Research from Cigna subsidiary Evernorth found that patients who received outpatient behavioral care had fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits, resulting in up to $3,109 in individual savings over two years.
The study, which was released Nov. 16, found three to 14 visits a year could result in between $755 and $1,377 in annual savings.
For plan sponsors, members utilizing at least three behavioral health visits a year results in a positive return on investment, according to a Nov. 16 news release.
"The findings are ground-breaking and demonstrate there is immense opportunity to help people throughout a lifelong mental health journey," said Eva Borden, president of Evernorth Behavioral Health. "Behavioral outpatient care is a vital tool that helps a person explore symptoms that may lead to mental health distress, so they can enact new thought patterns and learn coping skills. These critical skills can help people feel better — and reduce avoidable medical services over time."