MinuteClinic Expands Virtual Mental Health Services to Address Growing Demand Across the U.S.
Mental health challenges have become an increasingly urgent issue in the United States, affecting people across all age groups and demographics. According to a recent CVS Health survey, approximately 65% of American adults report concerns about their own mental health or that of a loved one. This statistic underscores a pressing reality: mental health is no longer a peripheral health concern — it has become a central public health priority.
For young people, the situation is particularly concerning. Globally, one in seven adolescents is affected by mental health disorders, making it one of the most pressing health challenges for this generation. While awareness of mental health needs has grown over the past decade, many people still struggle to find the care and support they need.
Gaps in Mental Health Care Access
Despite growing awareness and need, access to behavioral health care in the U.S. remains a significant challenge. Data from 2023 reveals that nearly half of the 59 million American adults with a mental illness received no treatment. Among those who did seek care, many endured months-long waits before they could see a behavioral health professional.
A major driver of these gaps is the shortage of mental health professionals. More than a third of Americans currently live in areas with limited access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors. In rural communities, the challenge is even more acute, where the nearest provider may be hours away. For many patients, these barriers — whether geographic, financial, or logistical — leave them without consistent and reliable care.
MinuteClinic’s Expanded Mental Health Services
In response to these growing needs, MinuteClinic, a division of CVS Health, has expanded its virtual mental health services nationwide. The initiative now makes services available to individuals, couples, and families ages 13 and older in 49 states and Washington, D.C.
This expansion reflects CVS Health’s broader strategy of providing holistic, accessible, and affordable behavioral health support. By meeting patients where they are — whether digitally, in the community, or through in-person visits — MinuteClinic is helping reduce barriers to care.
By combining the physical footprint and trusted brands of CVS Health and MinuteClinic with our own workforce of highly trained mental health providers, we’re helping to close the gaps in care that many people face, whether due to provider shortages, stigma, or scheduling barriers,” said Taft Parsons III, MD, Vice President and Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health.
Convenient Access to Care
One of the most notable features of this expansion is its flexible scheduling. Patients can book talk therapy appointments seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, through MinuteClinic.com or the CVS Health® mobile app. Importantly, no referral is required, removing another layer of complexity that can delay access to care.
The services are also integrated into the broader MinuteClinic care model. Patients visiting for physical health concerns, such as a routine check-up, skin rash, or fatigue, can be screened for behavioral health conditions like depression or anxiety. If needed, they can be immediately connected to a licensed mental health professional through virtual or in-person options. Conversely, individuals starting with a therapy visit who may need medication can be referred seamlessly to a MinuteClinic provider or a prescriber of their choice.
This connected health model not only simplifies the process for patients but also supports better outcomes.
We’ve seen directly how this holistic support can improve health outcomes for our patients,” said David Fairchild, MD, MPH, SVP and Chief Medical Officer of Retail Health at CVS Health. “When they can access both physical health care and therapy through one connected system, care becomes more effective and less fragmented.
Specialized Virtual and In-Person Counseling
Nearly 95% of MinuteClinic counseling visits now occur virtually, highlighting patient preference for accessible, at-home therapy sessions. Virtual appointments allow patients to connect with licensed professionals from the comfort and privacy of their own homes, avoiding commutes and scheduling disruptions.
For patients who prefer traditional in-person counseling, MinuteClinic also offers face-to-face therapy sessions in 12 major U.S. metro areas. These services are designed to replicate the supportive environment of a typical therapy office while providing the convenience of a MinuteClinic location.
MinuteClinic’s licensed mental health providers deliver care tailored to each patient’s cultural and personal needs. Areas of specialty include:
- Stress and anxiety management
- Trauma and grief counseling
- Maternal mental health support
- Family and couples therapy
The provider network includes:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
- Licensed Mental Health Providers (LMHPs)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs)
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
This team of professionals is also equipped to identify when patients require higher levels of care. In such cases, they help connect patients to specialists or collaborate with prescribers for medication management.
Insurance and Affordability
Cost is often a significant barrier to mental health treatment. To address this, MinuteClinic counseling services are covered by most insurance plans, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and are also available for direct payment. This approach ensures that individuals across different income levels have a pathway to care.
By providing transparent pricing and broad insurance coverage, CVS Health aims to reduce financial stress, which often prevents people from seeking help in the first place.
A Holistic Vision for Mental and Physical Health
CVS Health has long emphasized its mission of making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and convenient. With the expansion of MinuteClinic’s virtual mental health services, the organization is reinforcing this mission in the behavioral health space.
The integration of mental and physical healthcare under one umbrella is a distinguishing factor of this initiative. It allows patients to move seamlessly between types of care, ensuring their overall health needs are addressed in a coordinated and comprehensive way.
This approach not only benefits patients but also has broader implications for the healthcare system. When mental health issues are identified and treated earlier, patients are less likely to develop worsening conditions that require costly emergency care or hospitalization.
