chief operating officer and “just as we really started to spike up and grow.” Brophy succeeded co-founder Zachariah Booker as CEO at ADHD Online and Mentavi Health, an affiliated company that offers online assessments for mental health conditions other than ADHD. 

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Booker and Randall Duthler co-founded ADHD Online in 2018. After stepping away from the company’s day-to-day operations, Booker remains on ADHD Online’s board of directors, and is still a “very engaged shareholder,” Brophy said. 

Since Booker and Duthler formed the company, ADHD Online’s platform has assessed more than 137,000 patients for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Brophy said. Doctorate-level psychologists review assessments and provide a diagnosis. 

About 30,000 patients who underwent an assessment from ADHD Online receive ongoing treatment for their condition, either through their own doctor or from a care provider that’s part of a contracted provider network. 

The company recorded about $20 million in revenue in 2022, Brophy said. 

“The business has grown rapidly to get to this point,” he said. “It’s a large patient panel that we have.” 

Overcoming barriers 

As ADHD Online plots further growth, leaders face two significant barriers to overcome: regulatory changes and drug shortages. 

Medications to treat ADHD that are in short supply “cause a giant backup” and complicate care for patients, Brophy said. 

On the regulatory front, the expiration on May 11 of the U.S. public health emergency for COVID-19 means that physicians are no longer allowed to prescribe medications without seeing a patient first. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has proposed a regulatory change to require an in-person visit before doctor can prescribe stimulants for an ADHD patient. 

“We’re doing a strategy refinement because of the industry headwinds,” Brophy said. 

ADHD Online intends to evolve its assessment platform to integrate more behavioral health screenings, including social media behavior issues and risk factors, plus build out Mentavi Health that will “tackle a broader range of conditions” in mental health, Brophy said. 

Rather than building assessments for anxiety and depression into ADHD screening as is now the practice, the company will adapt the platform and questionnaire to offer separate online assessments that begin with those conditions, he said. 

The company is “going carefully with our road map” and deciding the order in which it will tackle other conditions, Brophy said.  

“Over time, we’re going to build more front doors into the assessment,” Brophy said. “The reality of mental health is we usually don’t have one crisp issue. It’s often a blend. We want to be that mental wellness assessor where you can come with a ‘what’s going on with me?’ question and get a combination of diagnoses. 

“The way to think of it is there’s no wrong front door. The patient should not have to identify their condition.” 

All of the screenings the company intends to offer will operate off “one assessment engine that, depending on where you’re starting, is going to bring you through that condition,” said Keith Boswell, Mentavi Health’s vice president of marketing. 

“But then it’s also going to take you through the other conditions that may have co-morbidities,” Boswell said. 

Securing capital 

As ADHD Online and Mentavi Health begin the drive toward the next stage, they closed this month on the first $2 million of a Series AA capital round led by Michigan Capital Network;  Grand Rapids-based Wakestream Ventures LLC, an early-stage investment fund founded by Rick DeVos; and Indianapolis-based Boomerang Ventures.

Michigan Capital Network first invested in ADHD Online in 2021 and anticipates high potential for digital and virtual health care providers coming out of the pandemic, which gave a major boost to the telehealth industry. Consumers today are much more apt to access a care provider virtually. 

“The culture changed virtually overnight,” Brophy said. 

The pandemic also accelerated rising incidence rates of mental illness at a time when care providers are in short supply. 

High growth rates for telehealth providers have since eased, although accessing a care provider virtually now has a permanent role and a far larger role in the health care system than prior to the pandemic. 

“You have more demand than you have providers, and that’s going to continue,” said Michigan Capital Network Managing Partner Dale Grogan, who serves on the ADHD Online board. “The opportunities are there. COVID really highlighted that here is a dislocation of just being able to get to a provider for an assessment. It’s shone a light on there is a gap, and telehealth plugs that gap.” 

Beefing up 

In setting up the operations for the next stage, ADHD Online and Mentavi Health have been building a deeper management team. 

This year, they hired a chief financial officer, a chief medical officer in Dr. Barry Hermanand have assembled a team that has experience in digital health, Brophy said. A board-certified psychiatrist, Herman has 25 years of executive leadership experience, co-founded a digital health and wellness company and “is one of the nation’s leading thought leaders in the mental health space,” Brophy said. 

ADHD Online wants to form partnerships with care providers around the U.S. to go with its contracted network of about 125 psychologists, physicians and nurse practitioners. 

“We see more advantage in partnering with the health system than trying to be an ‘other,’” said Boswell, noting that “80% of what we’re doing is non-competitive.” 

“Mentavi Health’s mission deeply resonates with our own values at Boomerang Ventures. By providing critical capital and leveraging our extensive network, we are thrilled to fuel Mentavi Health’s growth and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry,” said Oscar Moralez, Founder & Managing Partner, Boomerang Ventures, and advisory board member, Mentavi Health.

As part of the Series AA round, notable investors, including Wakestream Ventures, Michigan Capital Network, and Boomerang Ventures, have closed on $2 million in funding to date, providing Mentavi Health with the resources to propel innovation, expand market reach, and solidify its position as a leading player in the mental health assessment and treatment landscape.

“The alignment between Mentavi Health’s vision and Boomerang Ventures’ strategic support is truly inspiring. We are eager to collaborate on driving the future of mental healthcare, creating accessible and affordable solutions for all,” added Moralez.

In addition to the investment, Mentavi Health has appointed Keith Brophy as CEO, a distinguished leader with extensive experience in the healthcare and technology sectors. Brophy’s dynamic leadership capabilities and track record of driving scalable innovations make him ideally suited to lead ADHD Online’s ambitious journey toward delivering exceptional patient care.

