Forge Health and TBD Health partner to expand free PrEP access, breaking barriers to integrated, stigma-free care.
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Forge Health, a leading provider of intensive outpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use treatment services, and TBD Health, a trailblazer in sexual wellness, are proud to announce a transformative partnership aimed at expanding access to free pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. This partnership underscores the vital connection between physical and mental health and the need for integrated, stigma-free care to improve patient outcomes.
At the heart of this collaboration is Forge Health’s integrated care model, which combines evidence-based mental health, substance use treatment, and physical health support tailored to the unique needs of the communities it serves. Forge Health offers specialty programming for Veterans and First Responders, the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers. Through this partnership with TBD Health, Forge Health is taking another step forward in addressing whole-person care by ensuring equitable access to life-saving HIV prevention medication.
“The relationship between physical and mental health is deeply interconnected, and meaningful progress in one area can profoundly affect the other,” said Eric Frieman, Co-Founder and CEO of Forge Health. “By partnering with TBD Health, we’re able to expand access to PrEP for individuals who face barriers to care while providing the behavioral health and social supports needed to empower them to thrive. This is a testament to the power of integrated care.”
PrEP, a medication that reduces the risk of HIV transmission, can be a critical resource for vulnerable populations, including those who often face heightened mental health challenges associated with stigma, discrimination, and trauma. TBD Health’s expertise in accessible sexual health care aligns seamlessly with Forge Health’s commitment to holistic, person-centered care.
“Sexual health is health. It’s inseparable from mental health and overall wellness,” said Daphne Chen, Co-CEO of TBD Health. “Partnering with Forge Health allows us to provide not only life-saving medication like PrEP but also the comprehensive care and education necessary to address the broader determinants of health.”
Key components of the partnership include:
- Integrated Care Coordination: Combining HIV prevention efforts with Forge Health’s behavioral health and specialty programming for holistic patient care.
- Focused Outreach: Expanding access to underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those navigating chronic illnesses.
- Patient-Centered Solutions: Streamlining access to free PrEP through telehealth, at-home testing options, and Rx combined with on-site consultations, and wraparound services that address both physical and mental health needs.
This initiative reflects Forge Health’s long-standing commitment to fostering equitable healthcare solutions and breaking down barriers to care. The partnership is expected to be fully operational by the end of the month.
For more information on the Forge Health and TBD Health partnership, visit www.forgehealth.com or www.tbd.health.
About Forge Health
Forge Health is a mission-driven company dedicated to delivering the highest quality, affordable, accessible, and effective “one-stop-shop” mental health and substance use care to individuals, families, and communities in need, especially those with moderate to severe conditions. The Forge care model utilizes multidisciplinary clinical teams, data analytics, and streamlined care delivery to provide individualized, whole-person care that concurrently addresses mental health and substance use issues while driving improved health outcomes. As the first and only behavioral healthcare provider with a proven, national payor-validated ability to drive clinical outcomes that span all areas of health, Forge Health is leading the charge in driving innovation, improving care delivery, and shaping the future of behavioral healthcare.
About TBD Health
TBD Health is a sexual wellness organization committed to empowering individuals with accessible, stigma-free healthcare solutions. Through its innovative platform, TBD Health provides seamless access to sexual health, at-home testing, prevention, and education to create a healthier future for all.