Encompassing mental health conditions and substance use disorders, behavioral health is a key component of whole health. At Anthem, we believe a comprehensive approach is needed to address the behavioral health needs of our communities.
Health equity is a key driver of mental and physical well-being. Yet, some communities continue to disproportionately face barriers to access quality, culturally-competent mental healthcare. At Anthem, we’re supporting the necessary changes being made to telehealth policies that reduce health disparities and better connect our consumers with the care they need to improve and sustain their mental health.
Anthem is committed to using data and listening to those on the front lines of behavioral healthcare to gain a deeper understanding of those we serve. As part of this commitment, we developed an inaugural report to analyze more than 27 million healthcare claims and results from our nationwide clinician survey.
Our behavioral health affects nearly every aspect of our day-to-day lives. Yet despite clear connections between behavioral and physical conditions, our healthcare system has long siloed behavioral health treatment, making it difficult for healthcare providers to see the full picture of a patient’s health. At Anthem, we’re taking a whole health approach to improve access, affordability, and outcomes.
We’re leveraging our expertise, technology, and innovative approaches to predict, prevent, identify, and treat behavioral health conditions. Hear from our experts on way we’re tackling a wide range of issues.
Dr. Jessica Chaudhary on Covid-19, Behavioral Health, and an Alarming Rise In Suicide
Medical Director Dr. Jessica Chaudhary discusses the alarming rise in suicide ideation, the behavioral health conditions that put people at greater risk, and the connection between public health crises and whole health.
Dr. Sandrine Pirard on When Substance Use and Pregnancy Collide
VP Medical Director Dr. Sandrine Pirard discusses the prevalence of substance use disorders in pregnant and postpartum women and how Anthem’s approach to coordinating care is essential to improving the whole health of women and children.
Wendy Farmer on Compassionately and Effectively Responding to Behavioral Health Crises
Crisis Solutions Leader Wendy Farmer discusses how behavioral health crises are currently addressed and the importance of developing crisis systems to reduce stigma, provide effective behavior health crisis interventions, and improve the health of communities.
Dr. Charma Dudley on Reducing Health Disparties Through Culturally Competent Care
Associate Director of Behavioral Health Services Dr. Charma Dudley discusses the ways in which disparities in access, awareness and treatment affect behavioral health outcomes for diverse populations and how Anthem is increasing cultural competency among providers to address members’ whole health.
Dr. Nancy Norman, MPH, on Connecting the Dots Between Behavioral Health and Housing
Medical Director of Integration Dr. Nancy Norman, MPH, discusses the connections between behavioral health and safe/affordable housing, insecure housing and homelessness, and how Anthem is increasing access to housing and behavioral healthcare to improve outcomes.
USA Today, 11-04-2021
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a mental health crisis that experts say the U.S. may have to battle for years to come.
Business Insider, 11-03-2021
People who’ve been diagnosed with mood disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Study: Unhealthy stress coping habits may help lower depression rates among Latinos
Axios, 11-02-2021
Latinos with an unhealthy response to chronic stress, like smoking or constantly eating junk food, tend to report fewer depression symptoms like hopelessness and restlessness in the long run than those with no dangerous coping mechanisms, according to an analysis.
Pediatricians say the mental health crisis among kids has become a national emergency
NPR, 10-20-2021
A coalition of the nation’s leading experts in pediatric health has issued an urgent warning declaring the mental health crisis among children so dire that it has become a national emergency.
Increasing Access to Quality Mental Health Care Through Telepsychiatry
Psychiatric Times, 09-20-2021
43 of 50 states are experiencing a severe shortage in psychiatrists specializing in child and adolescent care. Telehealth may be able to help.
We Know Students Are Struggling With Their Mental Health. Here’s How You Can Help
NPR, 09-17-2021
Most kids around the country are back in classrooms by now, but this school year isn’t quite the return-to-normalcy that everyone had hoped for. Covid-19 cases are surging again, and many school districts have already closed due to outbreaks. Others are offering remote learning options. This school year is already feeling uncertain and anxiety ridden for many...
Anxiety and depression are increasing as the pandemic goes on. Here’s what you can do
CNN, 09-10-2021
Psychological distress, depression and anxiety were prevalent among both men and women half a year into the Covid-19 pandemic and well beyond the initial lockdown periods, according to a new paper in Lancet Regional Health-Americas.
These 10 states have the highest rates of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression
Business Insider, 09-07-2021
The pandemic has affected the mental health of many of us, but new data shows where people may be feeling these effects the most.
Analyzing the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
News-Medical, 08-26-2021
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of what mental health is and how it can be addressed in order to reduce its stigmatization. These strategies will be vital to tackling mental health going forward, improving the rates at which people seek out help, and increasing the efficacy of treatment. Here, we discuss...