“The Boomerang Ventures’ partnership is a key milestone as we extend our diagnostic assessment offerings, targeting a broader spectrum of related conditions, all while navigating the evolving mental healthcare arena,” said Mentavi Health CEO Keith Brophy.

Mentavi Health has also assembled a new board of directors, drawing from diverse expertise in healthcare, patient journey, and company building. The board comprises industry leaders and strategic thinkers dedicated to guiding the company’s vision and growth alongside founders Zach Booker and Randy Duthler, MD.

Boomerang Ventures remains committed to supporting Mentavi Health’s innovative vision and extending its positive impact on mental health care access. As the venture capital firm continues to reimagine healthcare innovation, it strengthens its strategic position at the crossroads of health technology, studio-fund synchronization, and the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Indianapolis.

About Boomerang Ventures

Boomerang Ventures, founded in 2019, is a visionary venture capital firm focused on early growth-stage connected health technology companies. Bridging the gap between innovation and market success, Boomerang provides collaborative direction and deep industry expertise to empower founders on their journey from ideation to market. With its strategic base in Indianapolis, Boomerang Ventures distinguishes itself through its unique alignment of health technology, studio-fund synergy, and Midwest opportunities. For more information, visit boomerang.vc.

About Mentavi Health

Mentavi Health, home of ADHD Online, is an innovative trailblazer in the telehealth startup ecosystem, committed to providing accessible and affordable quality mental health care. By separating assessment from treatment and adhering to rigorous clinical standards, Mentavi Health empowers patients to take control of their lives across a spectrum of mental health needs. With HIPAA-secured online ADHD assessments and licensed psychologist reviews available in all 50 states, Mentavi Health is a critical voice for those seeking support in their mental health journey. ADHD Online is a brand under Mentavi Health, addressing ADHD and related mental health conditions alongside organizational customers. For more information, visit mentavi.com or adhdonline.com.

Grand Rapids Business Journal, March 17, 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic our lives changed. Every industry across the world was forced to evolve to serve its customers and communities. And at a time when health care and access to care was critical, people were stuck in their homes, often unable to access in-person care from doctors and therapists. 

Thanks to American innovation, however, health care organizations were able to pivot to telehealth, offering virtual consultations and prescriptions to meet patients where they were.  

This wasn’t an easy change and it took a patchwork of regulations supported by the nation’s public health emergency (PHE). Now that the PHE has expired and prior regulations to telehealth will be reinstated by the DEA, we owe it to patients to ensure they still are able to access the care without barriers.  

Keeping telehealth more accessible will save lives and ensure those struggling with their mental health or seeking a diagnosis can access the care they need without facing stigma. How do I know? Because like many Americans, I was diagnosed with ADHD as a young child, as was my son.  

Facing roadblocks in access to behavioral health care is a reality I’ve lived alongside my family. I’ve experienced firsthand how a diagnosis can be the first step toward getting answers, support and care needed to live my life to the fullest.  

As a parent, this knowledge also has paved the way for me to be able to best support my child and help him get support so he can thrive. It’s personal for me, and that’s why I’ve made it my mission to help other families access the resources they deserve.  

It’s not just about access to care. It’s about the right kind of access to the right kind of care. That’s where telehealth steps in. Telemedicine is an integrative approach to helping patients access quality care quicker, cheaper and more easily than when we were bound to in-person visits.  

What we thought was a short-term solution was a necessary evolution. More than 60% of rural Americans live in areas with a shortage of mental health providers, and 65% of nonmetropolitan counties don’t have psychiatrists. Beyond that, 96 million Americans have had to wait longer than one week for mental health treatments. Some are even waiting five to six weeks; a troubling timeline for someone dealing with ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD or other mental illnesses. This is a serious problem — and we’ve found the solution. Now, we need to maintain its accessibility.  

Telehealth helped close the gap in access to care and behavioral health resources while unveiling our nation’s mental health crisis. This wasn’t a surprise to me. I’ve spent five years leading and growing a national mental health telehealth company, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how it has opened new possibilities for patients across the country. At ADHD Online, we’ve seen the gaps in care covered by telehealth.  

That’s why it’s critical that we help patients navigate the DEA’s updated ​​​policy under the Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, which requires ADHD patients to ​obtain a referral from an in-person provider prior to initiating treatment with a telehealth provider.  

At ADHDO we have put practices in place to make sure we’re able to continue supporting our patients even with the heightened restrictions. However, it won’t be easy, and we’re concerned about the larger impacts of this change. Because of this updated regulation, millions of patients face losing access to their life-saving medications if they aren’t able to meet with a provider in-person.  

In Michigan and across the country, Americans collectively agree that our government needs to improve access to behavioral health services. If we’re going to seriously tackle our nation’s mental health crisis, expanding telehealth services must be a priority for every lawmaker and health care provider.  

While the worst of the COVID-19 public health emergency may be behind us, the mental health crisis in America isn’t going away. To continue making progress, lawmakers and health care providers need to come together, find solutions for patients and eliminateobstacles that prevent Americans from getting the help they need. 

Zach Booker is CEO of ADHD Online, which is headquartered in Grand Rapids. 

Original source: Grand Rapids Business Journal

ADHD Online’s Michelle Lewis joins TMS to talk about working with patients on the front lines and offers listeners support to find solutions.

Shelley Irwin is the host and producer for The WGVU Morning Show, a newsmagazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate Monday through Friday. The show, broadcast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. features a wide variety of local and national newsmakers, plus special features.

Source: https://www.wgvunews.org/the-wgvu-morning-show/2023-03-02/adhd-online