Nema Health Joins Hands with Horizon BCBSNJ to Boost Mental Healthcare

The collaboration between Nema Health and Horizon BCBSNJ aims to broaden the reach of evidence-based PTSD treatment to a larger population.

US-based Nema Health, a virtual clinic specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, has joined hands with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield (Horizon BCBSNJ), to enhance mental healthcare in New Jersey. The collaboration aims to broaden the reach of evidence-based PTSD treatment to a larger population. Through this partnership, Nema Health became an in-network provider for commercial members of Horizon BCBSNJ, facilitating access to quality care for approximately 3.6 million individuals across New Jersey. Talking about the need to address gap in access to PTSD treatment, Dr Sofia Noori, MD, cofounder & CEO, Nema Health, said, "Trauma is a significant issue, especially for civilians, and many individuals lack access to effective PTSD treatments. Our goal is to provide evidence-based therapies that facilitate recovery and enable individuals to rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma." She further highlighted the prevalent challenges faced by individuals seeking appropriate care for PTSD. Dr Noori noted that with the right therapies, patients can achieve permanent improvement. Nema Health advocates for a shift away from traditional weekly talk therapy towards tailored treatment approaches that target the underlying causes of PTSD.

Addressing the Need for Effective PTSD Treatment

Nema Health offers a comprehensive approach to PTSD treatment, providing patients with clinical care from trained therapists and psychiatrists, emotional support from peer mentors, and daily guidance from case managers. Patients undergo intensive treatment sessions five times a week for a period of two to four weeks, followed by a stabilization phase with continued therapist access and peer support. According to the company, more than three-quarters of Nema patients no longer meet the criteria for PTSD after completing the intensive treatment program, underscoring the effectiveness of their approach in facilitating recovery.

Plans for Expansion

Since its inception in 2021, Nema Health has garnered significant attention and support, securing $4.1 million in seed funding to date. Dr Noori envisions the company's expansion across the United States in the coming years, focusing on accepting most commercial plans to maximize accessibility. As Nema Health continues to pave the way for accessible and effective PTSD treatment, Dr Noori emphasizes the importance of collaboration with both commercial and government payers. She underscores the need to prioritize Medicaid and Medicare plans to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all individuals in need of mental health support.

Collaborations Shaping Healthcare Innovations

In recent developments within the healthcare industry, partnerships and technological advancements have emerged as key drivers of innovation. Roche, a global leader in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, partnered with PathAI, an AI technology for pathology, to enhance companion diagnostics with AI. This collaboration aims to integrate AI-powered digital pathology algorithms into the Roche Tissue Diagnostics platform, thereby offering a powerful end-to-end solution for precision therapeutics. Similarly, Temple Health partnered with ThinkSono, a UK-based AI company, to enhance the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Through the integration of AI-powered ultrasound technology, the partnership seeks to provide real-time guidance during point-of-care assessments, potentially outperforming traditional methods in terms of speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. In another notable development, US-based Everside Health and Marathon Health announced a merger to expand access to advanced primary care within a value-based framework. This amalgamation combines two entities dedicated to serving employer and union-sponsored clients, offering a range of services, including primary care, mental health support, occupational health, musculoskeletal care, and pharmacy services. Additionally, Indianapolis-headquartered Marathon Health and Everside Health, operating from Denver, have now combined their efforts under the banner of Marathon Health. Their collective reach extends to 2.5 million eligible patients across 41 states, with a presence in more than 680 physical and virtual health centers covering all 50 states.