Transforming Behavioral Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment to Benefit Employer-Sponsored Health Plan Members and Employers

Publication: Validation Institute

October 19, 2023

Many individuals who develop substance use disorders (SUD) are also diagnosed with a behavioral health disorder.¹ In fact, more than one in four adults living with behavioral health problems also has a substance use problem.¹

The two are so closely related, yet often treated separately with many employer benefits plans. In this webinar, learn from industry experts about the importance of a comprehensive, equitable, and quality-driven behavioral health benefits offering designed around a growing hybrid workforce – both deskless (37%)² and remote/hybrid employees, which as of 2023 now make up 40.9% of the full-time workforce.³

In addition, this panel of industry leaders will cover:

• How health plans and clinical service providers can better support these growing populations
• How to address the stigma associated with behavioral health and SUD for non-office-based workers
• Strategies to ensure prevention and early screening of behavioral health conditions
• How offering dually licensed providers who specialize in both SUD issues and other behavioral health conditions can lead to more successful treatment solutions and outcomes
• How to create a behavioral health benefits strategy that can support members’ individual needs and preferences, including in-person and virtual treatment
• The importance of immediate and ongoing support that is discreet, inclusive, and affordable
• How bundled rates can help with the affordability and predictability of behavioral healthcare
• Bright spots in this space that our experts are seeing offering hope for those with substance use disorders

Sources:

1. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/mental-health-substance-use-co-occurring-disorders
2. https://mslgroup.com/whats-new-at-msl/one-third-us-workforce-missed-traditional-company-communications#:~:text=Deskless%20workers%20comprise%2037%25%20of,factory%20workers%20and%20retail%20salespeople.
3. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/remote-work-statistics/#:~:text=As%20of%202023%2C%2012.7%25%20of,normalization%20of%20remote%20work%20environments.