In an effort to address the growing mental health needs of children and adolescents in the United States, UnitedHealthcare has announced a significant expansion of mental health services in schools. Through a partnership with Hazel Health, UnitedHealthcare aims to provide mental healthcare to one million children across 14 states by 2025. This initiative is part of the insurer’s broader strategy to improve access to mental health services in underserved communities and ensure that students can access critical care directly through their schools.
Overview of the Partnership
Hazel Health, a leading provider of mental telehealth services in schools, is working with UnitedHealthcare to make mental healthcare accessible to students across the country. Hazel Health’s services are already available to over three million children through school districts, and this new partnership with UnitedHealthcare will significantly increase the number of children who can benefit from these services.
By providing mental telehealth services, Hazel Health ensures that students who may not have easy access to traditional mental healthcare can receive the support they need. These services range from therapy for anxiety and depression to interventions for behavioral issues and stress management.
The Scope of Hazel Health’s Services
Hazel Health specializes in delivering mental telehealth services to students directly in their schools. This service includes virtual therapy sessions with licensed mental health professionals who work closely with school staff to identify and support students in need. According to Hazel Health’s website, their services are designed to reduce the barriers that often prevent students from accessing mental healthcare, such as transportation issues or lack of available providers in rural areas.
The platform is accessible to students via devices such as laptops or tablets, allowing them to receive mental health care during the school day. This convenience makes it easier for students to engage in therapy without missing significant class time or requiring their parents to take time off work to transport them to appointments.
Mental Health Crisis in Schools
The mental health crisis among children and adolescents has been steadily worsening over the past decade, with the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbating the problem. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there has been a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among young people, which has led the organization to declare a national emergency in children’s mental health.
Schools are often the first line of defense in identifying and addressing mental health issues among students. However, many schools lack the resources and trained personnel to provide adequate support. This is where Hazel Health’s services, supported by UnitedHealthcare, come into play, offering a vital resource for students who might otherwise go untreated.
UnitedHealthcare’s Expansion Plan
UnitedHealthcare and Hazel Health have already begun their collaboration by launching services in Iowa, with plans to expand to up to 14 states by 2025. This rollout will significantly broaden access to mental healthcare for students across the country. Krista Nelson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community and State, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health early, stating that early intervention is key to preventing more severe mental health issues later in life.
UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to this initiative reflects the company’s focus on whole-person care, which recognizes that mental health is just as important as physical health. By investing in school-based mental health services, UnitedHealthcare hopes to reduce barriers to care and ensure that students receive the support they need at a critical time in their development.
The Positive Impact of Telehealth Services
The effectiveness of Hazel Health’s telehealth services has been supported by research. A study conducted by researchers at Clemson University found that 75% of students who participated in Hazel Health’s online therapy program experienced a significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms. This finding highlights the potential for telehealth services to make a real difference in the lives of students struggling with mental health issues.
Telehealth services have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person therapy was not always feasible. The convenience and accessibility of virtual therapy have made it an attractive option for schools, parents, and students alike.
Other Payers Supporting Hazel Health
UnitedHealthcare is not the only payer recognizing the value of Hazel Health’s services. In 2023, several major healthcare organizations, including Los Angeles County, L.A. Care Health Plan, and Centene’s Health Net, collaborated with Hazel Health to provide mental health services to 1.3 million students in Los Angeles County schools. This broad support from multiple payers underscores the growing recognition of the importance of school-based mental health services in addressing the mental health crisis among young people.
The involvement of other payers also suggests that there is a growing consensus in the healthcare industry about the need for innovative solutions to improve access to mental healthcare for children and adolescents. As more insurers and healthcare providers partner with companies like Hazel Health, the availability of mental health services in schools is likely to expand further, reaching even more students in need.
Conclusion
UnitedHealthcare’s partnership with Hazel Health represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health needs of students in schools across the country. By providing telehealth services in schools, UnitedHealthcare and Hazel Health are helping to remove barriers to care and ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. With plans to expand to 14 states by 2025, this initiative has the potential to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of children.
As the mental health crisis continues to affect young people nationwide, partnerships like this one will be critical in ensuring that students have access to the care they need. By focusing on early intervention and leveraging the power of telehealth, UnitedHealthcare and Hazel Health are paving the way for a brighter future for children across the country.
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FAQs
1. What is the goal of UnitedHealthcare’s partnership with Hazel Health?
A. The partnership aims to provide mental healthcare to one million children in schools across 14 states by 2025.
2. How does Hazel Health deliver mental health services?
A. Hazel Health provides telehealth services to students through virtual therapy sessions conducted by licensed mental health professionals.
3. What states are currently benefiting from this partnership?
The partnership has launched in Iowa and is expected to expand to up to 14 states by 2025.
4. What is the impact of Hazel Health’s telehealth services on students?
A. A study from Clemson University found that 75% of students experienced a reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms after using Hazel Health’s services.
