Innovation in mental health, particularly for pediatrics and youth, is crucial, yet faces significant challenges, given the rising prevalence of mental health issues in children and adolescents, often appearing before age 14, alongside a shortage of tailored, evidence-based interventions and mental health professionals for youth. These challenges encompass stigma, developmental considerations, and the impact of social media in the digital age. Leveraging technology for early detection, intervention, and support holds promise, but ensuring safety, efficacy, and accessibility remains a significant challenge.

The Global Healthcare Innovation & Investing Executive Talks, hosted by the Department of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and New Health Investment Institute, brings together experts across medicine, science, venture capital, capital allocation, business, and operations to address critical healthcare areas that require innovation. This event not only provides an overview of the mental health business landscape, but also provides insight on the know-how or barriers in commercialization and scaling of mental health innovation across the U.S.