The mental health of young people has never been more important. At
Independence Blue Cross (IBX), we are strengthening our commitment to youth
mental health by growing the IBX behavioral health provider network and
improving access for children and teen members.

Youth Mental Health Affects Us All

Unfortunately, behavioral health conditions like anxiety and depression have
been

on the rise

among children, adolescents, and young adults. And the

World Happiness Report 2024

shows happiness among young people

has declined

in the U.S.

One of every six children has a diagnosable mental health condition.(*1) In addition:

• Nearly 60 percent of youth with major depression do not receive any mental
health treatment. (*2)

• Non-white youths

have a 35 percent lower diagnosis rate of major depression versus white
youths. (*3)

• More than half of young adults ages 18 – 21 reported symptoms of anxiety or
depression in 2023. (*4)

The rise in behavioral health concerns for young people doesn’t just impact
the kids. Parents and caregivers are also affected, and, as a result, so are
their employers. Almost half of employees have a child younger than 18. And
53 percent of working parents have missed work at least once per month to
tend to their child’s mental health. (*5)

For the well-being of our young people and communities, IBX has strengthened
its commitment to youth mental health with a focus on helping families find
quality in-network behavioral health care and improving availability and
access.

Enhanced Care Navigation Services for Members

We know that early intervention and integrated care are important for the
well-being of children and teens, so we are making it easier for them to get
the care they need quickly.

When members need guidance or care related to their child’s behavioral
health, they can count on our Behavioral Health team, who can:

• Assess and understand the child’s needs

• Provide information about in-network treatment options and resources

• Put them in touch with a Behavioral Health Case Manager for ongoing support

• Connect them to an appropriate in-network behavioral health provider to
facilitate fast access to the care they need

• Give in-the-moment support during tough times

Members can schedule appointments directly with an in-network provider, or
our Behavioral Health team can directly schedule appointments with an IBX
behavioral health network provider for them. We can help members get an
appointment quickly — usually within a week. We work with several behavioral
health providers that offer fast access, are culturally responsive, and
provide high-quality care for general mental health issues.

Enriching the IBX Behavioral Health Network

We have expanded the IBX behavioral health network by nearly 50 percent
since 2022 to ensure improved access for both in-person and virtual care
options. The strong relationships we’ve built with these behavioral health
providers ensures our members have fast access to care with proven
evidence-based approaches for children, adolescents, young adults, and
families. Here are some of them.

Little Otter

Little Otter
uses a family-first approach, which recognizes that when one part of a
family unit struggles, it can impact everyone. They offer virtual mental
health care for children ages 0 – 14 and their families, including therapy
and psychiatry. Little Otter’s customized approach includes a comprehensive
platform that combines everyday wellness tools with an award-winning child
therapy app. Their website also offers myriad

resources

for families.