Valera Health has become an in-network provider for Humana Medicare Advantage members, offering access to their virtual mental health services. The New York-based platform connects high-acuity patients with a health coach who helps them find suitable therapists or doctors. Valera’s team-based model includes nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, case managers, and psychiatrists. With significant funding, Valera aims to address the growing demand for behavioral health support. Other virtual platforms in this space include Iris Telehealth, Sensible Care, and UpLift.
Valera Health, a virtual mental health platform, has become an in-network provider for Humana Medicare Advantage members, offering access to their telemental health services. Initially available in 10 states, Valera Health plans to expand nationwide by September.
Valera Health specializes in serving high-acuity patients aged six and above who suffer from serious mental illness and severe depression. Their platform connects patients with a health coach who assists them in finding suitable therapists or doctors based on their specific needs.
Operating on a team-based model, Valera Health’s New York-based team consists of nurse practitioners, licensed therapists, case managers, and psychiatrists. Clients can conveniently reach out to providers through the Valera app, which also provides a library of mental health resources.
Cassie Gochenaur, Humana’s Associate Vice President of Behavioral Health, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Valera Health to address the behavioral health needs of their Medicare Advantage members. She emphasized the importance of strong provider partnerships, both in-person and virtually, to ensure quality and timely care for their membership amid the growing demand for behavioral health support.
Valera Health has secured significant funding, including $15 million in 2021 and $44.5 million in growth equity financing in the previous year. Mental healthcare remains a prominent aspect of telehealth, with FAIR Health’s Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker indicating a consistent increase in mental health diagnoses during recent months.
Other virtual platforms offering high-acuity mental healthcare include Iris Telehealth, an online psychiatry company, Sensible Care, a teletherapy provider, and UpLift, a mental health startup.