Colleen Hilton, the CEO and co-founder of Alli Connect, recognizes the unique challenges faced by first responders, such as firefighters and police officers, when it comes to mental health. These individuals experience high levels of trauma, stress, and danger in their line of work, making it crucial for them to have access to mental health care. However, there is a stigma surrounding seeking help, with some first responders fearing that they could be viewed as unfit for duty if they were to seek therapy. Alli Connect aims to address this issue by providing a confidential and easy-to-use platform that delivers mental health services to first responders.
The Alli Connect platform offers routine mental health and wellness assessments, which can help identify issues such as depression and anxiety that could benefit from therapy. The startup’s goal is to connect individuals with care before they reach a point of burnout, compromise on the job, or experience a mental health crisis. If a first responder is interested in meeting with a therapist, Alli Connect acts as a matchmaker, using an AI-assisted tool to find a suitable provider. Additionally, the platform provides mental health education to support individuals in managing their mental wellbeing.
A 2023 report ordered by President Biden highlighted the need to improve mental health care for first responders, citing research that shows higher rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among firefighters and police officers compared to the civilian population. Alli Connect, which initially focused on Washington but is now available nationally, seeks to fill a major gap in wellness for police and fire departments and other agencies by providing care to employees, families, and retirees.
Colleen Hilton, a licensed therapist with personal experience as the spouse of a police officer, launched Alli Connect in 2020 under the name Thrivelution. The startup has since rebranded and rebooted, attracting attention from industry leaders like former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, who joined the advisory board. The company is currently raising a round of capital and has secured Patrick Madden, senior vice president and general manager at Axon, as an investor and member of the board of directors.
Alli Connect screens therapists to ensure they have the necessary experience to work effectively with first responders, emphasizing the importance of cultural competency in building trust with clients. Providers are not employees of the company and retain their private practices, delivering care either in-person or through telehealth. The company aims to continue expanding its reach, potentially serving members of the military and veterans in the future. With a team of eight employees and plans to add four more by the end of the year, Alli Connect is dedicated to supporting those who put their lives on the line for others.
Richard Kasperowski, co-founder and chief technology officer of Alli Connect, brings expertise in software development and engineering to the team, while Nathan Leatherwood, head of growth, joined from CivicEye. The company is co-headquartered in Snohomish, Washington, and Boston, with plans for further growth and expansion. Despite the shortage of mental health providers nationwide, Alli Connect has not struggled to find therapists willing to work with first responders. By offering personalized, accessible care, the startup is committed to improving mental health outcomes for those who serve and protect their communities.
