What You Should Know:
– Teladoc Health (NYSE: TDOC), the global leader in virtual care, today announced a significant expansion of its services with the launch of comprehensive mental healthcare for children, adolescents, and their families.
– The new behavioral health offering, developed in partnership with Brightline, addresses the growing need for accessible and effective mental health support for young people.
Breaking Down Barriers to Youth Mental Health
Many families struggle to find quality mental health care for their children. Studies show that 60% of parents are unsure where to seek help, 50% lack referrals, and 40% of adolescents face long waits for appointments. These barriers result in only half of children with treatable mental health disorders receiving the care they need.
Virtual “Front Door” Connects Patients to Specialized Care
Through Teladoc Health’s established virtual “front door,” members will be seamlessly connected to mental healthcare providers specifically trained in pediatric, adolescent, and family mental health. This program aims to address a critical shortage of specialists in this area, where there are only 14 psychiatrists per 100,000 children.
Family-Focused Approach Addresses Unmet Needs
Teladoc Health’s family-focused approach offers a unique solution. It not only provides access to specialized mental health care for children but also addresses the emotional and logistical needs of parents and caregivers. This holistic approach fills a gap in current market offerings.
Beyond Age 18: A Seamless Transition
This program also offers a smooth transition for young adults. When members turn 18, they can easily access the broader Teladoc Health ecosystem of care, ensuring long-term continuity of care.
“As part of our unwavering commitment to deliver trusted care across the ages and stages of life, we are proud to expand mental health support for this age group and tap into Brightline’s comprehensive and responsive model of care, network of specialists, and robust digital platform to provide this extremely vital service to our clients and members,” said Teladoc Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Vidya Raman-Tangella. “We believe that access to mental health services earlier in life is a vital first step for younger generations to take charge of their healthcare journeys.”