Alma, a New York-based accessible mental health care platform designed to support independent mental health practitioners, has recently partnered with Evernorth, the health care solutions division of insurer Cigna (NYSE: CI). This collaboration marks a major milestone in expanding affordable and culturally responsive mental health care services for patients across the United States.
By integrating Alma’s technology with Evernorth’s extensive health care network, the partnership aims to simplify and broaden access to mental health services, ensuring that patients can find therapists who meet their needs both financially and culturally.
Expanding Access Through Technology and Network Integration
One of the key strengths of Alma as an accessible mental health care platform is its versatile approach to therapy delivery. Patients connected through Evernorth can now access Alma’s online directory to locate in-network therapists offering both in-person and virtual care. With telehealth services available in 48 states, Alma reduces geographic barriers and brings mental health care to patients who might otherwise face challenges finding convenient or local providers.
The platform’s sliding scale payment system is another important feature. It adjusts costs based on individual financial situations, making therapy more affordable and helping to reduce common economic obstacles to care. This flexibility reflects Alma’s commitment to ensuring mental health care is accessible to a broad range of people, regardless of income.
Emphasizing Diversity and Cultural Competency in Care
Alma’s accessible mental health care platform goes beyond availability and affordability by prioritizing diversity and cultural competence among its network of therapists. Patients can filter providers based on demographic factors such as race, gender, and sexual orientation. This ensures individuals find therapists who can offer culturally sensitive care and understand the unique challenges different communities face.
This focus addresses a critical gap in mental health care. Studies show that cultural alignment between patient and therapist improves therapeutic outcomes and engagement, making Alma’s platform especially valuable for marginalized and underserved populations.
Harry Ritter, Alma’s founder and CEO, spoke to the importance of these values: “Our expansion with Evernorth marks a major step forward in our commitment to make high quality mental health care more accessible and affordable for people across the country. As we expand nationally, we’re focused on building a network of diverse and culturally competent therapists to ensure we’re better serving people’s needs and providing true access.”
Growth, Funding, and National Reach
Since its launch in 2018, Alma has rapidly grown its network and technological capabilities. To date, the company has raised $90.5 million in funding, which fuels ongoing innovation and expansion efforts. Alma currently provides its full range of services in 16 states but plans to expand nationally to meet the rising demand for accessible mental health care.
The partnership with Evernorth significantly boosts Alma’s ability to scale its accessible mental health care platform. By leveraging Evernorth’s reach and resources, Alma can connect more patients with therapists in their insurance networks and continue building a diverse provider base.
Innovating Behavioral Health Care Delivery
The Alma-Evernorth partnership reflects a broader shift in behavioral health care toward integrating technology and insurance networks. Patients increasingly expect convenient, flexible care options, and platforms like Alma’s accessible mental health care platform help deliver on these expectations by combining digital tools with a wide provider network.
For patients, this means navigating mental health care becomes easier and more personalized. They can filter therapists based on preferences, find affordable options, and choose between in-person and telehealth services depending on their lifestyle and needs.
For providers, joining Alma’s accessible mental health care platform connected with Evernorth means greater visibility and a more efficient way to manage administrative tasks such as billing and scheduling. This lets therapists spend more time focused on patient care rather than paperwork.
What This Means for Patients and Providers
Patients benefit from easier access to high-quality mental health care tailored to their cultural background and financial situation. The combination of in-network insurance coverage and sliding scale fees helps reduce both cost and logistical barriers, encouraging more people to seek care.
For mental health practitioners, Alma’s accessible mental health care platform offers an opportunity to expand their practice, reach new patients, and receive support in managing the complexities of insurance and telehealth platforms.
Conclusion
Alma’s inclusion in Evernorth’s behavioral health network represents a meaningful advancement in making mental health care more accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive. The accessible mental health care platform Alma offers is helping to close gaps in care and meet the growing national demand for effective mental health services.
If you are looking for mental health support, Alma’s accessible mental health care platform provides a powerful tool to connect with in-network therapists who align with your unique needs—whether you prefer virtual or in-person treatment.
For more information about Alma’s accessible mental health care platform or Evernorth’s behavioral health offerings, feel free to reach out. Together, these innovations are shaping a future where quality mental health care is within everyone’s reach.
