Eric Weiner, Division VP for Labor & Trust, Public Sector, and Higher Education for Included Health and their interim director of behavioral health, Dr. Gareen Hamalian, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how Included Health is assisting unions and their members get the assistance they need during our Mental Health Awareness Month coverage.
To begin the conversation, Weiner and Dr. Hamalian discussed how Included Health is helping union members get the best care possible for mental health and which unions are already involved. Weiner explained what Included Health does for union members to help them navigate the healthcare system and connect them to the needed doctors. To assist union members with navigation, Included Health uses its online services to direct them to an appropriate provider. He explained how the company helps members get care within two days on average, while those without Included Health’s assistance don’t get help for nearly five to six months.
Ensuring members can get the high-quality care they need promptly is key for the company. By providing care quickly, many health issues can be treated earlier and could prevent further complications that could come up if they are forced to wait. This includes access to mental health, which bypasses the issues many people face with a lack of providers having open appointments, allowing members to get care immediately. Dr. Hamalian discussed the difference their telehealth system has made in addressing mental health in union men and women.
Eliminating long wait times for union members is one part of what Included Health offers, but it also helps to eliminate many of the concerns a member could have by visiting a therapist in person. Not only is the company providing assistance to members quickly, but they are also trying to eliminate some of the barriers around union members receiving mental health care, she explained. Whether it’s at home or on the road, union members can make the call for help wherever they are, Dr. Hamalian said.
Listen to the show above to hear more about the work that Included Health is doing to improve mental health for union members. For more information, please visit the company at IncludedHealth.com.