Partnership will meet growing demand for timely and accessible behavioral health services for new and expectant mothers
MIAMI, April 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — brave healtha virtual behavioral health provider focused on serving Medicaid populations, today announced a new partnership with The doula network (TDN), a Medicaid provider committed to improving access to doula care and expanding reimbursement for doula services. The collaboration seeks to address maternal and mental health disparities that disproportionately affect women in underserved communities.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are the leading complications of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting one in five mothers nationwide. However, only 50 percent receive treatment. Untreated maternal mental health conditions cost the US finished $14 billion annually and increase the risk of adverse outcomes, particularly for women in underserved areas where it may be more difficult to access care.
medicaid finance nearly 45 percent of all births in the US and an estimated 50 to 60 percent of pregnancies in rural areas. The population of women covered by Medicaid faces many socioeconomic challenges that inhibit their ability to access high-quality maternal care. For many, Medicaid is not only essential for physical health, but also for mental health.
To support Medicaid members during and after pregnancy, TDN’s partnership with Brave Health provides a full range of behavioral health services, including individual, group, couples and family therapy; psychiatry and medication management, which have been increasingly difficult to access locally as the demand for mental health providers increases. TDN refers patients to Brave Health’s virtual provider network, allowing immediate and convenient access to covered mental health services and resources. By combining virtual behavioral health services with a trusted network of community doulas, TDN and Brave Health can meet members where they are; providing new and expecting parents with unrestricted access to high-quality remote and in-person care.
“This partnership serves as a critical safety net for the vulnerable population of women who are struggling to get the care they need and so richly deserve,” she said. Elizabeth Simmons, MS, CD, founder and CEO of TDN. “Mental health services can be a lifeline for many of our members who often have limited support from friends and family or may be in difficult relationships. Together, the interventions of TDN’s doulas and Brave’s mental health team can significantly improve outcomes for mothers and their babies, and decrease unnecessary medical risks and costs.”
Dedicated to increasing access to insurance-covered doula services, TDN works with health systems and health plans throughout Florida Y New Jersey to integrate birth doulas into the Medicaid system. Currently, TDN’s provider network of 100 credentialed and certified doulas serves nearly 1,000 Medicaid members annually with the intention of adding more payers and expanding to other states.
The partnership with TDN is one of several Brave Health has initiated to bring high-quality behavioral health care to the nation’s most vulnerable. Earlier this year, Brave Health engaged with Circulo Health to provide mental health services to Medicaid members in Columbus, Ohio. Today, Brave Health serves more than 65M lives covered in 125 health plan contracts in 11 states.
“Mental health conditions that go untreated or undiagnosed can have devastating consequences for individuals and their families. This is especially true in times of change, both physical and emotional. In these times, it is critical that care providers work together to get the person the care they need quickly,” said Ana Lindow, CEO and co-founder of Brave Health. “By expanding integrated access to both doulas and behavioral health services, we can provide the physical, mental and emotional support that everyone deserves.”
About Brave Health
Brave Health is a national virtual behavioral health provider focused on serving people with Medicaid. The company offers outpatient services (therapy, psychiatry, case management, MAT) for mental health and addictions through its virtual behavioral health platform. Brave Health provides same-day screenings, reduces wait times to less than a week, and works closely with Medicaid case managers, providers and major US Medicaid plans to increase participation of patients and reduce overall costs of care. Today, Brave Health partners with 125 health plan contracts to cover more than 65M members in 11 states, including Florida, New York Y Texas. For more information visit www.bebravehealth.com.
About the doula network
The mission of the Doula Network (TDN) is to create a foundational system of doula services that are integrated into maternal health care. By aligning with doulas, clients, health plans, communities, and technology, The Doula Network improves the maternal health experience, maternal and infant outcomes, and lowers health care costs. Founded in 2019, The Doula Network has created care networks in Florida Y New Jersey with 13 Medicaid health plans. Our network of doulas is committed to providing community-based, culturally congruent, and client-focused doula services. For more information visit www.thedoulanetwork.com.
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SOURCE Brave Health
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