As Mental Health Visits Double, BCBS of Massachusetts Expands Care Options
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts says that members’ use of in-person and virtual visits for mental healthcare have increased 100 percent since 2019.
In 2019, Blue Cross reported approximately 4 million behavioral health visits. In the third quarter of 2022, Blue Cross had reported approximately 8 million behavioral health visits. The payer noted that these findings mirror national trends that have found rising demand for treatment for depression and anxiety disorders.
"As the need for mental health services continues to grow, access to convenient and affordable care is critical," said Andrew Dreyfus, Blue Cross' president and CEO, in a statement. "By expanding and diversifying our mental health network, we’re ensuring that our members are able to find and receive the high-quality care they need, when they need it.”
Blue Cross’ mental health provider network has grown by nearly 46 percent over the last five years and now includes nearly 18,000 clinicians.
In response to the demand for mental healthcare, Blue Cross announced the further expansion of its mental health provider network. The nonprofit health plan is partnering with several national mental health provider groups to increase the number of clinicians available to members and provide specialized services for specific mental health care needs.
Expanding primary mental health groups
Talkiatry, a national primary mental health provider focused on telehealth psychiatric therapy, in-person therapy and medication management, is now in the Blue Cross network. It joins a range of other primary mental health groups that offer therapy and medication management to treat a broad array of mental health conditions and provide support to Blue Cross members. Earlier this year, Blue Cross partnered with Thriveworks, Headway, Refresh Mental Health and Valera Health, which offer both in-person and virtual treatment with diverse clinicians serving most ages.
Blue Cross said it would continue to expand its network to include more national virtual mental health groups in 2023.
Adding sub-specialty partnerships
Blue Cross also is adding to its network two specialty mental health provider organizations that provide care for specific conditions and populations: And Still We Rise, which provides mental healthcare promoting culturally affirming practices, and DynamiCare, which helps people quit or moderate their use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
“It’s not enough to simply expand our network with more clinicians,” said Greg Harris, M.D., a psychiatrist and senior medical director for mental health at Blue Cross, in a statement. “We want to ensure we have the right clinicians to treat members’ specific needs – and that includes specialized treatment and approaches. When it comes to mental health treatment, one size does not fit all. We’re committed to building a network of practitioners to serve a diverse array of needs for children, adolescents and adults.”
In coming months, Blue Cross plans to add to its network specialty mental health provider groups focused on severe eating disorders and autism.
