National Telehealth Provider Based in Arizona Enables Businesses to Address Critical Workforce Needs that Traditional Health Plans Often Neglect
In an expansion of its behavioral health solutions, national telehealth provider MeMD launched telepsychiatry for adults and teletherapy for adolescents and teens.
Already a major provider of virtual urgent care, men’s and women’s health, and teletherapy for adults, MeMD launched these solutions to address a growing need for high-quality, convenient mental healthcare nationwide.
“Mental health issues in the U.S. have reached crisis proportions, but provider shortages, narrow networks and the stigma of seeking treatment create huge barriers for care,” said MeMD CEO Bill Goodwin. “With teen teletherapy and adult telepsychiatry, companies can offer a lifeline to employees who are worried about their children or have mental health concerns of their own.”
Telepsychiatry
Though one in five adults struggles with mental health issues, 56.4% don’t receive treatment, according to Mental Health America. MeMD’s new telepsychiatry solution, available for adults 18 and over, helps eliminate common barriers to care, including long wait times, high costs and privacy concerns.
The national network of state-licensed, NCQA-credentialed psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners provide treatment through a variety of therapeutic tools including talk therapy, psychosocial interventions and appropriate medications to manage behavioral health issues. MeMD members can connect with a provider over the phone or computer in as few as 48 hours.
Teen Therapy
According to the American Psychological Association, depression among adolescents increased 52% between 2005 and 2017. Further, the National Institute of Mental Health reports that three million youth ages 12-17 have experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year.
MeMD provides virtual care for youth ages 10-17 facing depression, anxiety, body image concerns, eating disorders, bullying, peer conflict, drug and alcohol use, self-harm behaviors and other common issues. Parents can schedule sessions via phone, computer or mobile device – in as few as 24 hours – with a licensed, credentialed provider who has expertise in treating adolescents and teens. Parents are involved with the first session to ensure they are comfortable with the treatment provided.
“What we have learned is that young people need their own teletherapy solution. They need to be able to access care quickly, and they need providers who understand the issues affecting kids, like cultural and academic pressures, dependence on electronic communication, and social media,” added Goodwin. “The pressure on children today is both enormous and unhealthy, and we as a society have to provide convenient, cost-effective solutions to help them navigate this formative time in their lives.”
MeMD’s telepsychiatry and teen therapy services are available through company health plans, as standalone solutions or direct-to-consumer.
To learn more about MeMD telehealth solutions, visit memd.me.