CVS Health Launches Mental Health Services in Houston

With grim hardships such as more than 360,000 jobs lost and 6,300 deaths, Houston is struggling with the many devastating effects of COVID-19. As a result, three out of four residents are suffering from declining mental health. CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is directly addressing the urgent need by connecting community members with newly launched mental health counseling and care services at five Houston-area MinuteClinics inside CVS HealthHUB store locations.

To help alleviate the stress many people face when considering therapy, CVS Health has added Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) to its MinuteClinic staff at these locations. The LCSWs establish a new channel for mental health counseling services via real-time support and a connection to appropriate care. Through these expanded MinuteClinic services, individuals can receive mental health assessments, referrals, counseling and personalized care plans in-person or via telehealth, with appointments available days, evenings and weekends.

“When you’re feeling stressed and life is already overwhelming, it can be a significant struggle for individuals, families and even providers trying to navigate the traditional mental health care system,” said Ashley Karpinski, Director of Behavioral Health Strategy & Innovation at CVS Health. “We recognize that between the pandemic and recent winter storms, Houston is facing unprecedented challenges. Our new mental health counseling services offer anyone in the Houston community expanded access to consistent, convenient and holistic care, without needing a physician referral. If you’re worried and not sure where to turn, you can start with MinuteClinic.”

The launch of MinuteClinic mental health counseling services in Houston comes at a time when families are facing significant stressors. As of late February 2021, roughly 3-in-10 Houston adults reported feeling anxious or on edge for more than half the days in an average week. These feelings may be exacerbated by isolation, loss of a loved one, fear for a family member’s health or fear of the inability to pay rent during the pandemic and more.

With a goal to increase access to care for community members in need, these new MinuteClinic services in select HealthHUB locations are also an approachable resource for young adults who may be more comfortable accessing care virtually. With one-third of Houstonians canceling their higher education plans for this fall, many adolescents are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress due to financial concerns, fear of the unknown and grief.

CVS Health customers interested in the new mental health counseling services can expect:

An introductory conversation:

• During the initial assessment, a LCSW will help assess an individual’s current situation and explore potential options for care.

Personalized care planning:

• The LCSW will create an individualized care plan with the goal of improving an individual’s mental health and total wellbeing.

Counseling services for continual support:

• Ongoing counseling sessions with a LCSW are available to help address each individual’s areas of concern, including stress, anxiety and depression.

Navigation & collaboration:

• If an individual has a need for higher levels of care, the MinuteClinic LCSWs will work with a local provider network based on the individual’s health care plan and coverage status. They will assist with finding an appropriate specialist and collaborate with the individual’s existing providers, when appropriate.

To learn more and schedule an in-store or telehealth appointment, call 1-855-417-2486 or visit cvs.com/mentalhealth.

Mental health counseling services are currently available at MinuteClinics within the following Houston regional CVS HealthHUB locations:

• 3850 FM 2920 Rd, Spring, TX 77388
• 602 W Grand Pkwy S, Katy, TX 77494*
• 24802 Aldine Westfield Rd, Spring, TX 77373
• 2900 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581*
• 8000 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, Humble, TX 77396*

*To help address the current mental health challenges in Houston, MinuteClinic is offering free mental health screenings and consultations (available on a first-come, first-served basis to individuals 18 years of age or older) at the MinuteClinics within the Katy, Pearland and Humble HealthHUB locations for a limited time.

The company plans to expand the new mental health counseling services to additional markets this year.

CVS Health created HealthHUBs to help people manage their wellbeing more conveniently and affordably by improving the overall health care experience and featuring a wide array of accessible health and wellness products, clinical services and expertise. Learn more at cvs.com/healthhub.