In this episode of "Mental Health Today," Ken Stearns interviews Ori Furhauf, CEO of Agave Health, a health-tech company addressing ADHD care accessibility. Ori shares his journey from founding Upright to creating Agave, emphasizing the importance of holistic ADHD management beyond medication. Agave offers CBT, coaching, and community support. They discuss scaling strategies, employer partnerships, and broader mental health trends, emphasizing patient-centric approaches. Ken highlights the need to destigmatize mental health and encourages listeners to share the episode.
In this episode of "Mental Health Today," host Ken Stearns engages in a captivating conversation with Ori Furhauf, the CEO and co-founder of Agave Health, a pioneering health-tech company focusing on making behavioral care for adults on the ADHD spectrum more accessible and affordable. Ori's journey in the health-tech space began with the founding of Upright in 2014, which he successfully led to over $45M in total sales before selling it to Dario Health in 2021.
As a passionate learner and advocate for mental health, Ori shares insights into the inspiration behind Agave Health. He recounts a personal story of a friend's struggle with ADHD and the profound impact of accessing comprehensive behavioral care, which propelled him to co-found Agave with the mission of filling the gap in access to such care.
Agave Health offers a holistic approach to ADHD management, providing access to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), coaching, and a supportive community through their innovative platform. Ori emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying behavioral aspects of ADHD beyond medication, highlighting the transformative potential of CBT in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being.
The conversation delves into Agave Health's goals and strategies for scaling their impact, including partnerships with employers to make their services accessible to employees. Ori underscores the significance of prioritizing the end patient's experience and needs amidst various business models, emphasizing a patient-centric approach in their journey.
Ken and Ori also discuss broader trends in mental health care, recognizing the increasing awareness and demand for specialized solutions tailored to specific conditions beyond depression and anxiety. They explore the pivotal role of employers in driving mental health initiatives and reducing stigma in the workplace, highlighting the potential for transformative change through proactive mental health support.
In closing, Ken expresses his appreciation for the enlightening conversation with Ori, acknowledging the collective efforts to advance mental health solutions and break down barriers to care. He encourages listeners to share the episode to spread awareness and support mental health initiatives, underscoring the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions and fostering a culture of support and understanding.