As COVID continues, it’s become clear that physical health isn’t the only thing at stake — mental health needs just as much attention.
Seven in 10 workers say this period is “
In an effort to simultaneously alleviate the strain on providers and expand access to mental health resources, CVS is adding virtual and in-person behavioral healthcare offerings in select HealthHUB locations. Patients will have access to professionals who can help them better understand available offerings in order to make the right decisions."
Read more:
For many people, the past year has been their first time experiencing mental health challenges, according to Cara McNulty, who oversees overall behavioral health strategy for CVS as president of behavioral health at Aetna. Even for those with a previous history with mental health, navigating coverage is difficult. The CVS initiative is an “easy button.”
“The traditional mental health care system is complex and it can be very difficult to access,” McNulty says. “Especially in an environment where so many people need it, we’re here to provide a member-centric approach and meet people wherever they're at on this journey.”
Employers have been searching for resources to help a population struggling with intense stress. The shift to remote work has accelerated the adoption of telehealth benefits that provide
Read more:
HealthHUBs connect users with a clinical social worker who will accurately assess their symptoms and write them referrals to specialists accordingly. Sometimes patients come in with mild symptoms of anxiety and just need a few sessions with a licensed social worker, McNulty says. Knowing that more help can be readily available provides peace of mind.
“Part of the existing mental health system is that people have to wait weeks to get in and they don't know where to go,” McNulty says. “We're taking that confusion out of it.”
For insured patients, social workers can help map out what is included in their benefits packages, according to McNulty. For uninsured users, HealthHUBs will connect them to local resources within their community.
Read more:
As of now, HealthHUBs are only available in select locations in Houston, Philadelphia and Tampa. Thirty-four new locations are slated to open in the spring of 2021.
“We're trying to remove those barriers for people getting care,” McNulty says. “The worst thing for me is when people say: ‘Oh, I wish I would have asked for help earlier.’”
