Demand and Setting Shifts in Youth Behavioral Health
In the last six years, there has been a significant increase in demand for youth behavioral health services, leading to a corresponding shift in service settings. While telehealth has emerged as a prominent component, patients, especially those post-pandemic, are increasingly favoring in-person or hybrid care options. However, certain aspects of youth behavioral health care have remained consistent over this period.
Lack of Family Involvement and Wraparound Services
Panelists at the Behavioral Health Business' INVEST conference highlighted the persistent challenges related to family participation in care, wraparound services, and understanding children's preferences for their care. They emphasized the need for better coordination among various healthcare providers, including therapists, clinicians, pediatricians, and community supports.
Connecting the Dots: A Missing Piece in Youth Care
Yvette Jackson, executive director of Devereux Arizona (part of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health), proposed the idea of creating "connective tissue" within the youth behavioral health continuum of care. This would involve ensuring access to services for families earlier on and investing in coordination between different care settings, aiming to reduce residential utilization.
Shifting Toward Family-Centered and Community-Based Models
The industry is witnessing a shift towards family-focused models and community partnerships. Courtney Carlsson, CEO and co-founder of Kin Therapy, an AI-enabled intensive outpatient program, stressed the importance of continuity and family involvement during transitions between care settings.
Innovations and Challenges in Youth Behavioral Health
Andie Hollowell, CEO and founder of Terra Behavioral Health, introduced a residential care model that prioritizes family involvement. She discussed the challenges of regulatory and payer hurdles in providing wraparound services, which often require creative solutions or non-reimbursable costs.
Building Infrastructure with Investor Support
To address these challenges, investors' attention is crucial. Jackson suggested fostering partnerships to create systems of care that benefit all involved. The goal is to build infrastructure that connects various care options, ensuring a seamless and effective journey for youth receiving behavioral health services.