Cartwheel Shatters Growth Records to Become Top K-12 Telehealth Provider

Cartwheel Becomes the Nation's Largest Telehealth Provider for K-12 Schools

In an unprecedented move that reinforces the importance of mental health services in educational settings, Cartwheel has announced that it is now the largest telehealth provider for K-12 schools in the United States. Following remarkable year-on-year growth of nearly 300%, the company now partners with 350 school districts across 15 states and has formed innovative partnerships with state health and education departments in Arizona, Georgia, and Virginia.

This leap in Cartwheel’s trajectory is fueled not only by the demand for mental health resources but also by a significant Series B financing led by A-Street, aimed at accelerating the organization’s mission. Joe English, Cartwheel's Co-Founder and CEO, remarked on this milestone: "Cartwheel is fundamentally changing how youth and families access the mental health support they need to succeed in school and in life. By partnering with parents and schools as trusted allies, we've created a new standard for mental health that delivers measurably better outcomes at a significantly lower cost."

Impact on Education and Health Outcomes

Cartwheel's unique approach has shown outstanding results, with statistics that demonstrate its effectiveness. Approximately 58% of students experience complete remission from anxiety, a stark improvement compared to the industry average of 33% for traditional telehealth solutions. The model has also resulted in a threefold reduction in students suffering from moderate to severe depression, alongside a 62% reduction in absences per student. Notable is the 68% decrease in suspensions among students with previous disciplinary issues.

These outcomes stem from an innovative school-centered model where counselors can immediately refer students to clinical services without waitlists. Cartwheel’s licensed professionals provide evidence-based therapies, including individual and family therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. The service operates year-round, with flexible hours that accommodate various schedules, enabling students to engage in therapy from home or school.

Collaborative Care Model

Cartwheel's success lies in its collaborative care model that includes direct cooperation with school staff. Each district collaborates with Clinical Program Managers who assist in case consultations, crisis management, and evaluating outcomes. Bilingual Care Coordinators also play a critical role in helping families manage scheduling and navigate insurance matters. This partnership has led to a 70% conversion rate from referral to care, which is significantly higher than the industry standard.

Advanced Technology Platform

The technology underpinning Cartwheel integrates HIPAA and FERPA compliant solutions that streamline communication among clinicians, school staff, and families. This platform allows for easy student referrals, progress tracking, and facilitates appointment scheduling while offering valuable dashboards for school district leaders. These tools not only enhance operational efficiency but also foster greater engagement from families.

Dr. Alexander U. Ikejiaku, Associate Superintendent at Peoria Public Schools, expressed their trust in Cartwheel, stating, "Over the past two years, Cartwheel has become an indispensable partner in addressing student attendance, behavior, and mental health challenges, and it has our wholehearted endorsement for work with schools and states across the nation."

Strengthening Leadership and Investment

To support its ambitious blueprint for expansion, Cartwheel has welcomed three new executives into its senior leadership team: Sarah Turrin as Chief Product Officer, Sam Bilow as VP of Finance, and Sarah Shoff as VP of Customer Success. Their diverse expertise will aid the company’s endeavor to maintain quality while scaling its services effectively.

The funding secured last summer from A-Street and other partners, including Citi Impact Fund and Britebound, underlines the belief that schools represent an effective channel for tackling children’s mental health issues. English expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We're excited to build the future of school-based healthcare together."

Conclusion

With its innovative model and commitment to mental health excellence, Cartwheel stands poised to address the pressing need for mental health support in schools. Emily McGinty, Managing Director of A-Street, reinforced this sentiment, noting, "Cartwheel is addressing this gap with an innovative model that expands access to timely, evidence-based care and removes common barriers such as stigma, cost, and scheduling."

As Cartwheel continues to cement its standing in the education sector, it carries the promise of ensuring every student has the mental health support they need to thrive both academically and personally.