Walgreens and MDLive, a virtual health vendor, have expanded their relationship to offer behavioral health services as part of the retail pharmacy’s telehealth platform.
MDLive and Walgreens have partnered on a telehealth platform since December 2014 and the service provides Walgreen’s customers with 24/7 access to MDLive’s network of U.S. board-certified primary care physicians and pediatricians via online video, mobile app or phone.
The new behavioral telehealth solution is provided by Breakthrough, an MDLive company, and will be available through the Walgreens digital properties. Through the behavioral telehealth services, more than 1,000 state-licensed therapists and psychiatrists will be available for video sessions by appointment.
Breakthrough Behavioral counseling services without prescriptions will be available in all 50 states, and behavioral health prescribing services will be available in 20 states.
“Through our relationship with Walgreens, we are making it easier for consumers to get help by providing the flexibility to schedule therapy at a time that works best for them, and without the need for travel time, waiting rooms, or office visits,” Randy Parker, founder and chief executive officer of MDLive, said in a statement.
“Access to providers and care is one of the biggest challenges for our mental health system today, and we’re pleased to work with MDLive to help meet this need as part of the Walgreens mental health platform,” Adam Pellegrini, Walgreens divisional vice president of digital health, said.
The behavioral telehealth services are part of Walgreen’s mental health platform to improve health outcomes through early screening and intervention, to heighten consumer awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental illness, and to connect more people with clinical resources in their community who can help.
As part of the campaign, Walgreens has formed a collaboration with Mental Health America (MHA). Working with MHA, and with a new section of the Walgreens website dedicated to mental health, Walgreens aims to connect people with scientifically based online screenings for a number of conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and PTSD. MHA can also facilitate follow-up treatment and care through providers and specialists in local communities, as well as through its affiliates across the U.S.
Walgreen’s also introduced a new Mental Health Answers site on its website. The site features informational resources and content, as well as easy access to a selection of free online screening tools through MHA.
