Green Shield Holdings Inc. is acquiring Inkblot Technologies, a virtual mental-health platform that uses artificial intelligence-assisted technology, network effects and advanced analytics to match patients with counsellors.
“Building on our previous . . . digital-health investments and partnerships, the acquisition of Inkblot fits with our strategic objective of increasing access for our clients to leading health services — and . . . mental-health solutions in particular — something that has never been more important given the impact COVID-19 has had on mental health,” said Zahid Salman, the health benefits provider’s president and chief executive officer, in a press release.
Read: Green Shield partnering with SmileDirectClub on virtual dental care
Among its many services, Inkblot offers digital video counselling for mental-health and addiction issues, patient navigation capabilities and a software-as-a-service practice-management solution for mental-health professionals. Inkblot’s current leadership team will continue to operate the business under the Inkblot brand, with Luke Vigeant remaining president.
“The entire team at Inkblot is incredibly excited to be joining the GSC group of companies, given our shared focus on improving mental health at both the individual and system-wide levels,” said Vigeant, in the release.
Read: Green Shield, Morneau Shepell introducing online cognitive behavioural therapy
Inkblot is one of many recent investments and partnerships Green Shield Canada has undertaken in the digital-health marketplace, including providers such as MindBeacon Software Inc., an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy platform; Maple, a telemedicine provider; PocketPills, a digital pharmacy and GenXys Health Care Systems, a pharmacogenetics provider.