TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately
43 million adults experience mental illness in a given year,
according to Mental Health America. In Florida, more than 2.5 million adults suffer
from mental illness. Because behavioral health issues can
frequently accompany or complicate physical health issues, WellCare
of Florida, a subsidiary of
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), offers its Medicare
Advantage and Staywell Medicaid members free behavioral health care
services via online cognitive-based therapy programs to address
common behavioral health conditions.
Through a computerized cognitive behavioral therapy suite of
programs called COBALT, WellCare and Staywell members can use their
computers, tablets or smartphones to focus on problem-solving and
skill-building to identify thoughts, modify beliefs and change
behaviors, all from the comfort of their homes. This convenient
option eliminates the time and cost associated with traveling to
appointments and missed work or school. COBALT is available with
live support from trained behavioral health professionals.
WellCare and Staywell members can sign up for self-guided,
self-paced online programs for depression and mood disorders
(MoodCalmer™); anxiety, panic and phobias (FearFighter™); sleep
difficulty and insomnia (RESTORE™); and substance and alcohol
misuse (SHADE™).
"We are continually looking for convenient and
innovative new ways to help our members get the care and
services they need," said Dr. Nicholas
Abid, behavioral health director, WellCare of Florida. "COBALT's suite of programs is just
one additional way we are helping our members manage their
behavioral health care needs from the comfort of their own
homes."
SHADE™ has been evaluated in two randomized controlled clinical
trials and is associated with reductions in depression as well as
alcohol and cannabis use. This is equivalent to a
therapist-delivered program and greater than a brief intervention
or supportive counseling program.
COBALT programs have received the highest rating from the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's (SAMHSA)
National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP).
In its review, SAMHSA stated that the program "is effective… (and)
yielded strong evidence of a favorable effect."
For more information on COBALT, go to
wellcare.cobaltcbt.com.
As of Sept. 30, 2016, WellCare
serves approximately 779,000 Medicaid members, 62,000 Florida
Healthy Kids members, 93,000 Medicare Advantage members, and 29,000
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Florida.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla.,
WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on
providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily
through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug
Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex
medical needs. The company serves approximately 3.8 million members
nationwide as of Sept. 30, 2016. For
more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website
at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at
https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.