Fitt Insider 322. Carter Barnhart, Co-founder & CEO of Charlie Health
Jan 19, 2026
Join Carter Barnhart, Co-founder and CEO of Charlie Health, a pioneer in virtual intensive outpatient care for mental health and substance use disorders. He shares insights on scaling accessibility to high-acuity treatment across 40 states. Discover how Charlie Health proved the effectiveness of virtual care, leveraged community partnerships, and secured over 850 insurance contracts. Carter also discusses the importance of group-based healing and utilizing data to improve outcomes, all while aiming to destigmatize mental health treatment.
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Virtual Intensive Care Scaled Successfully
- Charlie Health proved virtual intensive outpatient treatment can be effective and scalable for high-acuity patients.
- They now operate in 40 states and contract with over 90% of commercial and Medicaid insurers.
Montana Pilot During COVID
- Carter launched Charlie Health in Montana during COVID to show virtual intensive care could work in underserved places.
- They used early results there to prove outcomes and expand nationally.
Forge Local Referral Networks
- Build community relationships so local professionals refer people in crisis rather than defaulting to emergency rooms.
- Educate ER social workers, teachers, and clinicians about alternative intensive outpatient options.