As discussions around mental health broaden and support offerings from insurers and employers increase, Dr. Mimi Winsberg, Chief Medical Officer of Brightside Health, addresses prevalent misconceptions in the field. During an interview at ViVE in Los Angeles, Winsberg highlighted two key misconceptions that need clarification.
The first misconception revolves around the idea that the introduction of AI heralds fully automated therapy chatbots, according to Winsberg. Contrary to this belief, she emphasizes the role of AI as adjunctive care, likening it to a GPS rather than a self-driving car. AI, as per Winsberg, should act as a co-pilot supporting mental health clinicians rather than replacing them. This aligns with a study from the University of Washington School of Medicine, revealing that AI is comparable to humans in identifying red-flag language in text messages from individuals with mental illness.
The second misconception, as pointed out by Winsberg, is the perceived separation between mental health and physical health. She stresses the interconnectedness of the two, advocating for a more integrated approach to mental health care. Using the example of mental health care for pregnant and postpartum women, Winsberg emphasizes the need for a holistic approach considering hormonal and other factors at play.
Brightside Health, where Winsberg serves as Chief Medical Officer, offers online therapy and psychiatry for individuals dealing with mild to severe depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. The company, accepting various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, expanded its coverage to 50 million beneficiaries recently.
Winsberg shares the company’s vision, expressing a desire to deliver mental health care to all those in need. Launching into Medicare and Medicaid spaces marks a crucial step in serving a broader demographic. Two studies conducted by Brightside, analyzing the outcomes of older demographics and individuals with lower incomes, have supported the decision to extend services to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries. Winsberg envisions this move as a pivotal stride towards providing mental health care for all who require it.
