2025 promises to bring substantial growth and positive change to behavioral health. Here are the key trends to anticipate this year according to behavioral health experts at Lucet.
“Expect to see [integrated mental health screening and services] adopted more widely, especially for Medicare Advantage and underserved populations, as health care leaders work to deliver holistic, patient-centered solutions.”
Shana Hoffman – President & CEO
Collaborative care models will expand to improve access
Fragmentation between physical and behavioral health has long been a barrier to effective care. Collaborative care models — built on interdisciplinary teams that include mental health professionals, primary care physicians, social workers, and community health workers — are poised to change this. These models integrate behavioral health services into primary care, promoting early intervention and streamlined care coordination.
By embedding mental health services and screening into existing health care pathways, we are better equipped to tackle stigma, enhance health equity, and empower individuals to seek care for their overall well-being. This approach will also help health care systems address the interconnectedness of mental health, physical health and social determinants of health. Expect to see these models adopted more widely, especially for Medicare Advantage and underserved populations, as health care leaders work to deliver holistic, patient-centered solutions.
— Shana Hoffman, President & CEO
“In 2025, we’ll see a broader embrace of measurement-informed care as providers recognize its potential to enhance outcomes, support value-based reimbursement models, and foster stronger patient-provider relationships.”
Visar Tasimi – SVP, Provider Success
Measurement-informed care will drive outcomes and value-based models
As health care shifts further toward patient-centered, value-based care, the adoption of measurement-informed care (MIC) will gain traction. This evidence-based approach leverages real-time data to track patient progress and inform treatment adjustments. Despite any misplaced perception of burden to implement, the benefits are clear: behavioral health patients are nearly four times more likely to see improved outcomes when MIC tools are implemented effectively.
In 2025, we’ll see a broader embrace of measurement-informed care as providers recognize its potential to enhance outcomes, support value-based reimbursement models, and foster stronger patient-provider relationships. By utilizing data-driven insights, clinicians can focus on interventions that truly make a difference.
— Visar Tasimi, Senior Vice President of Provider Success
“We’ll see a stronger alignment between chronic disease providers and behavioral health clinicians.”
Shana Hoffman – President & CEO
Mental health and chronic disease management will become more integrated
The link between chronic disease and behavioral health is well understood but historically under-addressed. Conditions like kidney disease or diabetes often come with significant mental health challenges, including higher risks of depression and anxiety. In 2025, we’ll see a stronger alignment between chronic disease providers and behavioral health clinicians.
This integration will improve the frequency and effectiveness of mental health screenings for patients with chronic illness, ensuring they receive timely access to specialized resources. By addressing both physical and mental health needs concurrently, care teams can reduce costs, enhance quality of life, and improve overall outcomes for this vulnerable patient population.
— Shana Hoffman, President & CEO
“We anticipate regulatory momentum aimed at curbing practices that restrict meaningful access to behavioral health services.”
Carlos Lindo – SVP of Legal & Compliance
Health plan accountability will be critical to addressing access gaps
The behavioral health provider shortage remains a challenge, but solving the access issue goes beyond expanding the workforce. Health plans play a pivotal role in determining whether individuals can access care and parity compliance will remain a key focus in 2025.
We anticipate regulatory momentum aimed at curbing practices that restrict meaningful access to behavioral health services. Health plans will face pressure to ensure consistency in care quality and compliance with parity laws. Legislative action will also help safeguard both patients and providers, laying the groundwork for equitable access to high-quality behavioral health care.
— Carlos Lindo, SVP of Legal & Compliance
“Employers will pivot toward more customized and flexible benefits to address the diverse needs of their workforce.”
Amy Kazmierczak – Chief People Officer
Personalized employee benefits will drive utilization
Behavioral health benefits in employee assistance programs (EAPs) have long been treated as check-the-box offerings, leaving employees to navigate a maze of resources with little guidance. In 2025, employers will pivot toward more customized and flexible benefits to address the diverse needs of their workforce. By analyzing benefits usage patterns and tailoring offerings accordingly, organizations can create clearer pathways to care. Providing tools to empower employees in navigating these options will not only boost satisfaction but also drive meaningful engagement with mental health resources.
— Amy Kazmierczak, Chief People Officer
The challenges in behavioral health care are complex, but we are confident that by working together we can drive meaningful change that brings better outcomes and greater equity for all this year and beyond.
Rachel Jenkins is a senior marketing specialist at Lucet. Contributions made by the executive leadership team.
