CHICAGO — Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) continues to demonstrate its commitment to expanding access to quality, cost-effective behavioral health care by leading a strategic investment in Headway as part of the company’s Series C funding round. Headway is a tech-enabled platform that allows people to schedule in-network therapy and medication management appointments via a one-click booking experience.
This transaction strengthens an ongoing strategic partnership between HCSC and Headway, which offers HCSC members access to Headway’s technology-enabled network of 26,000 behavioral health providers. Headway is now the largest network of therapists/psychiatrists in the United States. Members can select the type of care they need – with options for virtual and in-person visits, different clinical specialties, as well as individual preference on language, race and ethnicity of the clinician.
“Behavioral health care is needed now more than ever. Mental health challenges are at an all-time high and we’ve seen how Headway is using technology to increase access and provide Measurement Based Care (MBC) to our members,” said Dr. Monica Berner, Chief Clinical Officer at HCSC. “Headway has made it much easier for behavioral health providers to meaningfully participate in managed care networks. By deepening our relationship with the company, we’ll be helping guide development of new ways Headway can help even more people get the critical care they need. It’s the latest example of how we’re looking to, improve clinical outcomes, provide more accessible behavioral health services for our members, no matter where they live, and reduce costs.”
HCSC’s Texas health plan saw a 5% reduction in inpatient acute behavioral health admissions since 2021, which it correlates with Headway’s ability to connect members to outpatient behavioral health care within three business days.
"Headway is on a mission to build a new mental healthcare system that everyone can access. Better enabling and empowering providers to deliver affordable care is paramount to make this future a reality," said Andrew Adams, Founder and CEO of Headway. "We are proud for HCSC to support our effort in bringing generation-defining tools that improve providers’ experience and help deliver mental healthcare to all who seek it.”
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About Health Care Service Corporation
Health Care Service Corporation is the country's largest customer-owned health insurer, serving more than 18.6 million members in its health plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. A Mutual Legal Reserve Company, HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.