More mental health support through virtual behavioral coaching

The mental health crisis in America has created an unprecedented need for help, with 1 in 5 American adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression.¹ Modern programs that combine easy-to-use digital resources with clinical best practices are becoming an important part of the solution for mild issues.  

One of these programs is virtual behavioral coaching, and it’s available to millions of eligible UnitedHealthcare commercial members at no additional cost. Based on AbleTo’s member onboarding data, it is estimated that approximately 50% of members seeking mental health support could be good candidates for virtual behavioral coaching as an alternative to therapy.²

“Every person has unique needs that may change over time, so it’s important for us to offer a broad range of behavioral health services,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual. “Virtual behavioral coaching helps us offer another mental health option to people with mild symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.”

Virtual behavioral coaching help includes:

• Dedicated one-on-one coaching support that focuses on personal goals
• 8 weekly coaching sessions structured around cognitive behavioral therapy techniques
• 24/7 access to program content and resiliency tools
   

Support happens through easy-to-use digital resources and in one-on-one video or phone meetings with trained coaches.

“The program is self-paced, and the coaches help to customize it,” Dr. Randall said. “They guide the member on using the program’s resources to create a plan that’s personal, measurable and effective. The aim is a tailored care experience with just the right touch of coach support.

Dr. Randall points out that virtual behavioral coaches are supported by licensed mental health professionals, so if a person being coached needs additional support, a referral can be seamless.

The virtual behavioral coaching program is part of a growing suite of low-severity behavioral health solutions offered by UnitedHealthcare, which includes 24/7 emotional in-the-moment telephonic support, family support, employee assistance programs, and digital self-care tools such as Calm Health, allowing individuals to access support in a variety of ways. Calm Health, an evidence-based mental health app, aims to help eligible members navigate personalized mental health support. These resources, and the UnitedHealthcare advocates who help members take advantage of them, are designed to meet several significant goals for mental health care, including:

• Expanding access
• Improving results
• Lowering costs 
• Reducing stigma
   

“Digital resources will continue to play a big part in reaching those goals,” Dr. Randall said. “Our virtual behavioral coaching program helps meet the high demand for user-friendly, easy-to-access support for mild mental health challenges.”