Behavioral health patients present unique challenges because of the common co-occurrence of multiple Behavioral Health and medical problems.  Failure to integrate across care systems is costly to both payers and providers.  For example, substance use patients have a 6 times greater healthcare spend than the general population and families of these patients spend about 3 times more than the general population.   Organizations that can directly address this issue will solve payer problems of cost and improve health outcomes for patients.  Value-based and at-risk contracts have been proposed as a solution to create common goals and incentives for providers, payers, and patients.  This presentation will guide owners, investors, and stakeholders in conversations addressing these important issues. 

With the growing need for behavioral health services, access to care and the methods providers utilize to reach patients is expanding. Telehealth or virtual care is a leading channel for patients to receive therapy for addiction or mental health disorders. In this presentation, we will discuss topics vital for organizations considering the use of telehealth/virtual care services that include: 

• How can virtual care change the landscape of behavioral healthcare?
• What are the cost savings and efficiency/capacity increase for treatment centers?
• What concerns do treatment centers need to be aware of before building a virtual treatment program? 
• How can providers avoid legal issues related to compliance, patient-confidentiality, or HIPAA?
   

Behavioral health has lagged behind general healthcare programs as they track and manage real patient outcomes. Several BH companies now have focused on this and are generating data that show BH interventions are effective in reducing symptoms and enhancing life quality.  The panel chair has implemented outcomes management systems at major insurers and provider programs. Panelists will share their perspectives and performance in the real world, including data that benchmark their clinicians and programs.