County officials have selected a new provider for mental health services for more than 400 county employees and eligible family members.
Full-time county employees are allowed three free in-person visits with Centerstone Behavioral Health therapists before their insurance is activated for subsequent visits.
But as of July 1, Centerstone will no longer provide those services to county workers. That prompted the commissioners to sign an agreement with CuraLinc Healthcare, a Chicago-based behavioral health and well-being provider, to step in and provide mental health therapy online.
Instead of three free visits, CuraLinc will provide up to eight free contacts for the employee or an eligible family member before insurance kicks in. From coping with addictive behaviors and substance abuse to managing work-life balance, CuraLinc strives to solve a wide spectrum of personal issues, according to the HR University online website.
Instead of conventional face-to-face therapy, CuraLinc uses licensed counselors called coaches to boost emotional fitness and well-being through an exchange of text messages, voice notes, tip sheets, resource links and videos, the website states.
Commissioner Larry Kleinhenz said he believes these types of services are increasingly needed.
“I like that it’s telehealth, and I think usage will go up because of that,” Kleinhenz said. “It’s easy for people to get online and talk, rather than wait an hour to meet them in someone’s office.”
The arrangement between Bartholomew County government and CuraLinc, which is being administered through Dunn & Associates, can be terminated with a 90-day written notice.
During and after the 2020 pandemic, a great number of people reported psychological distress and symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress, according to the World Health Organization. There have also been worrying signs of more widespread suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including among health care workers.
The cost of the CuraLinc program will be similar to what the county has been paying Centerstone for the face-to-face therapy, county auditor Pia O’Connor said.
