SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brightside, a mental health telemedicine platform that offers access to high-quality anxiety and depression care from anywhere, today announced that it has joined the national behavioral health network for Cigna Corporation, a global health service company. Cigna’s 14 million behavioral health customers can now access Brightside’s evidence-based and data-driven approach to treating anxiety and depression through their commercial health care plans.
“Anxiety and depression are highly treatable, yet fewer than half of people suffering receive the care they need. One of the biggest factors is the accessibility and affordability of treatment,” said Brad Kittredge, CEO of Brightside. “Now as part of Cigna’s behavioral health network, we can help even more people access the life-changing treatment they need to feel like themselves again.”
Brightside is establishing a new standard of depression and anxiety care for the telemedicine age. Its comprehensive care plans include evidence-based approaches to therapy, data-driven prescribing for medication, and expert clinicians – a powerful combination that is clinically proven to break the cycles of anxiety and depression. Brightside is treating people with complex depression and anxiety challenges – 78% of members start with moderately severe or severe depression and 49% start with suicidal ideation. Within just the first 12 weeks of treatment, over 85% of Brightside members experience a significant improvement and 70% achieve remission levels.
“The pandemic has shined a light on the need for broader, more convenient access to mental health care. Cigna is committed to providing our customers with the behavioral health care they need, when and where they need it – and that is what Brightside will help us offer,” said Dr. Doug Nemecek, Cigna’s chief medical officer for behavioral health. “By increasing access through virtual care, customers can talk to a psychiatrist or therapist from the comfort and privacy of their homes. This is another demonstration of our commitment to provide timely and convenient access to depression and anxiety care for Cigna members.”
For more information on Brightside’s treatment approaches and plans, visit www.brightside.com.
About Brightside
Founded in November 2017, Brightside’s mission is to deliver life-changing anxiety and depression care to everyone who needs it. Members receive personalized treatment recommendations tailored to individual needs, including data-driven prescribing of medication, evidence-based therapy, or both. Brightside offers unlimited messaging and regular video visits with your care team, and medication delivered to your doorstep. Visit www.brightside.com for more information.
