As an integrated system spanning health care, insurance and research, we see industry opportunities, and challenges, from multiple perspectives. This expertise helps us develop informed, forward-looking solutions that benefit our patients, our members and the broader community.
In each volume of Thriving Forward, we’ll discuss the latest innovations from across our organization, why they matter and how they’re impacting the people we serve.
Due to high demand for care, people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief or overwhelming stress often wait weeks for an appointment with a therapist or other behavioral health specialist.
We’re changing that through the Mental Health Rapid Access program, an innovative care model that has helped more than 18,000 patients get easier access to mental health care without the wait. Instead of placing patients on lengthy waitlists, clinicians can connect them with a behavioral health consultant that day or the next, providing support when it can have the greatest impact.
The rapid access team helps patients navigate immediate concerns. Behavioral health consultants also determine when someone would benefit from ongoing therapy, ensuring specialty behavioral health resources remain available for patients with more complex needs. About 80% of patients have found that a single visit provided the support they needed.
By making behavioral health care available when people are ready to seek help, we’re reducing barriers to treatment, improving mental health outcomes and ensuring more patients receive the right level of care before issues can become more serious.
In “Thriving Forward,” you’ll see examples of innovation in action. Our teams are redesigning systems to make mental health care easier to access, advancing genetic medicine and transforming preventive care. None of this work happens in isolation. Across these stories, you’ll see how HealthPartners collaborates with other health systems and organizations to help people not only live but thrive.
– Andrea Walsh, President & CEO
