Cambridge’s ieso Digital Health UK has been acquired by Stockholm-headquartered Mindler, in a deal aiming to boost access to mental health services across the NHS.
ieso, which has already delivered more than 640,000 hours of therapy and currently provides online talking therapies to more than 20 million adults through the NHS, will continue its work under the Mindler brand. The move combines Mindler’s European digital therapy platform with ieso’s expertise in video and typed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), alongside AI-powered clinical tools.
Dr Charlotte Housden, Managing Director of ieso Digital Health UK, will remain in post to oversee the transition. She said:
“Joining Mindler allows us to further amplify our impact while staying true to what has made ieso UK so trusted by patients and NHS partners alike.”
The deal comes as NHS demand for mental health services continues to rise. Between 2023 and 2024, 3.8 million people accessed NHS mental health, learning disability and autism services — nearly 40% more than before the pandemic. Yet patients are still waiting significantly longer for mental health treatment than for physical health care.
With staff shortages also affecting provision — more than one in ten NHS mental health doctor posts are vacant — digital platforms are seen as a vital tool in easing pressure. A recent study by Mindler and Uppsala University found that 88% of patients using its therapy services received timely care, and 86% reported feeling more confident in managing their mental health.
Mindler has already expanded through acquisitions in Finland and the UK, and its entry into Cambridge further strengthens its position in the digital health sector. The company says it will continue to safeguard all NHS patient data in line with national governance standards.
Erica Larson, Group CEO at Mindler, described ieso’s UK work as
“a gold standard for scalable, evidence-based digital therapy.”
She added: “Together, we will offer the most comprehensive digital mental health platform in the UK — one that supports patients throughout their care journey.”
The acquisition also allows ieso’s parent company to refocus on its international mission of delivering AI-powered mental healthcare, particularly in the US.
For Cambridge, the move represents another milestone in the city’s growing reputation as a hub for health innovation.
