Helping guide members to support for lower severity behavioral health needs

Talk therapy isn’t the only way to get care that works for lower severity behavioral health needs.

Helping members access behavioral health care

The stigma surrounding mental health has decreased,1 which is a positive development. This shift has led to increased use of mental health services, a trend that is also beneficial. However, this greater utilization of mental health care is resulting in higher costs for employers.

~50% 

of members seeking support may benefit from alternative solutions2

While employers should look to offer solutions that support the full continuum of behavioral health care needs, the biggest opportunity for supporting their employees and reducing their costs may be in the low-to-moderate severity categories.

“We need to expand our perspective on what care looks like and get people comfortable with trying solutions and support that may work just as effectively as talk therapy,” explains Trevor Porath, vice president of behavioral health solutions for UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual. “Normalizing the utilization of solutions that are designed for lower severity issues can serve as a more cost-efficient approach to getting members the care they need without the challenges surrounding provider availability.”

One example of these solutions is Calm Health, an evidence-based wellness app that offers members access to:

  • On-demand mental health screenings
  • Guidance to the right level of support based on results
  • Personalized programs created by psychologists
  • Support for mental health challenges or life experiences
  • Referrals to other mental health solutions or care offered by their employers
  • A library of self-care content for managing stress and anxiety, improving sleep and building life-changing habits
     

Other solutions that can help before a member is in crisis may include self-help digital resources, In the moment telephonic support and behavioral health coaching.

"Historically, a member’s first step into behavioral health has been through a therapist or psychiatrist. What we found is that not all members need that level of care,” says Stacie Grassmuck, director of behavioral health product and innovation for UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual. “We’ve brought forth more options that can help get at contributing factors of depression and stress, and behavioral health coaching that can help mitigate triggers.”

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