SonderMind Hires Douglas Newton, MD, MPH as Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Newton brings over two decades of clinical experience in behavioral health to the SonderMind leadership team

DENVER - SonderMind Inc., a company dedicated to making behavioral health more universally accessible and approachable, today announced the hire of Douglas Newton, MD, MPH as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Dr. Newton joins SonderMind from Optum Behavioral Health where he held the role of National Senior Medical Director. In his new role at SonderMind, Dr. Newton will further develop SonderMind’s quality programs and clinical capabilities.

At SonderMind, Dr. Newton will engage therapists across the SonderMind network to improve their ability to reach and effectively treat patients. SonderMind currently operates the largest integrated network of community behavioral health professionals in Colorado and is expanding their business in Texas and Arizona. Dr. Newton will also advise and monitor quality metrics in the SonderMind system to assist therapists in providing long-term, positive clinical results for their patients.

“SonderMind is uniquely situated to address many of the barriers for individuals seeking mental health treatment as well as the challenges facing independent, private practice therapists running their own businesses,” said Douglas Newton, MD, MPH. “I’m thrilled to be joining an organization that has found success in addressing a real need in our healthcare system, even amidst an unprecedented pandemic. I’m excited to support the company’s work improving timely access to quality mental health care across the U.S.”

While at Optum, Dr. Newton oversaw care engagement and management, monitoring provider quality and outcomes to develop a high performing network of mental health providers. Much of his work was informed by patient reported outcomes and feedback, as well as regular dialogue with providers across the Optum Behavioral Health network.

Dr. Newton joining SonderMind builds on recent momentum including its successful Series B $27 million capital raise, the launch of telehealth capabilities to support the network’s developing COVID-related needs, and the company’s selection as the first Colorado company to join the Endeavor network.

Prior to his work at Optum Behavioral Health, Dr. Newton was a psychiatrist with the Colorado Permanente Medical Group. He has also worked as a Medical Officer at Mendota Mental Health Institute and an Attending at Central VT Hospital in their Psychiatric Inpatient Unit. Dr. Newton received his Master of Public Health from the Yale University School of Medicine and his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.