Cara McNulty, the President of Behavioral Health and Mental Wellbeing at CVS Health, recently announced her departure from the company in an emotional LinkedIn post. After an impactful five years leading the charge on mental health integration in healthcare, McNulty reflected on her journey with the company and the transformative work she spearheaded to advance mental health care. Her exit marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for CVS Health as the company continues its efforts to integrate behavioral health services into its broader healthcare offerings.
In her post, McNulty shared how meaningful her time at CVS Health had been, noting the honor it had been to serve in her role. “As my time as the president of behavioral health and mental wellbeing comes to a close, I cannot help but feel that working for CVS Health has been an experience and honor of a lifetime,” she wrote, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to make a lasting impact within a major healthcare organization. McNulty’s leadership helped drive CVS’s commitment to a more holistic and comprehensive approach to healthcare—one that does not separate mental health from physical health but instead works to integrate the two in meaningful ways.
McNulty’s Leadership and Commitment to Mental Health Integration in Healthcare
McNulty’s departure also highlights the growing importance of mental health in the broader healthcare industry. Over the last few years, CVS Health has made great strides in expanding its behavioral health services, including offering mental health support as part of its integrated care model. Under McNulty’s leadership, CVS Health embraced the idea that addressing mental health was critical to providing well-rounded, effective care. By focusing on mental health integration in healthcare, CVS Health has taken a leading role in the movement to break down the silos in healthcare that often leave mental health services underfunded and underserved.
Before joining CVS, McNulty had already built an impressive career in the health and wellness industry. She served as the North American leader of wellbeing at Willis Towers Watson Health and Benefits, a British-American insurance company. In this role, she spearheaded efforts to enhance employee wellbeing, understanding that health is more than just the absence of illness—it’s about creating environments where people can thrive. She also worked as a consultant for health and wellness technology startups, where she gained firsthand experience in driving innovation in the wellness space. Prior to her time at CVS, McNulty was the head of population health and team member wellness at Target, where she implemented strategies to improve the overall health and wellbeing of employees across the company. These experiences not only gave McNulty a broad understanding of the health and wellness landscape but also a deep appreciation for the importance of mental health in achieving overall wellbeing.
Grateful Reflections and a Call to Continue the Work
Reflecting on her tenure at CVS Health, McNulty extended heartfelt gratitude to her team, colleagues, and business partners who helped make her vision of integrating mental health services into everyday care a reality. In her farewell post, she thanked Karen Lynch, the CEO of CVS Health, for her leadership and support. “Thank you for investing in mental health, for leading courageously, and for supporting me along my journey,” McNulty wrote. “Let’s never forget the influence we can have to improve the mental health industry and what speaking out about mental health can do for those who may not feel OK.” McNulty’s words underscore the importance of leadership that fosters innovation, courage, and a willingness to tackle difficult issues like mental health head-on. The impact of CVS’s commitment to improving mental health is far-reaching, and McNulty’s efforts played a major role in advancing the conversation about mental health care in the corporate world.
Though McNulty did not specify when exactly she would be stepping down or what her next steps would be, she made it clear that her passion for mental health advocacy remains unwavering. In her post, McNulty emphasized her continued commitment to using her platform and voice to raise awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health. “As for what is next, until we no longer face barriers that prevent us from talking about, finding, and delivering exceptional mental health care, I will keep using my voice to amplify innovative solutions and help remove stigma in order to continue to advance this field,” she wrote. McNulty’s dedication to mental health advocacy is apparent, and it’s likely she will continue to make a significant impact in the space, whether through new ventures or collaborations with like-minded organizations.
CVS Health’s Growing Focus on Mental Health Integration in Healthcare
CVS Health has taken several significant steps over the past few years to strengthen its position as a leader in integrated healthcare. In addition to expanding its behavioral health services, CVS made notable investments, including its partnership with autism service provider Cortica. This investment is part of the company’s broader strategy to provide specialized care for individuals with unique needs, further cementing CVS’s commitment to expanding access to comprehensive health services. Despite these successes, CVS’s retail health ventures are not without challenges. Competitors like Walgreens and Walmart have faced difficulties in their healthcare offerings, with Walgreens experiencing setbacks in its healthcare provider initiatives and Walmart announcing the closure of its health centers and virtual care programs in April.
McNulty’s departure comes at a time when the behavioral health industry is undergoing significant changes. Recently, several high-profile executives in the field have made waves by either stepping down or transitioning to new roles. For instance, the CEOs of BlueSprig, NeurAbilities Healthcare, and 360 Behavioral Health all recently resigned, signaling a shift in leadership within the behavioral health space. Similarly, Bradford Health, an addiction treatment provider, announced the appointment of a new CEO. These changes point to a period of transition in the behavioral health sector, as the demand for mental health services continues to grow and the landscape evolves to meet the needs of consumers.
The Future of Mental Health Integration in Healthcare
The growing importance of mental health and the increasing recognition of the need for integrated care systems suggest that we are entering a new era in healthcare. While McNulty’s departure may signal the end of one chapter for CVS Health, her legacy of championing mental health integration in healthcare will leave a lasting impact on the company and the healthcare industry as a whole. As the demand for behavioral health services continues to rise, CVS Health is likely to remain at the forefront of efforts to integrate mental health care into primary care settings and improve access to mental health support for all.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that mental health will continue to play a critical role in the ongoing evolution of healthcare. Leaders like McNulty, who have dedicated their careers to advancing mental health services and breaking down barriers, are shaping the way forward. Her passion and determination to amplify mental health care solutions will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in her footsteps, and her departure from CVS Health is not the end, but a new beginning for both her and the industry as a whole.
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