Revolutionizing Mental Health Care: How Technology is Cutting Diagnosis Wait Times
In british Columbia, a growing demand for mental health services is driving innovation in health technology. With burnout, fatigue, and workplace stress reaching alarming levels, companies are turning too cutting-edge solutions to address these challenges. One such solution comes from a Victoria-based startup, hiboop, which is tackling the critical issue of long diagnosis wait times head-on.
“In the last couple of months, we’ve seen the well-being index drop to a level that we had not seen since the beginning days of the pandemic,” says Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer at Telus Health. This decline in mental health has spurred a surge in the adoption of health-tech tools, particularly in workplaces across the province.
The Rise of Health-Tech in the workplace
Telus Health, a division of Telus Corp., offers a mental health support platform that connects employees with a network of counsellors. According to Dr.Chow, the platform’s mental health index—which tracks the well-being of thousands of employees monthly—reveals that mental health levels have regressed to pandemic-era lows. this has led to increased sick leaves, disability claims, and a pressing need for accessible mental health resources.
The pandemic has also reshaped how people access health care. Gone are the days of provider-centred models where patients sought services directly. Today, consumers expect on-demand care, frequently enough delivered through thier smartphones. “We’re seeing an explosion in the use of those types of services, and I would expect that that’s just going to continue to grow,” Dr. Chow explains.
HiBoop: A Game-Changer for Mental Health Diagnoses
Enter HiBoop, a startup founded in 2024 by tech veteran Jason Morehouse. The company’s app and desktop platform use advanced algorithms to streamline mental health assessments, drastically reducing diagnosis times. “We want to take what could be 11 years to get a more complete assessment, to 11 days,” Morehouse says.This is a significant enhancement, considering that, according to the National Institutes of health, it can take over a decade for some individuals to receive treatment after their initial symptoms appear.
HiBoop’s platform generates tailored assessment questions,providing health-care providers with actionable insights into a patient’s condition. Once the assessment is complete, the algorithm suggests potential diagnoses and treatment options, while also tracking the effectiveness of prescribed therapies. A clinical pilot program involving six health-care providers is currently underway, with early feedback described as “outstanding.”
Expanding the Reach of Health-Tech
Morehouse envisions HiBoop’s platform being used beyond traditional health-care settings. “Health-care professionals, whether they are EAP counsellors or virtual-care providers, could use our tools to easily and efficiently collect assessment data over time and use these insights to inform their programming,” he explains. This adaptability makes the platform a valuable resource for workplaces, schools, and other organizations.
morehouse’s personal experience with mental health struggles inspired the creation of HiBoop. “I couldn’t get any resources, which as we know in Canada is hard,” he shares. “To get an assessment for ADHD is either private, $2,000, or you’re going to spend 18 months on a waiting list.” His story underscores the urgent need for innovation in a system that frequently enough leaves patients waiting for years.
The Broader impact of Health-Tech Innovation
Dr. Chow emphasizes that the benefits of health-tech extend far beyond individual patients. “We’ve got millions of Canadians without a family doctor. We’ve got 20-hour waits in the emergency department,” he says. “We need to do better, and the only way we’re going to do better, especially given global health-care worker shortages, is to innovate.”
Though, despite the progress, challenges remain. Dr. Chow notes a troubling trend of backsliding toward provider-centred care, which he believes is unsustainable. “When your health system spending is growing at 15 times the rate of growth of your economy, it does not take an economist to figure out that’s not sustainable growth,” he explains.
looking Ahead
As health-tech continues to evolve, its potential to transform mental health care is undeniable. From reducing diagnosis wait times to providing accessible, on-demand services, innovations like HiBoop are paving the way for a more efficient and patient-centred system. For the millions of Canadians struggling with mental health issues, these advancements offer hope for a brighter, healthier future.
How does HiBoop address workplace mental health challenges?
interview with Jason Morehouse, Founder of HiBoop: Revolutionizing Mental Health Care with Technology
By Archyde News Editor
archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Jason. Your startup, HiBoop, has been making waves in the mental health tech space. Can you tell us a bit about what inspired you to create this platform?
jason Morehouse: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The inspiration behind HiBoop came from a personal place. I’ve seen friends and colleagues struggle with mental health challenges,and one of the biggest barriers thay faced was the long wait times for diagnoses. In British columbia, where I’m based, the demand for mental health services has skyrocketed, but the system hasn’t been able to keep up. I realized that technology could play a pivotal role in bridging this gap. So, in 2024, I founded HiBoop with the goal of making mental health assessments faster, more accessible, and more efficient.
Archyde: That’s a powerful motivation. Can you explain how HiBoop works and what sets it apart from other mental health tools?
Jason Morehouse: HiBoop is designed to streamline the mental health assessment process using advanced algorithms and AI. Users can access our platform via an app or desktop, where they complete a series of guided assessments. These assessments are tailored to identify symptoms of common mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and burnout. What sets us apart is the speed and accuracy of our system. Customary diagnosis processes can take weeks or even months, but HiBoop delivers preliminary results in minutes. This allows individuals to get the help they need much sooner.
Archyde: That’s extraordinary. How has the response been from users and mental health professionals?
Jason Morehouse: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Users appreciate the convenience and immediacy of the platform, especially those who’ve struggled with long wait times in the past. Mental health professionals have also been supportive, as HiBoop complements their work by providing them with detailed, data-driven insights that can inform their treatment plans. It’s not about replacing human expertise—it’s about enhancing it.
Archyde: Speaking of professionals,Dr. Matthew Chow from Telus health recently highlighted the decline in mental health well-being, notably in workplaces. How does HiBoop address workplace mental health challenges?
Jason Morehouse: Workplace mental health is a major focus for us. Burnout, stress, and fatigue are at alarming levels, and employers are recognizing the need to support their employees’ well-being. HiBoop integrates seamlessly into workplace wellness programs,offering employees a confidential way to assess their mental health. Employers can also use aggregated, anonymized data to identify trends and implement targeted interventions. It’s a win-win: employees get the support they need, and employers see reduced absenteeism and improved productivity.
Archyde: That’s a great approach.What challenges have you faced in developing and scaling hiboop?
Jason Morehouse: Like any startup, we’ve faced our share of challenges. One of the biggest has been ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our assessments. Mental health is complex, and we’ve had to invest heavily in research and growth to create algorithms that are both sensitive and specific.Another challenge has been building trust. Some people are understandably cautious about using technology for something as personal as mental health. We’ve worked hard to address these concerns by being clear about our processes and prioritizing user privacy.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what’s next for HiBoop? Are there any new features or expansions on the horizon?
Jason Morehouse: We’re constantly evolving. One of our priorities is expanding our platform to include more conditions and demographics. We’re also exploring partnerships with healthcare providers to integrate HiBoop into clinical workflows. Additionally, we’re developing features that provide users with personalized recommendations, such as therapy options, self-help resources, and even connections to local support groups. The goal is to create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports mental health at every stage.
Archyde: That sounds incredibly promising. what message would you like to share with individuals who might be hesitant to use technology for their mental health?
Jason Morehouse: I’d say that it’s okay to be cautious, but don’t let fear hold you back from seeking help. Technology like HiBoop is here to empower you, not replace the human connection that’s so vital to mental health care. Think of it as a first step—a way to gain clarity and take control of your well-being. You’re not alone, and there are tools and people ready to support you.
Archyde: Thank you, Jason, for sharing your insights and for the unbelievable work you’re doing with HiBoop.We look forward to seeing how your platform continues to transform mental health care.
Jason Morehouse: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.
This interview was conducted by Archyde’s news editor. For more stories on innovation and technology, visit Archyde.com.
