InStride Health expands pediatric anxiety and OCD care through Aetna partnership

InStride Health, a leading provider of specialized pediatric mental health treatment, has expanded access to its evidence-based program through a new partnership with Aetna. Under this agreement, Aetna members in Massachusetts and Connecticut will now have in-network coverage for anxiety and OCD treatment, making it significantly easier for children, teenagers, and young adults to receive high-quality care. With this expansion, more than 90% of insured individuals in these states now have access to comprehensive pediatric mental health services, addressing a long-standing gap in the availability of specialty care.

This collaboration aims to tackle the growing pediatric mental health crisis by providing timely access to specialized care for children and adolescents suffering from moderate to severe anxiety and OCD symptoms. InStride Health’s program is designed to go beyond traditional therapy models, offering a structured, multidisciplinary approach that includes therapists, psychiatrists, and exposure coaches to help patients develop long-term coping strategies.

Why Is Pediatric Mental Health Access a Growing Concern?

Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have become increasingly prevalent among young people, yet access to effective treatment remains a major challenge. Studies indicate that nearly one in three children in the United States will develop an anxiety disorder or OCD before turning 18. Despite the increasing demand for specialized pediatric mental health treatment, many families face significant barriers, including a shortage of qualified providers, long waitlists, and inadequate insurance coverage for mental health services.

InStride Health aims to address these challenges by offering a virtual, evidence-based treatment model that ensures consistent, high-quality care. Unlike standard therapy approaches that rely on weekly visits with little to no support between sessions, InStride Health’s approach incorporates real-time clinical support, helping patients navigate daily challenges associated with anxiety and OCD symptoms.

What Sets InStride Health’s Treatment Approach Apart?

InStride Health specializes in treating pediatric anxiety and OCD through a structured, evidence-based model that incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, both of which are widely recognized as the gold standard for treating these conditions. The program is designed to support children, teens, and young adults between the ages of seven and 22, providing a collaborative care team to guide them through every stage of treatment.

Each patient is assigned a dedicated team that includes a psychiatrist, therapist, and exposure coach, all of whom work together to deliver highly personalized care. The program is structured to not only provide therapy sessions but also offer ongoing support through a video- and chat-enabled mobile application, allowing patients and their families to receive real-time assistance. By integrating these tools, the program ensures that patients develop long-term coping strategies that help them successfully transition out of therapy and manage their conditions independently.

How Does the Aetna Partnership Improve Access to Care?

The partnership between InStride Health and Aetna is a significant step toward improving mental health coverage for anxiety and OCD. By offering in-network mental health benefits, Aetna ensures that its members in Massachusetts and Connecticut can access InStride Health’s specialized program without the financial and logistical barriers often associated with out-of-network providers. This expansion significantly increases the number of families who can receive treatment from trained professionals without facing overwhelming out-of-pocket costs or lengthy waitlists.

John Voith, Co-founder and CEO of InStride Health, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in expanding access to specialized pediatric mental health care. He emphasized that the partnership aligns with InStride Health’s mission to provide evidence-based treatment that leads to lasting change. He also stated that the company is committed to expanding its reach beyond Massachusetts and Connecticut to ensure that more children and families nationwide have access to high-quality anxiety and OCD treatment.

What Are the Benefits of InStride Health’s Virtual Treatment Model?

InStride Health’s virtual treatment program offers several advantages over traditional in-person therapy, particularly in addressing the needs of patients with moderate to severe anxiety and OCD symptoms. One of the key benefits is the ability to provide consistent support through digital tools, ensuring that patients have access to their care team when they need it most. Unlike conventional therapy models that rely on weekly appointments, this approach integrates real-time coaching, helping patients navigate challenges as they arise.

The program also incorporates a structured, time-limited framework, ensuring that children and families develop the skills necessary to manage anxiety and OCD symptoms independently. Rather than fostering dependence on long-term therapy, the program is designed to equip patients with the tools they need to maintain progress beyond their treatment period. This emphasis on skill-building and self-sufficiency is a fundamental aspect of InStride Health’s approach.

Additionally, the program includes medication management services, if needed, as part of its multidisciplinary treatment approach. While not all patients require medication, the option is available and carefully managed by a psychiatrist in collaboration with the broader care team. This integrated approach ensures that treatment is tailored to each individual’s specific needs, optimizing outcomes for long-term success.

What’s Next for InStride Health and Aetna?

InStride Health currently accepts major insurance plans in multiple states, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia. The company’s long-term goal is to continue expanding its partnerships with insurers to ensure that more families have access to specialized pediatric mental health services.

As mental health awareness continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for innovative, evidence-based treatment models that address the unique needs of children and adolescents. By partnering with Aetna, InStride Health is making significant strides in closing the gap in access to anxiety and OCD care, providing a scalable solution to a widespread problem.

The expansion of insurance coverage for mental health treatment through this partnership represents a critical step in ensuring that young individuals receive timely, effective care. By continuing to develop strategic collaborations with healthcare providers and insurers, InStride Health is positioned to play a leading role in transforming the landscape of pediatric mental health care in the United States.