HelloBetter

HelloBetter operates as a provider of digital therapeutics (DTx) focused on mental health, originating from years of academic research. The company was established in 2015 by a team of psychologists: Professor Dr. David Ebert, Dr. Hanne Horvath, and Dr. Elena Heber. Their collective background in psychological research at institutions like the University of Lüneburg formed the scientific bedrock of the company, initially named GET.ON Institute, with the goal of translating effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) into accessible online courses. Hannes Klöpper, an experienced startup founder, later joined the team as CEO to spearhead strategy and investor relations.

The company's primary business involves creating evidence-based digital therapy programs for a spectrum of mental health conditions, including stress, burnout, panic disorders, insomnia, and chronic pain. HelloBetter's business model is centered on the prescription digital therapeutic (PDTx) market, particularly within Germany's statutory health insurance system. Under Germany's Digital Healthcare Act (DVG), physicians and psychotherapists can prescribe HelloBetter's certified programs, known as DiGA (Digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen). This allows patients to access the online courses at no personal cost, with reimbursement fully covered by all public health insurers. The platform delivers its programs through a combination of interactive content (texts, videos, audios), practical exercises, and an online diary, complemented by support from trained psychologists who provide feedback.

A significant milestone was achieved when six of its programs were officially listed in Germany's DiGA directory by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), cementing its position in the national healthcare system. This integration makes its services available to a large portion of the German population. The company is also expanding internationally, entering the US market in 2022 with its HelloGina brand for vaginismus and pursuing market entry in France. In 2023, its digital therapeutic for panic disorders, 'HelloBetter Panic', received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a program designed to expedite the review of medical devices that treat debilitating conditions. The company has successfully raised capital, including a Series A round, to fund product development and international expansion.

Keywords: digital therapeutics, DTx, mental health, cognitive behavioral therapy, DiGA, prescription digital therapeutics, PDTx, digital health applications, online therapy, burnout, stress management, panic disorder, insomnia, vaginismus, digital mental health, reimbursed healthcare, B2B healthcare, David Ebert, Hanne Horvath, Elena Heber, Hannes Klöpper, FDA Breakthrough Device, German healthcare market