For individuals with or without insurance, securing timely and suitable mental health services can be a daunting process. Many can become overwhelmed by the process, from difficulty finding the appropriate resources to sorting through various mental health professionals to find the right one to meet their needs.
Some individuals may live in one of the many provider deserts throughout Connecticut, forcing them to drive far distances for care. Medicaid rates are also very low within the state, with a recent study showing that Connecticut pays 50% less than surrounding states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey, on top of private providers not accepting Medicaid pay. Connecticut has also not kept up with inflation in the rates they currently offer.
That’s why Mental Health Connecticut developed the Mental Health Concierge program, a collaborative approach to securing care, including therapy, complete case management services, and assistance for individuals and caregivers. The program strives to bridge the gap by connecting individuals to comprehensive support services, helping them navigate the complexities of the mental health system confidently, and ensuring they receive the high-quality care they deserve.
The program is modeled after Mental Health Waiver Services, a group of services provided by the state of Connecticut for individuals with severe mental health conditions. Mental Health Concierge offers flexible in-person and telehealth therapy, case management, and in-home support for individuals ages 18+ throughout Connecticut, with or without insurance. By offering a virtual option like telehealth, the program removes barriers related to travel that may limit a person’s ability to receive the services they need. Services can also be provided at home, making it easier for those with travel limitations due to limited public transportation options or no personal vehicle.
Mental Health Connecticut’s Connecticut-based team is familiar with the services available within various communities throughout the state, as opposed to online services like BetterHelp, where you’re possibly engaging with someone out of state who lacks the local knowledge to provide appropriate recommendations. After a thorough assessment, team members can recommend services by Mental Health Connecticut or make outside referrals to match you with the proper care.
Mental Health Connecticut also operates in collaboration with DMHAS, a transitional program for children coming out of the DCF system that protects abused or neglected children. Taking place when the child turns 18, this transition can be difficult, and a program like Mental Health Concierge can assist in navigating the complexities of that.
Services are offered at competitive rates, and Mental Health Connecticut will provide invoices to bill insurance and can consider a sliding scale when appropriate. The sliding scale is available thanks to generous individuals, grantors, and organizations supporting Mental Health Connecticut. The organization’s 2024 end-of-year appeal Winter Wellness with MHC will support the Mental Health Concierge sliding scale.
The program’s flexibility makes it well suited to support individuals with varying needs, from supporting individuals looking for therapy to assisting individuals with a severe mental health condition. It can also provide various services that may not meet medical necessity but are critical for people’s quality of life and functioning, like assisting someone with agoraphobia who may need someone to go grocery shopping with them. The program could also benefit young adults aging out of services or losing coverage under a parent’s insurance plan.
For more information about Mental Health Concierge and to contact the Mental Health Connecticut team, please visit their website mhconn.org or click here.