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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAHIP\u2019s resource outlined around over 40 payers\u2019 efforts to stem the tide of the mental healthcare crisis in the US and support their members. Seven strategic themes emerged from the list of ways that payers<\/a> have helped members manage their mental health\u00a0needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding a mental healthcare provider or a primary care provider who is aware of behavioral health conditions is challenging for members.\u00a0Three-quarters of members who have sought out mental healthcare<\/a> services hold health insurers responsible for their access\u2014or lack thereof\u2014to mental healthcare providers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some health insurance companies have offered recommendations about how to find mental health providers that will meet members\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sharp Health Plan advised members regarding the various types of mental health providers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The health plan encouraged members to consider the differences between therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, and psychologists as they seek mental healthcare services and to assess which might be best suited to their needs. The payer also recommended that members write down questions about the issues that they wish to discuss with potential providers<\/a> and bring these to their appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For members who are looking for culturally competent mental health providers, AmeriHealth Caritas posted five questions that members can ask in order to assess a provider\u2019s cultural competency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The payer\u2019s questions invite members to consider whether the provider takes an interest in the member\u2019s social context, asks about any stigmas or social determinants of health that might have produced barriers to care in the past, acknowledges differences in backgrounds where they exist and checks in on the member\u2019s concerns and expectations about those differences, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Members are not always aware that they need help or the severity of their own mental health conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To connect at-risk members with the right type of care, CareOregon implemented an artifical intelligence software from Clarigent Health. The tool helps identify behavioral healthcare patients who are becoming suicidal by looking for patterns in speech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to connecting members with providers, health insurers have also empowered members to advocate for and find solutions for themselves, offering opportunities for members to find the kind of care that best suits their needs through telehealth and digital platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Payers like The Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) sought to empower members by giving them access to a mental healthcare platform from Learn to Live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The platform allows members to connect with cognitive behavioral therapy and mental health assessments at any time of the day or night. More specifically, it is designed for members who have mild to moderate depression, anxiety including social anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental healthcare needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highmark health plan offered members access to a 12-week evidence-based program called Meru Health. The program is designed to serve members with depression, anxiety, and burnout. It integrates personal therapy consultations and peer support groups with technology-based mindfulness practices, video lessons, and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n All of the program\u2019s services are available by phone. After members complete the course, they still have access to mental healthcare support through Highmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey offered members access to a mental health coaching program called MindRight Health that conducts its services via texting. The program targets individuals between the ages of 13 and 25 who need emotional support and coaching. Coaches on the platform are overseen by mental healthcare providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nSource: HealthPayer Intelligence<\/a><\/span>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"HELPING MEMBERS FIND THE RIGHT PROVIDERS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nCREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CARE THROUGH TELEHEALTH<\/a>, ONLINE PLATFORMS<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n