#United States #mental health #Indianapolis #Anthem #Cartwheel Care

Expanding Telehealth Mental Health Services in Indiana

Cartwheel Care, a noted provider of telehealth mental health services for K-12 schools, has recently unveiled a new initiative to enhance access to mental health support for students across Indiana. This ambitious expansion aims to assist up to 12,500 students in need of mental health care, a service that has become increasingly important given the rising mental health challenges among youth in the state.

The Indiana Youth Institute reports that 30% of students in Indiana experience persistent feelings of sadness, and over half of caregivers face significant obstacles in securing necessary mental health services for their children. In light of these statistics, Cartwheel Care is stepping up to bridge the accessibility gap through its telehealth model. This innovative approach aims to eliminate common barriers such as long wait times, geographic limitations, language differences, and transportation issues that can hinder families from seeking help.

With a generous initial grant of $250,000 from Anthem, which has long been a supporter of health initiatives, Cartwheel Care plans to strengthen its care coordination not only through direct services but by also enhancing collaboration with local school districts. By partnering with five school districts in Indiana, Cartwheel aims to establish an effective network for mental health support within schools, leveraging trained Indiana-based clinicians who are readily available to meet students' needs.

As noted by Dr. Juliana Chen, Chief Medical Officer at Cartwheel, many families want assistance but are often faced with arduous hurdles in accessing care, such as transportation challenges or simply not knowing where to begin. Schools hold a unique position as observatories of students’ mental health needs and can play a pivotal role in linking families to necessary resources. This strategic partnership seeks to address these issues by making mental health services more accessible and well-coordinated.

Neil Steffens, President of Government Business for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that it aims to dismantle barriers like provider shortages and lengthy wait times, ensuring that more students receive support in a timely manner.

For schools like the Mishawaka School City, Cartwheel's services have become an essential component of their mental health program. Kris Ermeti, a team leader at the school, shared how partnering with Cartwheel has significantly improved their ability to connect students and families to high-quality care, enhancing communication and care coordination.

The expansion supported by Anthem’s funding will not only offer individual and family therapy but will also provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, guidance for parents, and specialized programs addressing issues such as anxiety related to school avoidance and challenges posed by excessive social media use.

As Cartwheel Care continues to grow its influence across Indiana, it encourages local districts interested in enhancing their mental health services for students to explore the opportunities available. Through its holistic approach, Cartwheel aims to ensure every Indiana student has access to the mental health support they deserve, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more supportive educational environment.

To learn more about how to get involved or access services, visit Cartwheel’s website.

About Cartwheel Care

Founded by both educators and clinicians, Cartwheel Care is recognized as the leading telehealth provider specializing in K-12 mental health services. They currently partner with approximately 400 school districts across 16 states to guarantee comprehensive mental health care. With a commitment to reducing costs and improving access, Cartwheel accepts all major insurance, including Medicaid, and provides services at no charge to uninsured families.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a well-established health insurance provider committed to improving community health through efficient healthcare solutions. Their collaboration with organizations like Cartwheel exemplifies their dedication to supporting mental health initiatives. For further details about Anthem and their services, please visit Anthem’s website.