Digital solutions have greatly expanded access to mental health support, though they’re not always reaching the people who need it the most, such as youth in rural, low-income and marginalized communities.
That’s why during a panel discussion at the recent Behavioral Health Tech conference in San Diego, Paul Sisson, reporter at the San Diego Union-Tribune, asked a group of experts how the industry can better reach these groups.
An executive at Cigna noted that while most people have a smartphone, access to WiFi is often a significant challenge. That’s why partnerships with local governments, school systems, public libraries, pediatric clinics and youth centers are important.
“Distributing through the school systems and making sure your guidance counselors, your nurses are connected, even bus drivers understand what you have to offer and then can talk about it [is beneficial]. … They are truly on the front line of the mental health epidemic,” said Jason Youngblood, senior director of behavioral health at Cigna Healthcare.
Youngblood also emphasized that it’s helpful to ensure a cultural fit in digital solutions by involving key stakeholders like youth, parents and peers in program design and promotion.
Dr. Nikole Benders-Hadi, chief medical officer of digital mental health company Talkspace, echoed these comments, stating that the company uses in-person events at schools to get the word out about its services. The company also has a partnership with New York City to offer free online therapy to teens. Through this partnership, it has “Teenspace Ambassadors,” or young adults who help notify others about the program.
She added that it’s vital to identify the needs of specific communities.
“Someone from an underserved or more marginal community may have specific trauma-related needs that you have to be sure that you’re able to address. Also on that care delivery lens, I would say, [it’s important to have] a diverse provider network that is able to understand those needs, adapt those specific care needs,” she said.
Another panelist raised concerns regarding the disparity in support offered to commercial members versus those enrolled in Medicaid.
“I’m concerned that we don’t sometimes offer the Medicaid population nationally access to the same great solutions that the commercial population can experience. … I want to make sure that it’s equitable regardless of what line of business your insurance is,” said Mike Franz, executive medical director of behavioral health at Regence Health Plans.
Photo: Richard Drury, Getty Images
