Raising Young Kids with ADHD: A Revolutionary Approach
The Challenges of Raising Children with ADHD
Raising young kids who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be an incredibly challenging experience for parents. These children often struggle to complete school work, and may become easily frustrated, leading to frequent tantrums. The emotional toll on the family can be significant, making it difficult for parents to provide the necessary support and care.
The Waiting Game: A Nationwide Shortage of Psychologists
Parents who turn to professionals for help are often shocked to learn that due to a nationwide shortage of psychologists, it can take as long as nearly a year to get diagnosed and start seeing a therapist. Moreover, the high cost of treatment is a significant barrier, with out-of-network care adding up to thousands of dollars per year.
A Breakthrough Solution: Clarity Pediatrics
Clarity Pediatrics, a chronic care startup founded in 2021, claims it can reduce the wait time for receiving a diagnosis and beginning ADHD therapy from many months to just a couple of days. This innovative approach is made possible by offering an average $15 co-pay per session.
The Secret Sauce: Behavioral Parent Training (BPT)
So what sets Clarity apart? The company’s secret sauce lies in its focus on behavioral parent training (BPT). BPT is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for families of children ages five to 12 with mild-to-moderate ADHD. By teaching parents strategies and skills to help their children focus in school and control emotional outbursts, Clarity provides a much-needed support system for young kids with ADHD.
The Science Behind BPT
"There is no evidence that one-to-one therapy is effective for young kids with ADHD," said Clarity’s CEO and co-founder Christina LaMontagne. By providing BPT, Clarity acknowledges that young kids are not mature enough to change on their own. Instead, the company empowers parents to take an active role in helping their children overcome ADHD-related challenges.
Expansion Plans: Bringing Care to More Families
Over the last 18 months, Clarity has provided online care to thousands of families in California. With $10 million in seed funds raised from Rethink Impact, Clarity plans to expand its services to other states in 2024. The company’s goal is to make high-quality ADHD care more accessible and affordable for families across the country.
A Growing Market: Online Pediatric Mental Health Services
Clarity is not alone in trying to solve the problem of the lack of therapists for children. Startups like Brightline, Little Otter, and Bend Health offer online pediatric mental health services, including ADHD treatment. While these companies provide valuable support, Clarity’s focus on BPT sets it apart from other providers.
Long-Term Plans: Expanding Healthcare Services
For now, Clarity is solely focused on treating ADHD in kids ages five to 12 by providing diagnosis, therapy, and prescriptions. However, the company has plans to eventually offer healthcare for low-complexity pediatric chronic conditions like asthma, allergies, and obesity.
Meet the Founders: A Team with a Passion for Innovation
Prior to founding Clarity, LaMontagne was the chief operating officer at Pill Club and a corporate development executive at Johnson & Johnson. The company’s co-founder, Dr. Alesandro Larrazabal, is a pediatrician who was trained at UCSF and Stanford and served as head of specialty services at Kaiser Permanente.
Investors Believe in Clarity’s Mission
Clarity’s seed round included investments from January Ventures, Vamos Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and City Light VC. Heidi Patel, a managing partner at Rethink Impact, believes in the company’s mission to make high-quality ADHD care more accessible and affordable for families across the country.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Families Affected by ADHD
Raising young kids with ADHD can be an incredibly challenging experience for parents. However, Clarity Pediatrics offers a revolutionary approach to providing care and support. By focusing on behavioral parent training (BPT), Clarity empowers parents to take an active role in helping their children overcome ADHD-related challenges. With expansion plans underway, Clarity is poised to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of families affected by ADHD.
