New Directions Behavioral Health started providing managed behavioral healthcare in 1995, and moved on to organizational consultation in 2000 and health coaching services in 2005. The root of its employee assistance program began in 1978, and since that time it has been proactively working to meet the needs of its members, focusing on behavioral health, work/life, and the wellness of its members. OneHealth Solutions, the leading behavior change platform company, has agreed to enter in to a partnership with New Directions in order to expand its services into eHealth, mHealth and social networking for its members.
OneHealth helps patients, providers, payers and employers improve their health outcome and the cost of care by using a technology-enabled services model. The efficiency that the company provides translates into lower prices and improved services across the board. Using a mobile and Web-based platform with a patented blend of evidence based clinical principles, game mechanics and social-networking technology, it is able to deliver positive influence behavior for improving the health of its members that is measurable. The company's propriety service has a platform with a holistic support for behavioral health and substance abuse cases.
New Direction will include OneHealth in its recommended services for its customers. It will provide participating health plans with 24/7 Web and mobile access to OneHealth's depression, anxiety, parent support, family autism support and others communities. The first implementation of this association will be available for health plans operating in Kansas and Missouri.
"We anticipate that OneHealth’s combination of social networking technology, monitored peer networks and mobile applications will drive strong results. New Directions is committed to developing programs that enable our members to make informed and sustainable healthcare decisions. OneHealth offers a robust platform for encouraging positive behavior change," said Dr. John Emerick, Chief Medical Officer for New Directions Behavioral Health.
Patients that require behavioral treatment have to be engaged using every available method in order to ensure they continue to receive treatment. Whether it is developing a healthy and supportive working environment or treating individual patients with many of the behavioral conditions patients suffer from, creative approaches have to be used. Using mobile devices is one way of ensuring patients and employees have a resource they can count on to be available whenever they need help. The online support network provides multiple resources allowing invited members to check in and see how they are and express their feelings. The mobile application, OneHealth Meeting Finder, gives members access to a network of more than 200,000 community-based meetings.
"With the nation’s increasing focus on improving modifiable health risks and costly chronic medical conditions, it is important for health plan members to have access to peer-based tools that positively influence health decisions. We look forward to working with New Directions and generating positive outcomes for its membership," said Bruce Springer, CEO of OneHealth.
Edited by
Ryan Sartor
