The big picture
In today's world, mental health has become a critical concern. In fact, more than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. live with a mental, emotional or behavioral challenge.1 What’s more, depression alone has gone up by 60% over the past 10 years. Right now, about 16% of women and 10% of men are dealing with depression, and nearly 1 in 10 adults are taking medication for it.2
Data and stories tell us mental health care should be easy to get and carefully catered for each need.
That’s where Optum comes in. A leader in health services, the team uses smart digital tools and virtual care to make mental health support more affordable, more personal and available to more people.
Smart solutions, effortless mental health support
Optum works with multiple digital health companies to come up with smart ways to support mental health – getting people the help they need when and where it works best for them. By bringing these tools together in one place, Optum makes it easier for folks to find support, even if they wouldn’t normally reach out for help. Plus, because they focus on making care convenient and affordable, it’s easier for people to stay engaged and take care of their mental health.
AbleTo: Bridging the gap with behavioral coaching and virtual therapy
AbleTo represents a solution-oriented approach for Optum, offering programs that combine digital tools with 1:1 support from a behavioral coach or licensed therapist. AbleTo’s behavioral coaching program operates from a forward-focused perspective, supporting individuals as they navigate specific life events, transitions and challenges. The program is customizable, helping people define their specific goals and learn the skills they need to overcome concerns like sleep challenges, work stress and burnout. Coaches have completed rigorous and specialized training grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy to help make changes in virtually any area of life.
With AbleTo’s services in its suite of offerings, Optum is expanding access and helping overcome common barriers such as provider shortages, cost and stigma, making mental health care more accessible to a wider range of users. This approach provides options to individuals who might otherwise not seek out or engage in treatment so they can access the support they need.
Supportiv: Real-time peer support for immediate needs
Supportiv provides virtual, anonymous, real-time peer support moderated by trained individuals, addressing issues such as loneliness, relationship problems and LGBTQ+ support. This service is particularly effective for those who may not need therapy but need someone to talk to.
Supportiv's inclusion in Optum's digital offerings demonstrates the company's ability to provide in-the-moment support that addresses the immediate needs of users and also offers effective, affordable alternatives, ensuring high-quality care without compromising on outcomes.
Calm: Enhancing mental health support
Known for its popular meditation and stress management app, Calm offers tools to help users sleep better and manage stress. In addition to offering the popular direct-to-consumer version of Calm to its global Employee Wellbeing Services users, Optum has also integrated the enhanced Calm Health app into its behavioral health benefits at no extra cost. Calm Health provides seamless navigation and personalized plans to the familiar self-help features available in Calm, ensuring that users can easily find the support they need. A personalized approach helps Calm Health users manage their mental health more effectively, demonstrating Optum's ability to enhance traditional health care with innovative digital solutions.
Equip: Comprehensive support for eating disorders
Equip is a digital health solution that focuses on providing effective treatment for eating disorders. It uses a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches tailored to each patient's unique needs. Equip's virtual treatment model is proven to be as effective as in-person treatment and provides an alternative to those who might otherwise seek residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient or traditional outpatient treatment.
The bottom line
Optum's ability to bring behavioral health solutions to market is rooted in its extensive resources and infrastructure. One of Optum’s key strengths is its capacity to scale these solutions, making them accessible to a larger audience. The company's support and collaboration with Calm, AbleTo, Supportiv and Equip highlight its innovative approach to mental health care, leveraging digital tools to enhance traditional services. Optum's focus on evidence-based care, quick access to support and personalized solutions ensures that users receive the most appropriate care for their needs.
Optum’s ongoing commitment to whole health solutions
Optum's strategic partnerships exemplify its pioneering role in bringing behavioral health solutions to those who need these services. By leveraging innovative digital tools and providing personalized, evidence-based care, Optum is making mental health support more accessible, affordable and effective. This solution-oriented approach highlights Optum's commitment to meeting users where they are, addressing their immediate needs and helping them achieve better mental health outcomes. As the demand for mental health care continues to grow, Optum's ability to scale and innovate will remain crucial in providing the support that individuals need to thrive.
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