Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Doug Henry, Enterprise Medical Director of Behavioral Health, Highmark Health
Jul 5, 2025
Doug Henry discusses innovative strategies to enhance accessibility and quality in behavioral health care. He shares insights on partnerships with teletherapy providers aimed at engaging first-time users. The conversation shifts to the importance of shared risk models, debunking misconceptions about investing in mental health. Henry argues that proactive care not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces overall healthcare costs, advocating for a transformative approach to integrate mental health as a core aspect of total health.
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Doug Henry's Professional Journey
- Doug Henry shares his extensive background as a clinical psychologist working in schools, high school counseling, shelters, inpatient and detox units, and Medicaid clinics.
- His evolving roles led him to administration and eventually Highmark Health due to their commitment to behavioral health as equal to physical health.
Quality Drives Cost Efficiency
- Highmark believes quality improvements in behavioral health typically reduce long-term costs.
- They chose a high-quality, data-sharing telehealth partner despite the higher immediate cost for better outcomes.
Expanding Access and Satisfaction
- Highmark's behavioral health access efforts led to 80% first-time mental health users engaging in care.
- Their matching algorithm achieves 96% retention with initial therapists, improving satisfaction and outcomes.