Behavioral health is a critical area of healthcare that addresses mental health and substance abuse issues.
The behavioral health industry has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, particularly with the emergence of new treatment options and changing regulations. To better understand these changes and identify trends in behavioral health, our team recently conducted an analysis of behavioral health claims data. Here are three key findings from our analysis:
The use of telehealth in behavioral health has increased significantly
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telehealth services across the healthcare industry, and behavioral health is no exception. Our analysis found that the use of telehealth services in behavioral health has increased dramatically over the past year. Specifically, we found a 300% increase in the use of telehealth services for behavioral health compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This increase in telehealth services is likely due to a variety of factors, including the need for social distancing and the convenience of remote care. Telehealth services have also been shown to be effective in treating a range of behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. As such, we expect the use of telehealth services in behavioral health to continue to grow in the coming years.
There is a growing need for integrated care models in behavioral health
Behavioral health is often siloed from the rest of the healthcare system, with separate providers and payment models. However, our analysis found that there is a growing need for integrated care models that address both behavioral and physical health needs.
Specifically, we found that patients with behavioral health issues are more likely to have comorbid physical health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. However, these patients often do not receive the coordinated care they need to manage both their physical and behavioral health conditions. As a result, they may receive fragmented care that leads to poor outcomes and higher costs.
To address this issue, we believe that there is a need for more integrated care models that bring together physical and behavioral health providers and payment models. These models could include initiatives such as integrated care teams, care coordination programs, and value-based payment models.
There are significant disparities in access to behavioral health services
Despite the growing need for behavioral health services, our analysis found that there are significant disparities in access to care. Specifically, we found that patients in rural areas and low-income communities are less likely to receive behavioral health services compared to their urban and higher-income counterparts.
This disparity in access to care can have significant consequences for patients, including higher rates of untreated mental health conditions and substance abuse. To address this issue, we believe that there is a need for targeted initiatives that increase access to behavioral health services in underserved communities. These initiatives could include telehealth services, mobile clinics, and community-based programs that address social determinants of health.