I Was Patient Number One. Now, Headway Has Served Its 1 Millionth.
When I founded Headway, it wasn’t as an entrepreneur with a business idea. It was as a patient who knew firsthand the struggle of navigating our broken mental health system. My own journey with mental health care showed me how difficult it was to find the right therapist, how overwhelming it felt to sift through endless phone numbers and dead ends, and how deeply frustrating the experience could be for anyone seeking help.
It was then that I realized our system wasn’t designed for patients — it wasn’t designed for people like me. I knew there had to be a better way, not only for myself but for the millions of others who deserve to access mental health care with ease and dignity.
That’s why I founded Headway — to build a platform that bridges the gaps between patients, providers, and health plans, ultimately streamlining care and putting people first. When we launched, I considered myself patient number one, and I imagined a future where others wouldn’t have to go through what I did to get the help they needed.
It wasn’t a seamless journey. Before I officially founded Headway, I tried helping patients to get therapy reimbursed by their insurance. In two years, I helped a whopping six patients file out-of-network claims.
Fast-forward to today, I’m humbled to share that we’ve reached a profound milestone: Headway has now served its 1 millionth patient. That’s 1 million individuals across all 50 states who have accessed care that might have otherwise felt out of reach — 1 million steps toward a healthier, more equitable mental health system. Every single one of those patients represents a life changed, a barrier overcome, and a belief in the power of accessible, affordable mental health care.
This milestone isn’t just a reflection of our work; it’s a testament to the patients who have trusted us and to the providers who have partnered with us. It’s also a testament to the health insurance plans who are willing to work with a company like Headway so they can get their members the care they need. It’s a signal that together, we’re building something truly transformative. We’ve proven that it is possible to create a system where finding the right care isn’t about luck or privilege — it’s about connection, compassion, and a commitment to making mental health care better for all.
As we celebrate our 1 millionth patient, we remain steadfast in our mission: to ensure that everyone has access to the care they deserve. The journey is far from over, but today, we pause to honor how far we’ve come — and to look ahead to what’s next. We’re just getting started.
To everyone involved at Headway – the providers in our network, our health plan partners, our dedicated employees, and more – thank you for being a part of this movement. Here's to the next million lives we will uplift, together.
Andrew Adams Founder & CEO, Headway