Latest news with #BehavioralHealth
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Behavioral Health Services of Virginia, Autism Services of Virginia, and VirtuAssist Announce Service Expansions and Program Updates
Richmond, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 12, 2025) - Behavioral Health Services of Virginia (BHSVA), Autism Services of Virginia, and VirtuAssist have announced new initiatives and service expansions designed to increase accessibility and improve service delivery in their respective sectors. The Demario Adkins Podcast To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Behavioral Health Services of Virginia (BHSVA) Community-Based Mental Health Care Across Virginia BHSVA, a Medicaid-approved mental health agency, has expanded its mobile crisis response units and walk-in crisis care facilities in Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Tidewater. The agency provides trauma-informed and culturally responsive services, including: Mental Health Skill-Building (MHSB) Intensive In-Home Services (IIH) 24-Hour Crisis Stabilization & Mobile Crisis Response Community Stabilization & Outpatient Therapy (Telehealth & In-Person) The recent expansion aims to reduce emergency room visits and improve immediate access to mental health care. Autism Services of Virginia (formerly Virginia ABA) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy Autism Services of Virginia has eliminated its waitlist for ABA therapy, increasing immediate availability for children with autism spectrum disorder. The organization offers: Early Childhood Development & School Readiness Programs Parent-Focused Training & Social Skills Development Transportation Assistance for Families in Need The clinic continues to expand its reach in underserved communities, with a focus on accessibility and timely care. VirtuAssist Virtual Staffing Solutions for Small Businesses VirtuAssist, a virtual staffing agency serving over 1,000 businesses, has launched a new client portal integrating CRM systems for improved task tracking, communication, and performance management. The company has also introduced a $1 first-week trial and 50% off the remainder of the first month for new clients. Services include: Executive Assistance & Administrative Support Sales Outreach & Lead Generation Customer Service & CRM Management Bookkeeping and Invoicing Planned Growth Upcoming initiatives across the three organizations include: Scaling mobile crisis care and 23-hour stabilization services in additional Virginia cities and into Texas. Expanding ABA clinic locations and enhancing parent training programs. Increasing VirtuAssist's service offerings to include full back-office solutions nationwide. Learn More: Contact: Shazir Mucklai shazir@ Imperium AI
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Behavioral Health Services of Virginia, Autism Services of Virginia, and VirtuAssist Announce Service Expansions and Program Updates
Richmond, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 12, 2025) - Behavioral Health Services of Virginia (BHSVA), Autism Services of Virginia, and VirtuAssist have announced new initiatives and service expansions designed to increase accessibility and improve service delivery in their respective sectors. The Demario Adkins Podcast To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Behavioral Health Services of Virginia (BHSVA) Community-Based Mental Health Care Across Virginia a Medicaid-approved mental health agency, has expanded its mobile crisis response units and walk-in crisis care facilities in Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Tidewater. The agency provides trauma-informed and culturally responsive services, including: Mental Health Skill-Building (MHSB) Intensive In-Home Services (IIH) 24-Hour Crisis Stabilization & Mobile Crisis Response Community Stabilization & Outpatient Therapy (Telehealth & In-Person) The recent expansion aims to reduce emergency room visits and improve immediate access to mental health care. Autism Services of Virginia (formerly Virginia ABA) Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy Services of Virginia has eliminated its waitlist for ABA therapy, increasing immediate availability for children with autism spectrum disorder. The organization offers: Early Childhood Development & School Readiness Programs Parent-Focused Training & Social Skills Development Transportation Assistance for Families in Need The clinic continues to expand its reach in underserved communities, with a focus on accessibility and timely care. VirtuAssistVirtual Staffing Solutions for Small Businesseshttps:// a virtual staffing agency serving over 1,000 businesses, has launched a new client portal integrating CRM systems for improved task tracking, communication, and performance management. The company has also introduced a $1 first-week trial and 50% off the remainder of the first month for new clients. Services include: Executive Assistance & Administrative Support Sales Outreach & Lead Generation Customer Service & CRM Management Bookkeeping and Invoicing Planned Growth Upcoming initiatives across the three organizations include: Scaling mobile crisis care and 23-hour stabilization services in additional Virginia cities and into Texas. Expanding ABA clinic locations and enhancing parent training programs. Increasing VirtuAssist's service offerings to include full back-office solutions nationwide. Learn More: Behavioral Health Services of Virginia: Autism Services of Virginia: VirtuAssist: LinkedIn: Contact: Shazir Mucklaishazir@ AI To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Talkspace Announces New In-Network Partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho
