The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008 prohibits group health plans from imposing more restrictive limitations on mental health/substance use disorder benefits compared to medical/surgical benefits. However, enforcement of true parity remains a challenge and many Americans still face barriers accessing quality mental health care on par with their medical care.  

The economic burden of untreated mental health problems is staggering, costing the global economy an estimated $1 trillion per year in lost productivity for depression and anxiety alone. Milliman analyzed claims data for 21 million commercially insured lives in the U.S. and found that the average annual physical health care costs for individuals with a behavioral health problem were 2.8 to 6.2 times higher than those without a behavioral health problem. Lack of access to mental health care can lead to increased utilization of costly health care services, such as emergency room visits, and poorer overall health outcomes for plan members. 

Providing accessible and affordable behavioral health care is a wise investment that can pay major dividends for health plans and their members. Digital mental health solutions have seen explosive growth and innovation in recent years, with a diverse ecosystem of web and mobile apps, telehealth platforms, online therapy programs, and other technology-enabled solutions emerging. These digital tools represent a powerful opportunity for health plans to address many of the barriers impacting mental health parity and access to quality care. 

Thoughtful integration of these innovative digital capabilities into mental health strategies and benefits programs enables health plans to incrementally transform access, convenience, personalization, insights, and overall quality of mental health care delivery for their members. 

Here are 5 ways that digital mental health solutions can support mental health parity. 

Increase Access and Convenience 

Digital mental health solutions like online/mobile platforms and telehealth capabilities can dramatically expand access, particularly for members living in rural or underserved areas lacking local in-network providers. Telehealth allows prescribers, therapists, and other specialists to connect virtually with any patient, transcending geographic constraints. 

An important differentiator of self-guided, app-based programs and other digital offerings is that they provide flexible options for members to access care on their own schedules without the need for in-person appointments. 

Reduce Mental Health Stigma Through Privacy and Anonymity 

The privacy and anonymity afforded by digital mental health tools can help reduce mental health stigma, which is one of the most pervasive barriers preventing those in need from seeking support. Members hesitant to visit a therapist’s office due to embarrassment or privacy concerns may find online/app-based options a more discreet entry point. The convenience of accessing digital care from one’s home or mobile device further increases comfort levels. 

Bridge Language Barriers 

A major barrier to adequate mental health care for many individuals is a lack of providers who speak their primary language. Traditional in-person therapy relies heavily on finding a provider who speaks the member’s preferred language and understands cultural nuances. However, digital mental health solutions can help bridge this gap by offering programs, content, peer support groups, and other resources in multiple languages.  

While in-person care with a shared-language provider may be ideal for some, digital multilingual solutions allow health plans to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services that might not otherwise be accessible in a member’s geographic area due to workforce limitations. This language support increases health equity for members facing cultural and communication barriers to mental health treatment. 

Provide Data-Driven, Actionable Insights 

A key advantage of digital mental health platforms is their ability to capture real-world data insights into member engagement, symptom progression, therapy adherence, and other key metrics. Members can seamlessly track their own progress through mobile apps and dashboard tools. Health plans gain access to powerful analytics that can guide the development of more effective, evidence-based mental health strategies. Aggregated data identifying areas of high risk/demand can optimize network management and resource allocation. 

Augment the Care Model 

Most members with mild to moderate levels of suffering for problems including stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc., can achieve their mental health goals exclusively with digital mental health programs, preserving precious in-person therapy sessions for those who would benefit from additional support. While digital mental health tools should supplement rather than entirely replace in-person care for the highest-severity cases, they present an opportunity to extend the capacity and reach of mental health providers through convenient virtual options. Self-guided digital programs can also be “prescribed” as adjuncts for clinical areas where some in-person providers might have less expertise (e.g., panic or substance use) or as supplemental skill-building and therapeutic exercises between clinical visits.  

Interested in learning more about mental health parity? Contact us.