AbilTo launches Depression and Substance Use behavior change program

AbilTo

$166 billion… That’s the estimated cost of healthcare resulting from the abuse of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Moreover, among those individuals with substance use disorders, 60 percent also suffer from depression.

Behavioral change platform AbilTo wants to cut this cost with its newly unveiled Depression and Substance Use program. Designed to help individuals understand the interaction between mood and substance use, the program is also looking to identify strategies to replace use with positive coping skills and healthy reinforcement.

More precisely, the program promises to help participants monitor triggers, enhance motivation for change, learn coping skills, set achievable goals, remove barriers to life goals, and improve productivity at work and in daily routines. Along the way, licensed clinical social workers and behavior coaches provide treatment by telephone or secure video.

“Our program acknowledges that the journey toward change is different for each individual, and our providers tailor their approach accordingly,” Aimee Peters, LCSW, chief clinical officer, AbilTo, said in a statement. “This enables participants to set unique, achievable goals that get them back on the path to happier, healthier and more productive lives.”

AbilTo has raised $21 million to date; most recently, the company secured $12 million in Series C round in June 2015.