Dr. Chris Mosunic, the chief clinical officer at Calm, is a leading voice in the conversation surrounding mental health and the impact of healthcare technology, especially in light of the mental health crisis facing the United States.
One of the key issues Dr. Mosunic highlights is the engagement and discovery problem in healthcare and employee benefits. He emphasizes the importance of digital care in addressing mental health deserts and believes that payer partnerships with mental health apps can be beneficial. Additionally, telehealth platforms have the potential to expand access to mental healthcare in underserved communities.
With a background as a clinical psychologist and registered dietitian, Dr. Mosunic’s role at Calm involves shaping evidence-based programs and spearheading clinical research. Calm, a consumer mental health company, offers an app designed to help users sleep better, reduce stress, and live more mindfully. The app has garnered over 175 million downloads and supports organizations across the globe in multiple languages.
Calm Health, an evidence-based mental health app offered by Calm, caters to payers, providers, and employers as a gateway to mental health support. Through in-app mental health screenings using GAD-7 and PHQ-9 question sets, Calm Health provides personalized recommendations for support, ranging from self-guided digital programs to therapy or coaching.
In a recent conversation with Dr. Mosunic, he delved into four key areas crucial to mental healthcare today:
1. Engagement and Discovery Problem: Dr. Mosunic highlights the disconnect between available resources and individuals in need of support within healthcare and employee benefit programs. He believes that digital tools can bridge this gap by offering approachable interventions that cater to users’ needs.
2. Mental Health Deserts: With millions of Americans living in areas with mental health professional shortages, digital tools and telepsychiatry can serve as accessible entry points to evidence-based resources. These tools can alleviate barriers such as lack of nearby providers, transportation challenges, and scheduling constraints.
3. Value of Digital Mental Health: Payers are increasingly recognizing the connection between mental and physical health, leading to a focus on evidence-based digital mental health tools as upstream interventions. These tools can deliver personalized support tailored to specific physical conditions, improving overall health outcomes and reducing costs.
4. App-Based Telepsychiatry for Underserved Populations: App-based telepsychiatry systems can address critical barriers for low-income and rural populations, including provider shortages, wait times, and stigma. These platforms offer secure and confidential care, creating more equitable pathways to mental healthcare for underserved communities.
As digital mental health tools continue to evolve and expand access to care, it is essential to consider the unique needs of different populations, including older adults who may face challenges in adopting digital platforms. By leveraging technology and partnerships, the healthcare industry can work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible mental healthcare landscape for all individuals.
