What is Boomr Health?

Boomr Health is a digital health company developed by a team of researchers, doctors, and health coaches to address the huge gap between what we know about social isolation and loneliness (SIL) and what we are actually doing about it. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has declared SIL a national health epidemic.

We know that science based health and wellness coaching can decrease people’s social isolation and loneliness.

We also know that there is no easy way for people to get access to science based health and wellness coaching for SIL.

At Boomr Health, our mission is to bridge the accessibility gap for mental health care for SIL so that more of the 15 million adults at risk for SIL can benefit from this proven and easily administered non-clinical treatment.

This will improve lives and greatly reduce healthcare costs for Americans over 65.

What is Behavioral Activation?

Boomr Health delivers coaching in Behavioral Activation (BA), which is a structured approach to health and wellness coaching that focuses on increasing engagement in valued life activities. It is a component of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that has been adapted for older adults. In the context of aging, BA often involves helping older adults maintain or regain their level of independence and autonomy by encouraging them to engage in activities that are meaningful and enjoyable to them. Making use of SMART goals, BA rekindles agency and mastery, allowing older adults to take back control of their lives.

BA involves several key components:

  • First, a health and wellness coach helps the individual identify their values, interests, and goals.

  • Then, they work together to create a structured schedule of activities that align with these values and goals.

  • The coach assists the individual in breaking down these activities into manageable steps, making them easier to accomplish.

  • As the individual follows the activity schedule, the coach helps them monitor their progress and adjust their goals and activities as needed.

  • Additionally, the coach provides guidance on problem-solving and coping strategies to address any obstacles or challenges that may arise.

  • After 5 coaching sessions, individuals will have the tools to maintain engagement in pleasurable, valued activities and create new, healthy behavioral patterns.

  • Weekly Office Hours continue to be available to support individuals’ progress in BA and allow them to meet other adults who are doing the same.

Meet the Team

  • Sasha Meyerowitz

    FOUNDER

    Serial entrepreneur. Former COO of Narativ. Expertise in product and business development and online learning models.

  • Namkee G. Choi, Ph.D.

    ADVISOR

    Professor, UT Austin. NIH-funded researcher using BA for SIL. Developer of BA coaching, training, and implementation modeling.

  • Jennifer Rose

    HEAD OF COACHING

    Jennifer is a board-certified health and wellness coach with two decades of experience in health research, education, and program implementation.

  • David Grodberg, MD

    ADVISOR

    Physician at Yale School of Medicine. Board-certified psychiatrist and physician executive; experienced scaling care across all 50 states and coordinating with PCPs.

Summary

Social Isolation is defined as a reduced network of supportive social connections, leading to functional isolation that in turns breeds depression, anxiety, and other negative health consequences. Loneliness occurs at any age, but frequently attends to social isolation, compounding the feeling of separateness from a world in which one was previously fully engaged.

Behavioral Activation can be a highly effective approach for older adults, as it focuses on promoting engagement in activities that enhance quality of life and promote mental and emotional well-being. By helping older adults stay connected, active, and purposeful, BA can be an essential tool in improving their overall mental and emotional health.