Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia is partnering with technology behavioral healthcare provider Confidant Health to provide addiction treatment services, the companies announced Wednesday.
in Bethel, Connecticut confidant health Provides a variety of services for mental health and substance use disorders through its app, including medication management, therapy, counseling, wellness and recovery coaching, and group support. Sam Arsenault Wilson, chief quality officer and co-founder of Confidant Health, said that in its partnership with Anthem BCBS in Virginia, the company started with members with opioid use disorder, but is providing them with a full range of services.
“This is particularly important for filling a given substance use treatment gap 97.5% People with substance use disorders who aren’t being cared for don’t feel they need ‘treatment’,” Wilson said.
Opioid deaths increased by 42% in Virginia in 2020, according to a study. Press Releases. Drug poisoning deaths increased by 22% in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020.
Wilson added Its services are especially helpful for people who cannot receive care in person because of transportation, childcare or other challenges.
Members can be referred directly to Confidant Health by Anthem or a health care provider, and the company will then contact for an appointment, Wilson said. Otherwise, members can go through the app, which can be downloaded on the Apple App Store or Google Play. When people go through the app, they can make an appointment to speak with a clinician, or they can communicate with its chatbot called Alfie. Through their conversations, members identify their goals and receive support based on their individual needs. They can then receive ongoing care, whether through therapy sessions, medication management, exercise, reading, or other resources.
“Each member’s care journey is customized and designed to meet their needs through a range of evidence-based practices,” Wilson said.
According to Confidant, the chatbot was built over a period of more than two years by a group of technologists, epidemiologists, health economists, behavioral health providers, patient advocates, drug users and family members. website.
Other companies in the addiction treatment and mental health space include work health, bike health, Boulder Nursing and quit geniusBut Wilson claims that what makes Confidant Health different is that it appeals more broadly to those who are struggling with mental health, or simply looking to improve their overall quality of life.
“Confidant Health meets with all members, whether they suspect things could be better or they are seeking help for addiction and mental illness,” Wilson said.
While the partnership started with members with opioid use disorder, Wilson said the goal is to expand to other members in the future.
Photo: SIphotography, Getty Images
