MINES & Associates Stresses Importance of Flexible, Discrete Access to Critical Resources and Support During Mental Health Month
Denver, CO (PRWEB) May 12, 2015 -- Addressing mental health before "Stage 4" -- or #B4Stage4, this year’s theme for May is Mental Health Month -- calls attention to the importance of addressing mental health symptoms early, identifying potential underlying diseases, and planning an appropriate course of action on a path towards overall health. In support of May is Mental Health Month, MINES and Associates, a nationally recognized business psychology firm, is raising awareness of the connection between readily accessible counseling and resources and prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
"On-demand access to discrete one-on-one behavioral health counseling through online, multipoint video teleconferencing has encouraged users to be more proactive in seeking early treatment," said Dr. Robert Mines, CEO of MINES. "The telehealth platforms we have in place for our behavioral health programs also reduce the cost of care for everyone involved, and by promoting meaningful utilization, puts more people on the path to sustainable behavioral and physical health."
Providers of employee assistance programs (EAPs) have long tried to diminish, even eliminate the perceived stigma attached to these services and the fear among employees that their use might have negative implications for their career. Telehealth is the use of electronic information and telecommunications to facilitate clinical healthcare and coordination of care; in recent years, more psychologists and other mental health professionals have begun offering telehealth for behavioral intervention in their practices. Cost, transportation, and time constraints often prevent people from seeking behavioral health services. Perhaps the biggest barrier is the stigma and embarrassment many people still feel about being brought face-to-face with a therapist. Telehealth — be it by phone, email, or video conferencing — can help overcome these obstacles.
“When we think about cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, we don’t wait years to treat them,” added Dr. Mines. "We start before Stage 4, as prevention, early identification and intervention, and integrated services work. But the key is giving users fast, easy, discrete and affordable access, which is the message we will be communicating during -- and well after -- Mental Health Month."
Through its partnership with AccessCare, MINES leverages the Aveo telehealth platform -- designed specifically for behavioral health -- to provide a flexible, affordable and discrete framework for patients and providers to engage in two-way, live, interactive videoconferencing. The company's partnership with Call A Doctor Plus (CADR+), gives patients on-demand access to non-emergency physician care and advice. Both platforms expand access, optimize coordination of physical and behavioral health, and reduce the cost of care.
May is Mental Health Month was started 66 years ago by Mental Health America
to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone. Research shows that by ignoring symptoms, we lose ten years in which we could intervene in order to change people’s lives for the better. During most of these years most people still have supports that allow them to succeed—home, family, friends, school, and work. Intervening effectively during early stages of mental illness can save lives and change the trajectories of people living with mental illnesses.
For more information on May is Mental Health Month, visit Mental Health America’s website at http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.
About MINES & Associates
For over 34 years MINES & Associates has been a nationally recognized business psychology firm that provides a variety of services to corporate employers including employee assistance programs (EAP), managed mental healthcare, organizational development and psychology services, wellness programs, behavioral risk management, disease management, PPO services, and a number of other technology based services. MINES & Associates is divided into two main divisions, Organizational Psychology and Health Psychology, and currently serves a diverse portfolio of clients in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, and the UK. Please log on to http://www.minesandassociates.com for the latest news and information on MINES & Associates.
Charles Epstein, BackBone, http://www.backboneinc.com, (561) 470-0965, [email protected]
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