Teledoc Health, a multinational virtual healthcare company, hopes to make mental health services more accessible to individuals in the United States and worldwide. The company has announced the launch of myStrength Complete, a comprehensive, personalized virtual mental health service.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an undeniable effect on mental health across many demographics in the US, especially people of color and marginalized communities. Experts express concern over the long-term effects of “collective trauma” caused by the crisis. Burnout, stress, and anxiety, along with social distancing, contribute to lost sleep, poor diet, inadequate exercise, and other factors that negatively affect mental health. Individuals recovering from substance abuse, particularly opioid addiction, have an increased risk of relapse.
According to the 2021 State of Mental Health in America report, mental health conditions in both youth and adults are on the rise. The report, issued by the non-profit advocacy group Mental Health America, also found that 23% of adults and 60% of children and adolescents don’t receive the treatment they need for a mental health condition.
myStrength Complete provides a streamlined virtual platform. It integrates Teledoc Health’s virtual therapy and psychiatry with Livongo’s app-based coaching and tools. (The two companies completed a massive merger in 2020). Individuals can use myStrength Complete to address depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, chronic pain, and other conditions. Customized programs offer personalized tools and virtual appointments are tailored to meet the specific needs of the user. Those needing timely help can easily access features, contact providers, or schedule telemedicine appointments.
Some health plans and employers in the US intend to make myStrength Complete available beginning in July 2021. Partners currently include insurers such as Anthem and Aetna, medical networks such as Atrium Health, as well as recovery programs and federally funded community health organizations.
