Access to behavioral health care remains a significant challenge for individuals across the United States. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of mental health, many people continue to face barriers in receiving the care they need. These barriers range from the stigma surrounding mental health to the shortage of qualified providers and the rising cost of health care services. However, Highmark Health, a leading health insurer and healthcare provider, is tackling these issues head-on with a whole-person approach to behavioral health care.
In an interview with Behavioral Health Business, Dr. Anil Singh, Senior Vice President and Executive Medical Director of Population and Curated Health at Highmark Health, shed light on how the organization is addressing the gaps in behavioral health care. Central to Highmark Health’s approach is the idea that improving access to care isn’t just about increasing the number of providers; it’s about ensuring that there are enough available slots for patients to access care when they need it. Singh emphasized that while having a large number of providers is important, it’s the availability of appointment slots at convenient times that truly drives patient access and engagement.
Dr. Singh explained that Highmark Health is focused on curating a network of high-quality providers and matching them with patients based on their preferences and needs. Behavioral health care is an incredibly personal aspect of an individual’s healthcare journey, and being able to connect with a provider who understands their unique challenges can significantly impact the patient’s willingness to engage in treatment. By offering more flexibility and better matching between providers and patients, Highmark Health is seeing improved outcomes and stronger engagement with its behavioral health care services.
Highmark Health’s Partnership with Spring Health
One of the key initiatives launched by Highmark Health to address these challenges is its partnership with Spring Health, a digital behavioral health care provider. The program, which was launched in January, specifically targets members with moderate to severe depression and aims to get them into treatment quickly. The goal is to offer an appointment with a behavioral health care provider within five days of a member reaching out for help. Dr. Singh proudly noted that the program has exceeded expectations, with an average time to appointment of just 1.3 days. This fast access to care is a critical component in ensuring that individuals who need help are able to receive it without unnecessary delays.
After the first six months of data from the Spring Health partnership, Highmark Health is looking to expand the program to include treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and introduce an employee assistance program (EAP) in 2025. These enhancements are a direct response to feedback from members and data showing that there is a growing demand for comprehensive behavioral health care services. The addition of an EAP will also ensure that individuals who require short-term support can transition smoothly into long-term care without having to start over with a new provider. This unified approach is designed to provide a seamless experience for members, helping them feel more comfortable and supported throughout their entire treatment journey.
The Importance of Whole-Person Health
Highmark Health’s commitment to improving access to behavioral health care extends beyond just its partnerships with digital health providers. The organization serves nearly 7 million members across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and New York and is dedicated to ensuring that behavioral health care is treated with the same level of importance as physical health. Dr. Singh emphasized that the key to improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs is adopting a whole-person health strategy that connects physical, behavioral health care, and social aspects of care. This holistic approach is designed to treat the individual as a whole, rather than isolating their physical and mental health care needs.
The integration of behavioral health care into Highmark Health’s broader healthcare delivery model is another example of how the organization is working to address gaps in care. One of the ways Highmark Health is doing this is through its Mental Well-Being solution, a digital platform that allows members to access mental health support when they need it. The platform is designed to make it easier for members to connect with providers, access therapy sessions, and manage their mental health care needs in a way that is convenient and accessible. This solution will soon be expanded to include an EAP to help members get the immediate support they need and then continue their care seamlessly if additional visits are required.
The Role of Employee Assistance Programs
The importance of employee assistance programs (EAPs) has been growing in recent years, particularly as companies and organizations recognize the value of supporting their employees’ mental health. However, many traditional EAPs have limitations, such as a set number of visits or a lack of continuity of care. Highmark Health is aiming to fill this gap by offering an EAP that is integrated with its Mental Well-Being solution, providing a more seamless and holistic experience for employees in need of support. This integration allows individuals to start with short-term counseling through the EAP and then transition into long-term care with the same provider, ensuring that they receive consistent and continuous support throughout their treatment.
Highmark Health’s Vision for the Future of Behavioral Health Care
As Highmark Health continues to grow and expand its behavioral health care services, it is clear that the organization is committed to improving the overall health and well-being of its members. The future of whole-person care, according to Dr. Singh, lies in creating a more interconnected system where physical, behavioral health care, and social care are integrated into a seamless experience. Highmark Health is already ahead of the curve in this regard, with its digital platforms and integrated care delivery models helping to bridge the gap between providers and patients. However, challenges remain, particularly in terms of rising healthcare costs, including the high price of medications and services.
Despite these challenges, Highmark Health remains optimistic about the future. Dr. Singh believes that the key to overcoming rising healthcare costs is focusing on proactive and preventative care. By addressing mental health issues early and offering preventative solutions, Highmark Health aims to reduce the need for expensive medications, inpatient care, and long-term treatments. The goal is to make behavioral health care services as accessible and as easy to obtain as physical health care, which would ultimately improve the overall health of the population and reduce healthcare costs across the system.
Overcoming Headwinds and Embracing Tailwinds
Looking to the future, Dr. Singh anticipates that more health plans will recognize the importance of behavioral health care and take steps to address the needs of larger populations. Health plans that integrate their provider networks with insurers, as Highmark Health has done, will be uniquely positioned to create innovative solutions and provide better care for their members. By focusing on whole-person health and embracing digital platforms and integrated care models, Highmark Health is setting the stage for a more connected and efficient behavioral health care system that can serve the needs of individuals across the country.
In conclusion, Highmark Health’s whole-person approach to behavioral health care is a model for the future of care. By focusing on proactive and preventative strategies, expanding access to treatment through digital health partnerships, and integrating behavioral health care with physical and social care, the organization is paving the way for a healthier, more connected future. As the behavioral health care landscape continues to evolve, Highmark Health’s innovative strategies offer a glimpse into how the healthcare industry can meet the growing demand for mental health services while improving patient outcomes and reducing costs.
