ARCADIA, Calif. (December 9, 2020) – Pacific Clinics, a Southern California-based community mental health agency, announced the Center at Sierra Health Foundation will fund the launch of a new virtual telehealth platform in the amount of $200,000. The platform, MeU Care (MeU), is an all-in-one telehealth and communication tool that can be easily accessed via mobile device or computer and will improve mental health outcomes by helping clients to remain connected in-between visits.
While similar platforms are widely available at high-end medical facilities, Pacific Clinics is committed to offering high-quality and accessible behavioral health services and treatment to those who would otherwise be unable to such services.
“Since the pandemic started, we increased our telehealth services to meet the needs of our community where they are – in the safety of their homes,” says Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer Laura Pancake. “This platform will help us stay connected while we’re apart and provide high quality services to our clients in the digital age.”
Pacific Clinics will pilot the platform at two sites – the 66 Hurlbut location in Pasadena and the El Camino site in Santa Fe Springs serving approximately 2,000 clients – to establish best practices and develop training modules. The goal is to implement the virtual platform agencywide in 2021 serving more than 22,300 consumers annually.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed many of the weaknesses in our public health systems, including inequitable access to behavioral health care services. Building and enhancing the telehealth infrastructure of California’s behavioral health providers is an important step toward ensuring all individuals have access to the full range of health supports they need during this pandemic and into the future,” said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, which is managing the Behavioral Telehealth project in partnership with the Department of Health Care Services.
The platform allows for virtual screenings, ongoing counseling and therapy sessions for clients facing multiple physical and behavioral health challenges, successfully addressing issues of both quarantine and care. Additionally, the platform fosters personal connections between patients, caregivers, and providers – everyone involved in the treatment of a client – allowing for collaboration and care coordination at the right time. Ultimately, the platform is designed to improve Pacific Clinics’ clinical practice, ensure HIPAA compliance, and operate as a long-term telehealth service delivery system.
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About Pacific Clinics
Established in 1926, Pacific Clinics is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of individuals, families, and communities through behavioral health services, early education, and training. With 50 locations and 325 schools across Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Clara and Ventura counties, we offer hope to over 22,300 individuals annually to address trauma and life challenges through our comprehensive health services, case management, health navigation, early and continuing education, housing support and employment assistance.
