Behavioral health has never been more vital—yet millions still face barriers to accessing the care they need. Reducing those obstacles is one of the most important things we can do for members. Keeping out-of-pocket costs manageable, expanding access, and addressing stigma-related hesitancy all contribute to the overall health and well-being of our clients’ member populations.
One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by expanding telehealth options for behavioral healthcare. Following the pandemic, virtual mental health visits skyrocketed, but access remains uneven across age, race, and geography.
Youth demand keeps climbing. Emergency-room visits for mental health among young people rose from 4.8 million in 2011 to 7.5 million in 2020, revealing deep gaps in outpatient support.
Disparities persist. Growth in telehealth utilization for Black, Hispanic, and Asian adolescents lagged behind white peers, and publicly insured children have seen smaller gains. At the same time, the prevalence of major depressive disorder among all adolescents increased from 15.8% in 2019 to 20.1% in 2021.
1. Expanding Telehealth Coverage
Breaking down geography and stigma, telehealth now accounts for 55% of rural behavioral health visits. Telehealth expands the available pool of providers for underserved communities, while offering an added layer of privacy for patients.
2. Add-On Networks with Choice & Speed
Supplemental networks empower members to find providers who fit their needs, whether by race, language, or cultural background, helping them connect to care faster.
3. Digital Self-Service for Prevention
Mood-tracking tools, CBT exercises, and other early-intervention tools are one more way for individuals to help manage their mental health and may help stop crises before they start.
4. Youth-Centered Strategies
With youth mental health in crisis, tailored digital and virtual solutions for children and teens are essential and can have a dramatic positive impact on the mental health of participants.
This is what equity looks like in practice: access that’s fast, culturally responsive, and easy to navigate. When behavioral health is equitable, access stops being a privilege—and becomes the standard.
To learn more about how we’re expanding behavioral health access and what it means for members, contact us through the form below.
One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by expanding telehealth options for behavioral healthcare. Following the pandemic, virtual mental health visits skyrocketed, but access remains uneven across age, race, and geography.
The Data Tells the Story
Telehealth adoption soared. Virtual visits jumped from roughly 1.8% before the pandemic to 25.6% by mid-2020—and reached 55% by 2023.Youth demand keeps climbing. Emergency-room visits for mental health among young people rose from 4.8 million in 2011 to 7.5 million in 2020, revealing deep gaps in outpatient support.
Disparities persist. Growth in telehealth utilization for Black, Hispanic, and Asian adolescents lagged behind white peers, and publicly insured children have seen smaller gains. At the same time, the prevalence of major depressive disorder among all adolescents increased from 15.8% in 2019 to 20.1% in 2021.
Equity
Equity isn’t just about having services available—it’s about making sure everyone can actually use them. True equity requires multiple, flexible routes to care:1. Expanding Telehealth Coverage
Breaking down geography and stigma, telehealth now accounts for 55% of rural behavioral health visits. Telehealth expands the available pool of providers for underserved communities, while offering an added layer of privacy for patients.
2. Add-On Networks with Choice & Speed
Supplemental networks empower members to find providers who fit their needs, whether by race, language, or cultural background, helping them connect to care faster.
3. Digital Self-Service for Prevention
Mood-tracking tools, CBT exercises, and other early-intervention tools are one more way for individuals to help manage their mental health and may help stop crises before they start.
4. Youth-Centered Strategies
With youth mental health in crisis, tailored digital and virtual solutions for children and teens are essential and can have a dramatic positive impact on the mental health of participants.
How Luminare Health Is Making It Real
Our solution, powered by Headway, transforms these strategies into action. With Headway, members can:- Book appointments within 48 hours
- Tap into 3x more providers than typical networks
- Select providers by race, gender, language, and visit format—virtual or in-person
- Access transparent pricing
This is what equity looks like in practice: access that’s fast, culturally responsive, and easy to navigate. When behavioral health is equitable, access stops being a privilege—and becomes the standard.
To learn more about how we’re expanding behavioral health access and what it means for members, contact us through the form below.