News: 100% rise in demand of mental health services since 2020, new data shows

According to new data released by Blue Cross Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), the use of in-person and virtual mental health visits has doubled since 2019. Their numbers reflect a nationwide trend seeing a greater demand for mental health treatment as the COVID-19 pandemic started, and in response BCBSMA has announced it will further expand its mental health provider network. This includes both partnering with national mental health provider groups to have more clinicians available as well as providing a greater variety of services, HealthLeaders News reported.

Over the last five years, BCBSMA’s mental health provider network has already expanded by 46%, featuring almost 18,000 clinicians. Now they look to partner with Talkiatry, And Still We Rise, and DynamiCare.

“As the need for mental health services continues to grow, access to convenient and affordable care is critical,” said Andrew Dreyfus, president and CEO of Blue Cross, in a statement. “By expanding and diversifying our mental health network, we're ensuring that our members are able to find and receive the high-quality care they need, when they need it.”

BCBSMA is looking to ensure they have the right clinicians to treat specific needs, including specialized treatment and approaches. Mental health treatment is not one size fits all, and the payer is committed to building a network of practitioners to serve diverse array of people and needs.

Editor’s note: To read HealthLeaders’ coverage of this story, click here. To read BCBSMA’s news release and statement, click here.