Headspace has introduced a new stratified mental health care model for organizations, supported by its AI companion, Ebb. This approach moves beyond the conventional default to therapy by first evaluating each user’s mental health needs, symptoms, and risk factors. Based on this initial assessment, the system directs individuals to the most suitable support options, which may include coaching, therapy, psychiatry, self-help tools, or life services. The model aims to provide timely care, minimize unnecessary interventions, and help employers and health plans manage long-term mental health costs. Ebb, developed by psychologists and data scientists, uses motivational interviewing techniques to support employees in processing their emotions and accessing personalized content from a large digital library.
The model also includes adaptive care plans based on clinical assessments and AI analysis, personalized provider matching using machine learning, and navigation tools to connect users with employer-sponsored health services. Lisa Mosby, Chief People Officer at bartaco, stated, “Sometimes it’s therapy or coaching, sometimes it’s a meditation or a sleepcast to unwind after a long shift. We wanted to make mental health support feel natural and accessible—something people could use every day, not just in a crisis. That’s what made Headspace’s approach stand out for us.” Since its initial rollout, over two million messages have been exchanged through Ebb, addressing topics such as stress, sleep, and personal boundaries. Headspace continues to integrate technology with clinical support through Ebb to offer flexible mental health solutions tailored to individual needs.