Blue Cross of Idaho Members Across All Lines of Business Now Have Access to High-Quality Tele-Mental Healthcare NEW YORK, July 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Talkspace, a leading online behavioral health company, today announced a new in-network partnership with Blue Cross of Idaho to increase behavioral health access across Idaho. As of July 1, 2025, all Blue Cross Idaho members now have access to Talkspace's comprehensive virtual behavioral health services, including support from licensed clinicians through its exclusive asynchronous message-based therapy (featuring voice and video options) as well as live video sessions. "Partnering with Blue Cross of Idaho allows Talkspace to continue our important mission of expanding access to high-quality, convenient mental health care," said Erin Boyd, Chief Growth Officer at Talkspace. "This collaboration will make therapy and psychiatric support affordable for individuals and families across the nation, empowering them to prioritize their mental well-being on their own terms." "Blue Cross of Idaho members deserve access to mental healthcare that fits into their lives," said Dawn Atkin MS, BSN-RN, CPHQ, CCM, Vice President, Healthcare Operations for Blue Cross of Idaho. "That's why we're proud to partner with Talkspace to significantly enhance mental health services for all of our members, providing a direct line to an experienced, licensed professional anytime and anywhere they need support." Blue Cross of Idaho now joins Talkspace's expanding roster of health plans and benefits clients which include Aetna, Carelon, Cigna, Optum and select Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, with Talkspace now covering nearly 200 million lives across the U.S. Talkspace also accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage for seniors. Talkspace provides licensed therapists across all 50 states and gives members the flexibility to choose live video sessions and asynchronous therapy options. This approach lets users tailor their care to best fit into their busy lives, reducing obstacles to accessing treatment and maximizing engagement. Blue Cross of Idaho members, including couples and teens aged 13+, can register for therapy and psychiatric medication support (18+ only) at About Blue Cross of Idaho Blue Cross of Idaho is part of an Idaho-based, not-for-profit mutual insurance holding company group dedicated to improving the health of the communities we serve. We are the state's oldest and largest health insurer, and the only Idaho-based insurer serving the entire state. Blue Cross of Idaho offers a broad portfolio of health plans for employers of all sizes, as well as individual and Medicare plans. Our plans offer innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of Idahoans and Idaho-based employers. For more information, visit About Talkspace Talkspace (NASDAQ: TALK) is a leading virtual behavioral healthcare provider committed to helping people lead healthier, happier lives through access to high-quality mental healthcare. At Talkspace, we believe that mental healthcare is core to overall health and should be available to everyone. Talkspace pioneered the ability to text with a licensed therapist from anywhere and now offers a comprehensive suite of mental health services, including therapy for individuals, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatric treatment and medication management (18+). With Talkspace's core therapy offerings, members are matched with one of thousands of licensed therapists within days and can engage in live video, audio, or chat sessions, and/or unlimited asynchronous text messaging sessions. All care offered at Talkspace is delivered through an easy-to-use, fully-encrypted web and mobile platform that meets HIPAA, federal, and state regulatory requirements. Most Americans have access to Talkspace through their health insurance plans, employee assistance programs, our partnerships with leading healthcare companies, or as a free benefit through their employer, school, or government agency. For more information, visit View source version on Contacts press@
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Albuquerque Community Safety opens second location on the westside
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Four years after the city launched Albuquerque Community Safety, the department is seeing a big expansion with the goal of decreasing field response time. 40% of calls for service are on the west side, and the city has opened a second headquarters for ACS on 98th St. near Tower Rd. 'We want to meet people where they're at in their moment of crisis,' said Walter Adams, Safety Deputy Director of Field Operations with ACS. Story continues below News: Forest road rule in New Mexico faces potential change Trending: Former Hope Christian School teacher to remain behind bars through trial Weather: Stormier day with drop in temperatures KRQE Investigates: Drones in Blue: Albuquerque police deploying autonomous tech to 911 calls ACS said they have received more than 113,000 calls since opening four years ago. The program has steadily expanded, becoming operational 24/7 a year ago. The team is specially trained for mental health and substance abuse calls. 