Mental health challenges are an undeniable reality for millions of Americans, with 65% of adults reporting significant concerns about their or a loved one’s mental health, according to a recent CVS Health survey. The situation is especially concerning for young people — mental health disorders now affect one in seven adolescents across the globe.
Even as the need grows, access to care remains frustratingly out of reach for many. Nearly half of the 59 million American adults with mental illness received no treatment in 2023, the latest year that data is available — and of those who did, they often waited months for behavioral health services. Workforce shortages also play a role, with more than a third of Americans living in areas with a shortage of mental health professionals.
To meet this clear need for more accessible and affordable mental health care, MinuteClinic has significantly expand its virtual mental health services to now reach individuals, couples and families age 13 years or older in 49 states and Washington, D.C. The expansion reflects a commitment to meeting individuals where they are — digitally, in their community or in person — which is a core component of CVS Health’s holistic behavioral health support strategy.
“By combining the physical footprint and trusted brands of CVS Health and MinuteClinic with our own workforce of highly trained mental health providers, we’re helping to close the gaps in care that many people face, whether due to provider shortages, stigma or scheduling barriers,” says Taft Parsons III, Vice President and Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health.
With talk therapy appointments available seven days a week, evenings and weekends, scheduling is easy through MinuteClinic.com or in the CVS Health® app, and referrals are not required. Patients can also be connected to care through routine MinuteClinic physical health appointments for acute care, or primary care in select locations, creating a connected health experience. For instance, patients who come in for physical concerns, such as a skin rash or fatigue, can be screened for depression and referred to talk therapy through MinuteClinic or elsewhere. Similarly, patients who begin with a behavioral health visit and may consider medication can be referred to a MinuteClinic provider or a prescriber of their choice.
“We’ve seen directly how this holistic support can improve health outcomes for our patients,” explains David Fairchild, MD, MPH, SVP and Chief Medical Officer, Retail Health, CVS Health. “When they can access both physical health care and therapy through one connected system, care becomes more effective and less fragmented.”
Specialized care for our patients
Nearly 95% of MinuteClinic counseling visits take place virtually, where appointments can be made on the patient’s time, without the need to travel. For those who prefer face-to-face interaction in a typical therapy setting, MinuteClinic offers in-person appointments in 12 U.S. metro areas. These services are provided by licensed therapists who provide culturally relevant care with specialties ranging from stress and anxiety to trauma, grief and maternal mental health.
Credentials include licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed mental health providers (LMHPs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs). They’re also equipped to connect patients with specialists when a higher level of care is required, or work with a patient to identify a psychiatric or primary care provider who can support their medication management needs. Counseling is available through most benefits plans, Employee Assistance Programs and direct payment.
Ultimately, this expansion of care helps CVS Health continue our mission of making health care more accessible, affordable and convenient for all.
