"Evidence-based, trauma-informed care is at the core of what we do," said Charlie Health's Co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Caroline Fenkel, LCSW, "but what separates Charlie Health from others is Carter. Her tenacity and unparalleled commitment to the mission of providing quality yet accessible care is what will enable us to help millions of people regardless of where they live."

According to a report published by Mental Health in America, rates of suicidal ideation are highest among youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth. In September 2020, the report found that over half of 11-17-year-olds reported having thoughts of suicide or self-harm more than half of the days or nearly every day of the previous two weeks. Critically, of the youth who reported experiencing suicidal ideation from January to September 2020, approximately 1 in 3 identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.


By partnering with key community stakeholders like hospitals, insurance companies, schools, and local therapists, Charlie Health provides treatment for clients who require more than weekly individual therapy sessions or who need support transitioning back into a home and school environment following hospital-based treatment. Since its launch in Montana last September, Charlie Health has treated hundreds of patients across the country.

"The situation is dire," said Barnhart. "We need a new approach to tackle the mental health crisis. We need to leverage technology that expands access without sacrificing high-quality care. Our clinical program is designed to foster sustainable healing, and we're excited to continue to serve youth and families across the country."


About Charlie Health
Charlie Health, founded in 2020, is the first-ever virtual mental health clinic for high-acuity patients, enabling increased access to care for millions. Charlie Health provides teens and young adults struggling with mental health and substance use disorders personalized Intensive Outpatient (IOP) treatment programs which consist of group therapy, individual therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric support. By providing quality, accessible behavioral health support, Charlie Health ensures that sustainable healing is available to all.


About Carter Barnhart
Carter Barnhart serves as Co-founder and CEO of Charlie Health. Previously, she worked at Newport Healthcare for 11 years following her own personal treatment at the facility. She joined the company as one of its first employees, serving as Chief of Staff to Newport's founder and CEO. While there, Barnhart developed the referral relations department, Newport's largest patient acquisition channel. In 2018, she took on the role of Chief Experience Officer, serving as the youngest-ever female member of a Carlyle portfolio company C-suite. Although Newport Healthcare was recently sold to Onex for over a billion dollars, Barnhart remains involved and continues to advise and support several other organizations that help provide mental healthcare access to underserved populations.

More People on the Move