firsthand

We were founded in 2021 and operate in the Mental Health Care industry. We work to improve care, support, access, and quality of life for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and serious mental and physical health challenges, especially those on Medicaid. Our approach is peer-led, meaning many of our team members have personal experience with SMI.

We provide individuals with peer guides and resources to help them access care, services, and benefits. This includes assistance with daily needs like getting groceries, making it to doctor’s appointments, securing prescriptions, finding housing, and accessing food and clothing boxes. We also offer medical, behavioral, and social needs support. For instance, our Triage Nurses provide telephone and electronic triage support, care coordination, and training on basic medical topics. Our Nurse Practitioners conduct assessments for nutrition plans or health conditions like high blood pressure.

Our operations are supported by our helpinghand platform, which is HITRUST r2 certified. We are active in Florida (Miami, Orlando), Virginia (Fairfax, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke), and Washington (Tacoma). Our services aim to improve member outcomes and reduce unnecessary healthcare use.

Our mission is to build and grow a team dedicated to delivering improved outcomes to individuals with serious mental and physical illnesses. Our vision is a world where individuals living with serious mental and physical illnesses live their best possible lives.

Our core values guide us:

• Individuals at the Center: We prioritize the well-being of the individuals we serve.
• Bias Toward Action: We take steps to achieve our vision, ask for help, and explore new territory.
• Seek Understanding and Remain Teachable: We lead with curiosity, assume positive intent, and value learning.
• Serious Fun: We work hard on an important mission while making time for fun.
• Deliver Value: We ensure customer endorsement, support, and success to advance our mission.
• Candor and Kindness: We provide timely, direct feedback with care and work through differences.

We are a company of 201-500 employees. Our founding team consists of experienced entrepreneurs and healthcare executives who have spent their careers serving underserved people with serious mental illnesses. We look for new team members who are also dedicated business-builders and problem-solvers.

Our work environment is deeply mission-oriented, with a culture that values continuous learning, collaboration, and impact. Employees receive mentorship and have a voice in our company’s growth. We aim to be a supportive and inclusive workplace where lived experience is valued, and individuals feel safe and accepted, regardless of personal mental illness diagnoses or backgrounds. We have been recognized with the DH100 Award (2024, 2025) and the Platinum Bell Seal (2024, 2025) for Workplace Mental Health.

We offer a range of employee benefits. These include up to 20 days of vacation annually (15 days in the first year, increasing to 20 days in the second year and beyond), 12 paid holidays, and 2 floating holidays. We also provide 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave for either parent and generous sick and wellness leave.

Our financial benefits include a 401(k) with a company match of up to 4% of salary, along with base salary, equity (or a special incentive program for clinical roles), and performance bonus potential.

Our healthcare benefits offer various options, including physical and mental health benefits, dental, and vision coverage. Employees also receive free, unlimited telehealth and talk therapy. We provide an annual personal development stipend.