As we observe World Mental Health Day today (October 10), we are reminded now more than ever of the importance of access to personalized mental health care services. We are seeing an unprecedented number of people struggling with mental health issues and a system struggling to adequately respond. In a recent survey conducted by Solera, 77% of respondents say they are interested in changing their behavior to improve their mental health, and 76% say it’s extremely or very important that they alleviate or lessen their feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

While it’s clear there is an urgent need for more accessible mental health supports and services, choosing the best-fit mental and behavioral health tool or program can mean the difference between success and failure. Solera matches consumers to their best-fit solution based on health needs, preferences, and personal learning style, which has a profound impact on overall health outcomes, especially when it comes to mental health.

Consumer preferences and needs vary widely, making it important to have a network approach to meet individual needs:

• 21% prefer an app with guided meditations to be done on their own time to address concerns such as anxiety, stress, and loss - with no formal schedule or structure
• 19% prefer self-guided digital therapy through a structured, step-by-step program completed from home that teaches cognitive-behavioral strategies
• 23% prefer telehealth therapy that offers texting or scheduled video calls with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor
• 30% prefer in-person therapy with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor

By analyzing millions of real-world data points, Solera is learning about each person and their unique needs, then putting them in the best situation possible to improve their mental health. For example, we look at age and life stage, duration of feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression, severity level, acuity level, and how easy or difficult it is for a person to pursue a goal. With our network partners – eMindful, Headspace Care, and Headspace – Solera has a differentiated offering that spans the range of treatment types, from mindfulness, to general cognitive behavioral therapy, to advanced cognitive behavioral therapy.

On this World Mental Health Day, we should all align around the goal of making mental health services and supports more affordable, accessible, and easier to use for consumers. We should meet consumers where they are to help them get into the right program that meets their needs so they can successfully get and stay healthy. And while we’re at it, let’s make every day Mental Health Day.

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