Expanding Access to Care Through MHC’s Mental Health Concierge Program

For individuals with or without insurance, securing timely and suitable mental health services can be a daunting process. This is especially challenging for people in the LGBTQIA+ communities who often have trouble getting compassionate and affirming care. They may also have difficulty sorting through various mental health professionals to identify the right one, or ones, to meet their needs. The process can be overwhelming.

To support communities needing care, Mental Health Connecticut has introduced the Mental Health Concierge program, a collaborative approach to securing care, including therapy, complete case management services, and assistance for individuals and caregivers. The program strives to bridge the gap by connecting individuals to comprehensive support services, helping them navigate the complexities of the mental health system confidently, and ensuring they receive the high-quality care they deserve.

It’s an important—and much-needed—initiative. For example, individuals may live in one of the many provider deserts throughout Connecticut, forcing them to drive far distances for care. Medicaid rates are also very low within the state, with a recent study showing that Connecticut pays 50 percent less than surrounding states like Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey, on top of private providers not accepting Medicaid. Connecticut has also not kept up with inflation in the rates they currently offer.

The Mental Health Concierge program is modeled after Mental Health Waiver Services, a group of services provided by the state of Connecticut for individuals with severe mental health conditions. Mental Health Concierge offers flexible in-person and telehealth therapy, case management, and in-home support for individuals ages 18-plus throughout Connecticut, with or without insurance. By offering a virtual option like telehealth, the program removes barriers related to travel that may limit a person’s ability to receive the services they need. Services can also be provided at home, making it easier for those with travel limitations due to limited public transportation options or no personal vehicle.

Mental Health Connecticut’s Connecticut-based team is familiar with the services available within various communities throughout the state. Because of this in-depth knowledge of the state, the Mental Health Concierge uses this local knowledge to provide personalized recommendations on a case-by-case basis. After a thorough assessment, the concierge team members can recommend services by Mental Health Connecticut or make outside referrals to match you with the proper care.

Mental Health Connecticut also operates in collaboration with DMHAS, a transitional program for children coming out of the DCF system that protects abused or neglected children. When children “age out” of this system at age 18, the transition can be difficult, and a program like Mental Health Concierge can assist in supporting individuals as they navigate the complexities of entering an adult system.

Services are offered at competitive rates, and Mental Health Connecticut will provide invoices to bill insurance and can consider a sliding scale when appropriate. The sliding scale is available thanks to generous individuals, grantors, and organizations supporting Mental Health Connecticut. The organization’s 2024 end-of-year appeal Winter Wellness with MHC will support the Mental Health Concierge sliding scale.

The program’s flexibility makes it well suited to support individuals with unique and varying needs, from supporting individuals looking for therapy to assisting individuals with a severe mental health condition. It can also provide services that may not meet medical necessity criteria but are critical for people’s quality of life and functioning. For example, these services can assist someone with agoraphobia who may need someone to go grocery shopping with them. The program could also benefit young adults aging out of services or losing coverage under a parent’s insurance plan.