Innovative embedding program to increase access to mental health care
PHOENIX (Aug. 29, 2023) -- Banner Health is now partnering with Phoenix-based evolvedMD to place mental-health providers at Banner’s primary-care clinics, making it easier for people to receive mental health services they may need.
This innovative embedding of mental health services in primary-care settings will be phased in at Banner Medical Group sites throughout metro Phoenix, starting in the East Valley at Banner’s East Mesa and Queen Creek locations.
“There is an epidemic of mental health issues right now: depression, anxiety, people facing overwhelming stress. Our patients need these kinds of services, and we are excited about the opportunities this partnership can bring,’’ said Shiva Birdi, MD, Banner Medical Group CEO.
“There is such a strong connection between mental and physical health and now our providers can refer patients to our on-site evolvedMD partners. It will be a seamless, convenient way for our patients to access critical behavioral health care services,’’ he said.
It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. In Arizona, more than 1 million people – four times the population of Scottsdale -- have a mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
“The last few years have demonstrated a clear need for integrating behavioral health in modern primary care,” said Erik Osland, co-founder and co-CEO of evolvedMD. “With Banner, we will be accelerating access to care for thousands of patients. This partnership means expanded access for thousands and thousands of patients.’’
Under the program, a licensed behavioral therapist works with the patient’s primary care providers to provide mental health expertise, psychiatric consultation, ongoing clinical support, case management and insurance support and navigation.
“In traditional healthcare models, a patient’s therapist and primary care physician rarely work together or even know each other,’’ Osland said. “That doesn’t help the patient, and it doesn’t help medical professionals understand the full picture. With this, everyone is onsite, on the same page, supported, and focused on the patient.”
evolvedMD Licensed Associate Counselor Katie Valente will lead behavioral health efforts at the Banner East Mesa facility, 1917 S Crimson Road. Rebekah Moore, LAC, will direct evolvedMD's efforts at Banner Queen Creek, 21772 S Ellsworth Loop Road.
About Banner Medical Group
Banner Medical Group, Banner Health's employed provider group, is a team of more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practitioners across 65 specialties and more than 3,500 total employees located in Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. Banner Medical Group primary care providers include pediatricians, internists, family medicine physicians and obstetricians/gynecologists. Our specialists care for patients in both clinic and hospital settings. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/doctors.
About evolvedMD
Launched in 2017, evolvedMD is leading the integration of behavioral health services in modern primary care. Uniquely upfront and ongoing, our distinctive model places behavioral health specialists onsite within a practice. evolvedMD offers an economically viable and better way to integrate behavioral health that ultimately drives improved patient outcomes.
For more information, contact:
Sentari Minor
Vice President of Strategy
evolvedMD
(602) 396-8901
sminor@evolvedmd.com