Why Investors Are Banking on Behavioral Health

Behavioral health is entering a new era of innovation, and impact investing is helping shape what comes next. This week, host Mohini Venkatesh and Anjlee Joshi explore impact investing, mental health innovation, behavioral health technology and the evolving relationship between providers, startups and investors working to improve care, strengthen organizations and expand community impact. Anjlee Joshi, principal consultant for the impact investing initiative at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, shares how investors evaluate behavioral health startups, what founders often misunderstand about community-based care, and why provider perspectives matter in technology development. From workforce challenges and operational efficiency to AI, reimbursement and patient outcomes, this conversation offers practical insights for behavioral health leaders, entrepreneurs and anyone who’s invested in the future of mental health and substance use care. Listeners will learn: Why investors, startups and providers are increasingly working together to address mental health and substance use challenges. How the National Council serves as a bridge between behavioral health organizations and emerging technologies. What it takes for behavioral health innovations to deliver both financial sustainability and meaningful community impact. Anjlee Joshi leads the impact investing work for the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which prioritizes investing in solutions that drive impact and innovation for members, strengthening member innovation capabilities, and enabling technology companies to better understand and serve them. Follow for weekly conversations shaping mental health and substance use care.