'We are the only city in America that has a full-service 24/7 alternative response integrated with our 911 system,' said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. The program allows police officers to focus on responding to crime instead of behavioral health calls. The response team said it also creates a less intimidating environment for the people in crisis. The new headquarters will be the base of operations for about half of ACS's 60 community responders. 'What this allows us to do is cut response times in half because we're not having to go from the east side of the city to the west,' said Keller. It also allows ACS employees who live on the west side to serve the community where they live. 'We're responding to over 3,000 calls a month. It's the impact our responders are making every single day in the lives of individuals that need help. It ranges from mental health crisis, suicidal ideation, welfare checks, wellness checks,' said Adams. City leaders hope that this expansion is only the beginning. 'My plan with the support of everybody is to continue to pop up these locations,' said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. Although this facility is for staff and dispatch only, this fall, a public facility will open down the street where people can seek out services. That public facility will be part of the Southwest Public Safety Center, opening soon, which will be a hub for fire, police, and ACS all in the same building. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Healthfirst Receives Award for Program at High-Volume Substance Use Facilities Supporting Members' Transition Back to Communities
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Healthfirst, one of New York's highest quality health insurers, has received the prestigious Case Management Practice Improvement Award from the Case Management Society of America Foundation. The award recognizes Healthfirst's Behavioral Health Case Management program which was developed to address the needs of members with substance use disorder as they return to their communities and continue their recovery following inpatient stays. The program has driven a sustained 14% reduction in readmission rates at both 30- and 90-days post-discharge – ensuring that highest risk members receive the compassionate, coordinated care they need to stay out of the hospital and in recovery. Many of Healthfirst's members living with substance use disorders face barriers in receiving the outpatient care they need to avoid readmission. In fact, 44% of those admitted to the hospital for substance abuse diagnoses are readmitted within 30 days of discharge, and 50% visit the emergency department. To address these challenges, Healthfirst launched an in-person care model that embeds licensed behavioral health clinicians and certified peer support specialists in the highest-volume substance use treatment facilities in the greater New York City area. These care teams engage with members face-to-face during their inpatient stay and continue working with them after discharge to remove barriers to outpatient care, assess social determinants of health, and help members stay on track with their recovery goals. 'A key element of the Behavioral Health Case Management program's success is connecting with members face-to-face during their inpatient stay, often at one of the most difficult times in their recovery,' said Stella V. Pappas, Vice President, Behavioral Health Services at Healthfirst. 'This in-person engagement is essential to earning our members' trust and creates a foundation for ongoing support which helps ensure members are not navigating their recovery alone. For example, our care managers and peer support specialists can understand the member's individual needs and challenges they may face in their recovery and identify solutions that enable them to continue to receive outpatient care and prevent readmission.' 'At a time when the need for behavioral health care is rising, programs like this show what's possible when innovation is grounded in compassion, accountability, and a deep understanding of our members' needs,' said Pat Wang, President and CEO of Healthfirst. 'At Healthfirst, we know that all healthcare is personal, and it is crucial to meet people where they are in a way that feels authentic to them, which is why this integrated approach to behavioral health case management underpinned by data-driven insights has proven effective in reducing readmissions.' The CMSA Foundation award highlights Healthfirst's continued leadership in advancing behavioral healthcare and reinforces its commitment to delivering compassionate, coordinated services that improve outcomes and reduce preventable hospitalizations. For more information or to view the full case study, visit here. About Healthfirst Healthfirst believes that every New Yorker deserves access to the best available healthcare. As one of New York's highest quality health insurers, we make this a reality for more than 2 million members. Founded more than 30 years ago by the leading hospital systems in downstate New York, Healthfirst established a partnership model that enables hospitals, health systems, and physicians in our network to prioritize health outcomes over profits, placing the needs of our members and community first. Healthfirst serves members in New York City, on Long Island, and in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties, offering market-leading products to suit every life stage. Our offerings include Medicaid plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Long-Term Care plans, Qualified Health plans, and Essential Plans. For more information on Healthfirst, please visit
