Cartwheel has achieved remarkable growth, now standing as the largest telehealth provider for K-12 schools in the United States. Following a nearly 300% increase in partnerships with school districts, the company serves 350 school districts across 15 states. This expansion is bolstered by a significant funding round led by A-Street, aimed at further accelerating its mission to enhance mental health support in educational settings.
The company, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has forged impactful collaborations with state departments of health and education in Arizona, Georgia, and Virginia. These partnerships underline Cartwheel’s commitment to transforming how students, families, and schools access essential mental health services.
Improving Student Outcomes
Cartwheel’s innovative model delivers impressive results. According to recent data, 58% of students using its services experience full remission from anxiety, significantly higher than the industry average of 33% for traditional telehealth. Additionally, students demonstrate a three-fold reduction in moderate to severe depression and a 62% decrease in absences, with students going from an average of 16 absences before care to 6 after care. The platform also reports a 68% reduction in suspensions among students with a prior history of disciplinary issues.
This success is attributed to Cartwheel’s comprehensive care model, which allows school counselors to refer students for clinical services without waitlists. Licensed clinicians offer a range of evidence-based treatments, including individual and family therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management. Services are available year-round during evenings, weekends, and school breaks, ensuring accessibility for families at no additional cost.
Investment Fuels Future Growth
The new financial backing, raised in the previous summer, highlights the increasing recognition of schools as effective channels for addressing youth mental health issues. The investment round included participation from notable entities such as the Citi Impact Fund, Britebound, and the American Heart Association, along with existing supporters like Menlo Ventures and General Catalyst.
Joe English, Co-Founder and CEO of Cartwheel, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with A-Street, stating, “We’re thrilled to partner with A-Street in this next chapter. They know schools, they know what it takes to scale with quality, and they share our conviction that every kid deserves access to excellent mental health care.”
Emily McGinty, Managing Director of A-Street, emphasized the critical link between mental health and academic success, noting, “Cartwheel is addressing this gap with an innovative model that expands access to timely, evidence-based care and removes common barriers.”
To support its rapid expansion, Cartwheel has welcomed three new leaders to its senior leadership team. Sarah Turrin joins as Chief Product Officer, bringing valuable experience from her previous roles in healthcare product leadership. Sam Bilow assumes the role of VP of Finance, with a background in scaling healthcare companies, while Sarah Shoff enters as VP of Customer Success, leveraging her extensive experience in the edtech sector.
Cartwheel continues to pave the way for enhanced mental health care in schools, aiming to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally. For more information about Cartwheel and its services, visit their website at www.cartwheel.org.
