AlleyWatch The psychological toll of the pandemic cannot be overstated. According to the CDC, there have been “considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19.” Like the rest of the world, mental health providers have been forced to adapt to current conditions at a time when more and more individuals are seeking care. Alma, the membership-based network for mental health providers, has proven to be invaluable for both providers and patients. The startup, founded in 2018, firmly believes that providers need support to manage their practices and this support results in better quality care for patients. The company shifted its offering from its in-person locations to support the needs of mental health professionals in a digital-first world through a complete suite of practice management tools, continuing education courses, insurance contracting, and billing solutions. Patients are able to quickly find vetted professionals on the platform, increasing accessibility and affordability. In the last six months, the number of people seeking care has increased by 120% on the platform.