Effectively treating the most severe mental health cases, including those at risk for suicide, is the key to solving the mental health crisis in the U.S. This is particularly important among underserved populations including Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, teens, and individuals struggling with substance use disorders. These challenging scenarios often necessitate specialized care that is not widely available, funneling many into emergency departments (EDs) where they face long waits and contribute to systemic inefficiencies and soaring costs.

While advancements have been made to broaden access to mental health services, there remains a profound shortage of resources for managing severe cases that require immediate and specialized care. This panel will explore this care disparity and discuss how technology-enabled virtual providers can bridge this gap, improve quality measures, and prevent ED readmissions. With digital tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning, these providers are uniquely equipped to offer timely interventions for the most complex mental health cases, ensuring that everyone receives the high-quality care they need.