VHAN’s behavioral health team took on the challenge of managing pediatric depression by making it the subject of the network’s first Project ECHO program. Project ECHO seeks to address population health differences with low-cost, high-impact interventions. 

VHAN is excited to announce that the network’s pediatric depression screening rate has dramatically improved. In 2019, VHAN began measuring annual depression screening for children 12 and older. To assist members who were struggling in this area, VHAN licensed clinical social workers met with practices to promote the social work program and the benefits of using the pediatric behavioral health consult line. As a result, by 2021, no VHAN members received a score of zero for depression screening and 46% of practices screened 90% of their VHAN patients for depression.

Modeled after VHAN’s Pediatric Behavioral Consult Line, which has fielded more than 2,000 phone calls since launching in 2018, VHAN is launching a similar line later this year to assist clinicians with adults who need behavioral health support. The new Adult Behavioral Health Consult Line will be managed by Shannon Brown, LCSW, who will be […]

VHAN’s Pediatric Behavioral Health Consult Line is a vital benefit for pediatric providers, connecting practices to licensed clinical social workers who help customize patient care plans, navigate community resources and provide guidance on screening tools. Since launching the consult line in 2018, VHAN social workers have fielded more than 2,000 calls—an impressive milestone.

For every 10 people who visit a doctor, it’s estimated that seven are seeking care for behavioral health-related reasons, such as depression, anxiety, diabetes management, weight loss or substance abuse. VHAN’s Care Management team facilitates collaborative care that is designed to bridge the gap between physical and mental health care, delivering the right kind of care where and when it is needed.

Recently, VHAN Social Workers were able to create a coordinated plan for psychiatric care, anger management and medication management while providing a patient with the support and encouragement he needed to take proactive steps to manage his physical and mental health.

Currently, 19.86% of adults in the United States are experiencing a mental illness—equivalent to nearly 50 million Americans. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, VHAN has compiled a list of tools we offer to our members, many of whom are helping patients navigate a mental health disorder or dealing with increased stress and anxiety themselves.  

heir risk factors, explained how to differentiate between an eating disorder and picky eating, discussed when to speak to your child’s pediatrician, and outlined the family’s role in recovery.

In 2020, VHAN focused on 11 key aims to drive quality performance and improve patient care. Our new Impact Report outlines how the network performed across these key aims, including several personal stories that detail how VHAN providers have made a difference in patients’ lives.

To assist our members in connecting patients with the support they need, VHAN focused on providing behavioral health tools and support in 2021.