The demand for behavioral health therapy and support continues to grow, fueled by societal stressors, increased awareness, and the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to virtual mental health services and expanded behavioral health networks, access to care has improved dramatically – connecting individuals to quality providers quickly and reliably. Yet, as the landscape evolves, opportunities remain to further enhance the experience: reducing wait times even more, personalizing provider matches, and ensuring consistent outcomes for all. We are committed to ongoing innovation that addresses emerging needs and raises the bar for behavioral health care delivery.
Evernorth Behavioral Care Group: A model for progress
Launched in 2024, Evernorth Behavioral Care Group set out to address these challenges head-on. Beginning with virtual services in six markets and a network of 1,000 providers, Evernorth Behavioral Care Group has since expanded to more than 5,000 providers across all 50 states as of November 2025, with plans to grow to about 15,000+ providers in 2026.
In addition, the group now offers in-person appointments to complement its robust virtual care services. This hybrid approach allows patients to choose the care setting that best suits their needs without compromising on quality or convenience.
“We continuously refine our patient-to-provider matching capabilities to pair people with providers that have the clinical expertise to treat them,” said Arianna Arneson, clinical director of Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. “These efforts are reflected in our best-in-class clinical outcomes and support our commitment to providing quality care.”
Clinical quality at the core
Evernorth Behavioral Care Group’s operational model centers on clinical excellence. From precision recruitment to outcomes measurement, every aspect is designed to ensure patients receive evidence-based, compassionate, and effective treatment. The group consistently reports strong results in therapeutic alliance, symptom reduction, and satisfaction among both clients and providers. Providers benefit from reduced administrative burdens, fair compensation, and clinically appropriate referrals, fostering a thriving professional community that translates into better patient outcomes.
Data-driven care, measurement-informed outcomes
A defining feature of Evernorth Behavioral Care Group’s approach is its commitment to measurement-informed care. All providers use evidence-based tools to track progress, creating transparency and enabling timely interventions and adjustments of treatment plans.
The results speak for themselves: 84% of patients achieve a clinically significant reduction in depression or anxiety symptoms. One patient said, “I feel like I’m starting to get my life back. It’s been a bumpy journey, but I feel like each step I make is one that brings me closer to the goals I want to achieve in life. I am grateful for the guidance and teachings my therapist has given me.”
Fast, flexible appointments
One of the most persistent challenges in behavioral health is timely access to care. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group addresses this by consistently offering appointments within 72 hours nationwide. This rapid access helps people integrate mental health care into their busy lives.
Collaboration to deliver value at scale
Recognizing the link between physical and mental health, Evernorth Behavioral Care Group partners with physician practices to enable seamless referrals and data exchange. Collaboration with primary care and specialty providers, supported by referral management technology, creates a better care experience.
Through payer relationships, Evernorth Behavioral Care Group identifies individuals who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health needs, connecting them to timely, evidence-based care. The group’s expansion is also supported by deep partnerships with health plans, increasing its ability to deliver high-quality mental health care to millions of Americans.
With a diverse and growing provider community, measurable clinical outcomes, and a national market footprint, Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is well-positioned to help health plans address some of their most pressing behavioral health needs.
“We partner with providers and organizations that share our commitment to improving outcomes and transforming mental health care delivery,” Arneson said. “Together, we can build stronger systems of care, empower providers, and create lasting and positive changes for the individuals and communities we serve.”
The future of behavioral health
Evernorth Behavioral Care Group’s progress reflects broader trends in behavioral health. The shift toward measurement-informed care, hybrid service models, and integrated physical-mental health delivery is reshaping the industry. As demand continues to rise, clinical quality, rapid access, and data-driven outcomes will be key in meeting the needs of individuals and communities.
The progress of Evernorth Behavioral Care Group shows what’s possible when innovation, collaboration, and clinical excellence come together. By expanding access, improving outcomes, and building a strong provider community, the group is helping to shape a behavioral health system that is more responsive, equitable, and effective.
“As we continue to grow and adapt, our unwavering dedication to data-driven care and patient-centered service remains at the very core of our mission,” Arneson said. “It’s this commitment that guides us forward and inspires us to set a standard for the future of behavioral health, always keeping the needs and well-being of those we serve front and center.”
Evernorth Behavioral Health takes a data-informed approach and provides personalized care across the entire continuum for the populations we serve. Our solutions help support mental health and emotional well-being by using identification models to proactively engage plan members, help them quickly navigate to the right level of mental health care, and provide quality health outcomes that drive cost savings.
