Bend Health Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For

Bend Health Key Takeaways

• Bend Health offers an easy-to-navigate platform with structured care plans tailored to the individual’s diagnosis or area of improvement. This approach helps families with plans in between therapy sessions.
• The platform conducts a comprehensive online assessment as part of the intake process. Afterward, clients meet with a care manager, followed by assessments with a coach, therapist, and/or psychiatrist to ensure a thorough evaluation.
• Access to financial information outside the subscription details is limited. Care managers may need to gain knowledge of the insurance process, and clients are not always informed of out-of-pocket costs before scheduling appointments. Improved communication about the child’s presence during the first session and the ability to book appointments within 24 hours would enhance the user experience.

Final Verdict on Bend Health

Bend Health impresses with its diverse care levels, encompassing coaching, therapy, and psychiatry, reflecting a comprehensive mental health support system. The platform’s collaborative approach and referrals for financial challenges underscore a commitment to holistic well-being. Notably, the emphasis on accessible mental health care for children and teens and care plans between sessions is a positive stride. However, challenges arise with the session frequency, potentially hindering deeper therapeutic engagement. Financial information accessibility poses issues, particularly for those unfamiliar with insurance intricacies, raising concerns about costs, especially for uninsured users. Additionally, the limited provider options may curtail users’ choices.

As a licensed therapist, I believe Bend Health offers valuable services for families seeking accessible mental health support. The platform does provide what it promises in terms of varied care options. However, the cost could be a barrier for some, and the limited frequency of sessions might not suit everyone’s needs. It’s a reasonable choice for certain individuals, particularly those who value convenience and have insurance coverage. However, exploring other options might be necessary for those seeking a more traditional therapy model or facing financial constraints.

What Is Bend Health?

Bend Health is a comprehensive online mental health platform that serves children and teenagers, offering a range of subscription-based plans tailored to individual needs. Their plans include coaching, therapy, and medication management, ensuring a holistic approach to care. Bend Health costs $199.99-$549.99 monthly, depending on the plan you choose and if insurance is accepted which could lower your costs.

Bend Health’s three subscription plans include:

• Coaching: Costs $199.99 monthly and offers 2x monthly coaching sessions and a structured plan to follow outside of sessions. These coaching sessions aim to support and guide parents and their children to navigate various mental health and well-being aspects. Coaching sessions are available through two modes: live chat and one-to-one sessions.
• Coaching + Therapy: Costs $399.99 monthly and offers the same services as coaching with the addition of a 30-minute therapy session per month. During therapy sessions, there is flexibility in terms of who can participate; sessions may involve just the child or include family members. However, it’s important to note that both a parent or guardian and the child must attend the initial session. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the child’s needs and facilitates effective care.
• Coaching, Therapy, + Medication Management: Costs $599.99 monthly and offers the same services as coaching and therapy and adds an additional coaching session and a once-monthly psychiatric appointment

Bend Health offers a wide range of treatment options to empower resilience and flexibility in children and teenagers between the ages of 1 and 17, alongside their caregivers, to support family well-being. Their unique collaborative care model involves coaches, therapists, and psychiatric providers working together to create personalized care plans catering to each child’s needs. Bend Health’s comprehensive and adaptable approach suits a broad spectrum of mental health diagnoses and conditions (i.e., ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, etc.). The role of parents and caregivers in this process is to be active participants when needed and to learn to help facilitate the skills learned in the sessions at home.

In addition to its core mental health services, Bend Health offers several extra features and offerings to enrich the therapy experience and provide added value. These additional offerings aim to create a comprehensive and supportive ecosystem for families seeking mental health care. These additional resources include:

• Community Forum: Bend Health provides a community forum where users can share their experiences, connect with others facing similar challenges, and seek support from the community. This forum can be a valuable space for individuals and families to exchange insights and find a sense of belonging.
• Family Resources: The platform offers a range of family resources to help parents and caregivers better understand and navigate their child’s mental health journey. These resources can include articles, guides, and tools designed to enhance the support system around the child.

Bend Health Neuropsychological Testing

It’s important to note that neuropsychological testing with Bend Health is offered at a flat rate of $ 3,000, which includes the final report, a live feedback session, and coordination with the child’s school. Currently, insurance coverage is limited to Magellan Health in California, but clients can request a superbill for potential reimbursement with other insurance providers. Bend Health’s testing services are not exclusive to current pediatric clients and can be accessed as needed to gain valuable insights into a child’s cognitive and emotional well-being.

Bend Health offers comprehensive neuropsychological testing services to better understand a child’s cognitive and emotional functioning.¹ These evaluations cover many areas, including learning disorders, neurodiversity, ADHD, brain injuries, academic difficulties, and more. These assessments provide valuable insights into a child’s strengths and areas where they may require specialized support. During your initial session with Bend Health, your provider will be able to determine if this testing is appropriate for your child.

The testing process involves several steps, including a behavioral history evaluation, various assessments, and a thorough analysis of the results. The evaluation is typically conducted over 2-3 sessions, each lasting approximately 2-4 hours. After you complete the assessment, you receive a comprehensive report including a clinical diagnosis. Personalized recommendations are provided to support the child at home, in the community, and in the classroom. Bend Health collaborates with the child’s school and recommends classroom accommodations and intervention strategies as needed. Additionally, parents receive clinically proven strategies and tools to support them in their caregiving role.

