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.
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.
Black people are in a mental health crisis. Their therapists are busier than ever.
NBC News, 05-27-2021
Black therapists say the spike in demand from Black clients for the last year has been difficult — and in some ways surprising and even hopeful.
Should mental health be a valid reason for missing school? Many say yes.
The Washington Post, 05-27-2021
Montgomery County leaders are taking steps to add mental health to the list of valid reasons to be absent from school, saying the move is especially important after the inordinate toll of the pandemic.
5 Resources For New Moms Struggling With Mental Health
HuffPost, 05-19-2021
Experts share where and how to find support for postpartum depression, stress and anxiety after having a baby.
LGBTQ youth mental health: Trevor Project survey highlights disparities
Medical News Today, 05-19-2021
The Trevor Project — the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for young LGBTQ people — has published the results of its third annual national survey on the mental health of LGBTQ youth.
Back to normal? Psychologists warn the pandemic could have lasting effects
NBC News, 05-18-2021
Mental health professionals are ramping up their efforts to understand the pandemic’s impact — and early findings are not encouraging.
In The Pandemic, Children Face A Mental Health Crisis
NPR, 05-13-2021
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the proportion of emergency department visits by children in mental health crises went up significantly during the pandemic — about 30% for kids ages 12-17 and 24% for children ages 5-11 between March and October of last year, compared to 2019.
What you need to know about the cost and accessibility of mental health care in America
CNBC, 05-10-2021
With everything going on, the number of Americans experiencing anxiety and depression is up — 42% of U.S. adults reported symptoms, up from 11% in previous years, according to a December survey from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Despite More Symptoms, COVID-Era Mental Healthcare Claims Decrease
HealthPayerIntelligence, 05-06-2021
Mental healthcare claims have decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic even though more adults have reported symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Scripps National News, 05-06-2021
Anthem released its first ever State of the Nation’s Mental Health report while Mental Health America has a new toolkit to help people transition back into public life.
