Innovation

NeuroFlow is a technological innovation — an app and web-based platform that tracks the behavioral health of patients to assist in their recovery process. NeuroFlow is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3, Good Health and Well-Being. Specifically, it aligns with 3.c, to “substantially increase health financing and the recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce in developing countries, especially in less developed countries and small island developing States.”

Neuroflow is designed to improve the well-being of patients and to track their behavioral health so they can get the best care possible.

Inspiration

Christopher Molaro served in the Army for five years and did a tour in Iraq as a platoon leader. When he returned, he experienced firsthand the lack of behavioral health care, along with the poor quality of life for veterans and civilians and the unnecessary financial costs needed to improve their well- being. His inspiration for starting Neuroflow is that “providing greater access to mental health care has benefits not only for the individual, but for the economy and for other aspects of society."

NeuroFlow was founded by Molaro and Adam Pardes in 2016 in a partnership with the neuroscience department of the University of Pennsylvania.

Overall impact

In the United States, an estimated 16 million people suffer from depression and/or anxiety. Two-thirds of them are never treated, which can lead to a higher likelihood of conditions such as chronic pain, diabetes, and hypertension. Neuroflow aims to lower the number of people suffering by improving their access to healthcare. Sixty percent of people use Neuroflow through the virtual platform which gives them 24/7 access to care modules. The company hopes to raise awareness of the issue and to improve overall mental health worldwide. Neuroflow has 22,000 patients using their platform and they have connections to 140 different organizations to promote the use of their behavioral health innovation.

Business benefit

Molaro stressed the importance of corporate culture and the recruitment of employees who not only share his vision but also are the right people to execute it. He leads with his mission to promote mental wellness, starting with his employees. Through company values, benefits, and training, Molaro ensures his employees are well-equipped with the tools needed to promote self-care in their own lives. Fostering this environment makes his team that much more driven to make an impact.

Neuroflow has raised $3.5 mllion to date. Because Neuroflow was able to innovate and create an entirely new platform in response to the mental health crisis in the United States, they have been able to partner with many different health systems including Jefferson Health in Pennsylvania.

Social and environmental benefit

Neuroflow provides an outlet and medium for patients to seek help when they most need it. By giving patients 24/7 access to their physicians, patients can receive feedback based on how they’re feeling in the moment, instead of trying to recall their feelings and emotions during a monthly visit. As Molaro said, “We’re not trying to completely replace the traditional method for mental healthcare. We’re trying to supplement it because a lot of the time, the patients just weren’t receiving the care they need.”

Interview

Christopher Molaro, CEO