Recent CDC data paints a sobering picture:

• 40% of high school students say they regularly feel sad or hopeless — a sign of widespread emotional distress.
• 22% consumed alcohol, and 10% used illegal substances in the past month — coping mechanisms that signal deeper issues.
• 9% attempted suicide, and 20% reported unmet mental health needs — despite seeking help, many still fall through the cracks.

These numbers aren’t just statistics. They represent real students, real families, and real struggles. One teen might be smiling at soccer practice while silently breaking down over academic pressure. Another might be excited to see friends but overwhelmed by emotional instability at home. The return to school is often a mix of joy and invisible hardship.

Turning Coverage into Compassion: The Role of Behavioral Health Management

Health plans can be more than payers — they can be partners in healing. Behavioral health care management is about more than coverage; it’s about connection, compassion, and continuity. Here’s how health plans can make a meaningful impact:

• Concierge Services
  Act as a trusted first point of contact, helping members understand their mental health benefits, locate in-network providers, and expedite access to care.
• Utilization Management Teams
  Ensure mental health services are medically necessary and appropriate, using industry-standard guidelines. They also refer members to behavioral case management when additional support is needed.
• Dedicated Nurse Case Managers
  Provide personalized guidance through inpatient or outpatient transitions of care. They collaborate with members and families to connect them with community resources and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), offering ongoing support that builds trust and improves outcomes.

Mental health challenges rarely affect just one person. A holistic approach, one that engages both members and their families, is essential for lasting impact.

MedWatch: Closing the Care Gap with Compassion and Clinical Precision

MedWatch’s Behavioral Health Case Management program is designed to reduce gaps in care and ensure members receive clinically appropriate, cost-effective support. Whether it’s a child struggling with anxiety or a parent navigating the emotional toll, MedWatch helps health plans deliver a seamless, compassionate experience.

By integrating:

• Pathways Concierge Support to guide members and explain benefits,
• Clinical Utilization Management to ensure appropriate care, and
• Personalized Case Management for ongoing support,

MedWatch provides a strong framework for behavioral health care. These services help health plans control costs while delivering meaningful support to members — when it matters most.

Hear the silence. Support the healing. Rewrite the story.

About MedWatch

Since 1988, MedWatch has been an industry leader in providing effective population health and medical management solutions that deliver improved clinical and financial outcomes for plans and plan members.

MedWatch services include URAC Accredited Health Utilization Management, Case Management, and Disease Management, while Pathways Concierge has become the industry standard for white-glove member advocacy and support. With over 30 core and ancillary services, MedWatch provides clients with a comprehensive offering of proven solutions to effectively identify, manage and mitigate risk.

MedWatch’s proprietary technology and commitment to client information and data security is validated through their successful completion of the SOC 2 Type 2 audit.

To learn more, visit urmedwatch.com.