GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amerigroup, one of Texas’ largest coordinators of managed healthcare benefits, is working with Motivo, a leading healthcare technology developer, to increase access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment for Texans. With funding provided by Amerigroup, Motivo has rolled out its proprietary technology solution that can increase the number of licensed behavioral health counselors who are available to help Texans experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. This effort is focused on addressing needs in rural, remote and underserved counties across the state.
“Mental health counselors and substance use disorder therapists are needed more than ever because of the pandemic, but many Texas communities continue to have limited access to these professionals,” said Rachel McCrickard, Founder and CEO of Motivo. “That is why we have joined forces with Amerigroup, to respond with solutions that address the needs of those on the front lines of behavioral healthcare and increase access to critical, quality healthcare services.”
Texas has a pool of pre-licensed therapists who are close to earning licensure to serve individuals in need of mental health and substance use disorder counseling, but to earn their licenses, these professionals must first complete two years of work under the supervision of a licensed therapist. The barrier is that there is a very limited pool of licensed supervisors within driving distance who can help them complete this prerequisite.
Motivo has developed an online platform that can connect pre-licensed mental health therapists with clinical supervisors through HIPAA-compliant online videoconferencing. This approach can expedite the path toward licensure and increase access to critically needed care, so Amerigroup has stepped-up to fund access to this technology across the most remote, rural and underserved areas of Texas. These areas include Medicaid Rural Service Areas in Northeast, Central and West Texas as well as underserved areas such as Tarrant County.
“Amerigroup has made a commitment to addressing the most pressing needs of Texans, so we are responding with innovative approaches to meet those needs and redefining what is possible when it comes to building stronger, healthier communities,” said Greg Thompson, President of Amerigroup Texas. “Through our partnership with Motivo, and investments in their innovative technology platform, we can succeed in increasing access to mental healthcare, enhancing the licensed workforce and eliminating disparities in rural, remote and underserved parts of our state.”
Analysis of a 2021 U.S. Census Bureau survey showed that more than 34 percent of adults in Texas reported symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorder, compared to more than 31 percent of adults in the U.S. Also, the deaths due to drug overdose in Texas increased from 9.5 per 100,000 to 14.3 per 100,000 in 2020, with more than half of these deaths being attributed to opioid use. Additionally, less than 33 percent of the need for mental health professionals has been met across Texas.
Through Amerigroup’s backing, Motivo has signed partners to provide supervision services to professionals seeking licensure in Anderson, Cherokee, Arrant, Erath, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Bowie, Cass, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Panola, Red River, Smith and Upshur counties. More than 375 supervision hours have already been provided to aspiring counselors and approximately 8,260 counseling hours have been provided to Texans in underserved areas.
Amerigroup Texas and other Elevance Health affiliated health plans across the nation have been active in prioritizing mental health and substance use disorders as part of a whole health approach to care for members. Supporting the launch of Motivo solutions in several states, including California and Kentucky, is just an example of how the organization is living its commitment to improving health outcomes and lives by using innovation to increase access to care.
ABOUT AMERIGROUP TEXAS
Amerigroup Texas helps improve healthcare access and quality for more than a million Texans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Consumers are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup Texas provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage consumers to become active participants in their healthcare. Through health education programs, consumers feel empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle. For more information about Amerigroup Texas, visit www.myamerigroup.com/tx.
