Big Tech Therapy is Making Headlines

The land of Big Tech Therapy has been making headlines. I cover some of them in this episode.*The links shared below are a reference only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Marie Fang, Private Practice Skills, or its sponsors.If you’d like a great summary of all that I covered, check out ZynnyMe’s article:https://www.zynnyme.com/blog/alma-headway-and-the-big-questionIf you feel compelled to do something, this r/therapists post links to several options at the systemic level:https://www.reddit.com/r/therapists/comments/1tvzpov/support_and_advocacy_for_therapists/Build Better Health’s Mental Health Insurance Reform Task Force’s Petition (if you’d like to sign):https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/we-demand-a-system-that-reflects-the-true-value-of-mental-health-careThank you to Paubox for sponsoring this episode. Paubox makes HIPAA-secure email and forms easy and streamlined. Check them out here:⁠https://hubs.la/Q04k58tL0⁠*Get $250 off your first year with Paubox with coupon code "SKILLS"*Bonus Deal:* If you add the Paubox badge to your website you get an extra $100 off your first year - that means you can get your whole first year free if you apply both deals!Citations:Alma has investments from Cigna and Optum:https://cignaventures.com/alma-raises-130m-in-series-d-funding-led-by-thoma-bravo-to-advance-its-mission-to-simplify-access-to-high-quality-affordable-mental-health-care/Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), the parent company of several Blue Cross Blue Shield programs, invests in Headway:https://www.hcsc.com/newsroom/news-releases/2023/strategic-investment-headway-behavioral-healthReference: HCSC is parent company of Blue Cross Blue Shield:https://www.hcsc.com/who-we-areRula backed by Blue Venture Fund:https://bhbusiness.com/2024/09/17/digital-mental-health-platform-rula-health-expands-to-50-states/Reference: Blue Venture Fund invests on behalf of Blue Cross Blue Shield:https://blueventurefund.com/Headway and Alma announce 30 percent cut in Optum Rates, January 2025:https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2024/11/2-digital-mental-health-platforms-cut-pay-rates-for-therapists-with-unitedhealths-optum-stirring-anger/Aetna cuts rates with Alma-contracted therapists:https://bhbusiness.com/2026/05/21/aetna-cuts-rates-with-alma-contracted-therapists/r/therapists megathread on Aetna’s rate cuts through Alma:https://www.reddit.com/r/therapists/comments/1tj1bl1/megathread_aetna_alma_reimbursement_changes_90837/APA urges Aetna to halt rate cuts:https://updates.apaservices.org/apa--american-psychiatric-association-urge-aetna-to-pause-reimbursement-rate-cuts-for-behavioral-health-cliniciansAetna Launches Aetna Mental Health on Demand:https://www.aetna.com/insights/news/aetna-launches-mental-health-on-demand.htmlCVS Announces Aetna Mental Health on Demand:https://www.cvshealth.com/news/condition-management/aetna-launches-aetna-mental-health-on-demand-to-provide-real-time-access-to-care-and-ongoing-support.htmlProof News Article: "Woman’s Talkspace Therapy App Sessions Exposed in Court"https://www.proofnews.org/womans-talkspace-therapy-app-sessions-exposed-in-court/FTC Sues Amazon for Monopoly Power:https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2023/09/ftc-sues-amazon-illegally-maintaining-monopoly-powerClass Action Lawsuit Against Headway:https://www.classaction.org/news/headway-hit-with-class-action-over-alleged-disclosure-of-patient-info-to-googleClear Health Costs Article: "Therapists have misgivings on the platforms: Alma, Headway etc. and the business of therapy”https://clearhealthcosts.com/blog/2025/11/therapists-have-misgivings-on-the-platforms-alma-headway-etc-and-the-business-of-therapy/Website: www.privatepracticeskills.comThis podcast is not intended as professional or legal advice. Be sure to seek the services of a professional if you are in need of them.