Every year, about $8.3 billion is wasted on unnecessary emergency department (ED) visits. The majority of that — $4.6 billion — is attributable to ED use for behavioral health conditions. On top of being expensive, EDs can’t always treat mental illnesses and substance use disorders (SUD) properly. However, patients are often forced to seek care […]
These days, every behavioral health provider is leveraging telehealth in one way or another. But just how effective is tele-behavioral health care? That’s the question a new clinical trial led by UCLA seeks to answer, at least as it relates to a certain type of virtual treatment. Specifically, the newly launched study — which pre-dates […]
Mental health and mindfulness apps have boomed amid the pandemic, and Santa Monica, California-based Headspace is no exception. In June, the digital mindfulness and meditation company pulled in another $47.7 million in Series C funding. That’s on top of the $53 million it touted back in February, pushing its total Series C equity funding raised […]
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed a new algorithm that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify homeless youth at risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). The hope is that the formula will eventually help homeless centers intervene with personalized rehab programs before and after at-risk youth develop SUD. “If it brings about even […]
The past year has been one of realignment for AAC Holdings (OTC: AACH), the parent company of American Addiction Centers. Last October, it was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) following financial struggles and exits from several top company leaders. Then this June, AAC filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a way to recapitalize […]
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation CEO Mark Mishek has announced he will retire next year. Created as a result of a merger between Hazelden Foundation and Betty Ford Center, the organization dubs itself as the largest nonprofit substance use disorder (SUD) treatment provider in the country. It has 17 locations nationwide, offering both inpatient and outpatient […]
Magellan Health (Nasdaq: MGLN) — a managed care organization (MCO) — and Livongo (Nasdaq: LVGO) — a digital health management company — are teaming up to accelerate self-directed behavioral health care. The strategic partnership will give Magellean customers and their members constant access to Livongo for Behavioral Health’s digital, self-guided services. The two companies will […]
Care integration is often viewed through the lens of physical health care: How can primary and urgent care providers blend behavioral health care services into the medical treatment they provide? However, addressing patients’ physical health needs during behavioral health treatment can be equally as important. Studies suggest that behavioral health providers can improve patient outcomes […]
Kindred Healthcare is leveraging its reputation as a leading specialty hospital company to fuel the growth of its relatively new behavioral health business. Founded last year, Kindred Behavioral Health (KBH) is already on its way to becoming an industry leader in inpatient care. It has about 190 beds in its portfolio to-date and is coming […]
The longtime CEO of Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) — Alan B. Miller — is stepping down after more than 40 years on the job, the hospital management giant announced Tuesday. Miller, who is 83, will vacate the CEO position in January 2021, when his son, 50-year-old Marc D. Miller, will take over. Meanwhile, Alan […]