How Much Does Bend Health Cost?

Bend Health costs $199.99-$549.99 monthly, depending on the subscription plan you choose.

Bend Health offers the following subscription plans:

• Coaching: Priced at $199.99 per month, this plan includes one-on-one coaching sessions 2 times per month, unlimited messaging support, parenting skills training, monthly progress reports, video updates with the care team, and access to a wealth of online tools and content designed to enhance skills.
• Coaching & Therapy: For $399.99 per month, this plan combines coaching 2 times per month and therapy 1 time per month, offering the same features as the coaching plan while also including therapy sessions, ensuring a more comprehensive level of support.
• Coaching, Therapy, and Medication: Priced at $549.99 monthly, this top-tier plan includes coaching 3 times per month, therapy 1 time per month, and medication management services 1 time per month. It encompasses all the features of the previous plans. Further, it adds collaboration with the primary care physician, the option to downgrade if symptoms improve, access to a child psychiatrist, and monthly meetings with the psychiatrist.

Does Bend Health Accept Insurance?

Yes, Bend Health is in-network with several health insurance plans across various states. The insurance providers they accept include:

• Aetna (Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island)
• Ambetter
• AmeriHealth (New Jersey)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Texas)
• CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield (Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC)
• CareSource
• Cigna
• Evernorth
• First Health
• Independence Blue Cross (Pennsylvania and New Jersey)
• Harvard Pilgrim
• Magellan (California)
• Medica
• Molina (Mississippi and South Carolina)
• MultiPlan
• Optum
• Piedmont Community Healthcare (Virginia)
• Sana Benefits
• Surest
• UnitedHealthcare

It is important to note that when you use insurance for therapy, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles are specific to each member’s plan. Following up with your insurance company to understand your benefits is always best.

What Out-of-Network Benefits Does Bend Health Use?

Bend Health allows you to use out-of-network benefits by providing you a superbill. A superbill is a detailed invoice or receipt that includes the necessary information for insurance companies to process claims for out-of-network services. Typically, it contains information such as the provider’s name and credentials, the services provided, the dates of service, diagnostic codes, and fees.

How Do I Sign Up Our Family For Bend Health?

Signing up for Bend Health’s online therapy services is a straightforward and user-friendly process designed to provide easy access to mental health support for your child or teen.

Follow these steps to get started with Bend Health quickly.

1. Start by visiting the official Bend Health website.
2. Navigate to the “Get Care” section on the website’s homepage.
3. Explore the available payment options and select the subscription plan that suits your needs.
4. Register for an account by providing the necessary information.
5. Fill out the online assessment to ensure personalized therapy support.
6. Once the assessment is complete, schedule the care management session where your child or teen can connect with your assigned care manager. During this session, the care manager will schedule your coaching, therapy, and psychiatry sessions for you.

Bend Health Key Features: Detailed Review

Bend Health offers three subscription plans ranging from coaching to therapy and medication management.  Monthly, out-of-pocket costs are $199.99- $549.99. Bend Health is in-network with various insurance providers, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for users seeking quality mental health care.

What Is Coaching Like With Bend Health?

Coaching with Bend Health costs $199.99 monthly and involves 30-45 minute sessions, typically scheduled 2-3 times monthly. During these sessions, you can review your progress, discuss any challenges you may be facing, and go over your personalized care plan. Coaching focuses on problem-solving and setting achievable goals for the upcoming session. For the younger children, coaching is geared more towards parents, whereas the older children and teens would be more towards the child and parent together. This structured approach aims to support individuals and families in managing their mental health effectively and making consistent strides towards their well-being.

What Is Therapy Like With Bend Health?

Therapy with Bend Health costs $399.99 monthly and involves monthly sessions lasting 45 minutes. However, Bend Health is currently reducing the length of those sessions to 30 minutes. During therapy sessions, individuals can review their progress in their work with their coach, and the therapist will adjust their care plan, mainly related to their diagnosis. The child does not need a diagnosis prior to starting with bend, however, it is important to note that a child will need a diagnosis from Bend in order to utilize their insurance benefits. This approach ensures that therapy remains aligned with the individual’s specific needs and goals, providing ongoing support and guidance to help them effectively manage their mental health.

What is Medication Management Like With Bend Health?

Medication management with Bend Health costs $599.99 monthly and involves collaborating with a dedicated team of child and teen psychiatrists. These specialized professionals play a crucial role in assessing the need for medication and prescribing it when necessary. While parents or guardians typically do not get to select the medication provider directly, Bend Health’s clinical team carefully matches the child or teen with an appropriate psychiatrist based on their specific needs and circumstances.

Medication support through Bend Health is typically available for children and teens within a specific age range, and eligibility criteria may vary. Specific requirements, such as lab work, may be necessary before or during medication treatment. Due to the structure of the subscription offerings, your child would need to engage in medication management, coaching, and therapy. Initial assessments with the psychiatrist aim to comprehensively evaluate the child or teen’s condition and determine the appropriate course of action. Follow-up appointments are conducted regularly to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

Bend Health emphasizes a coordinated approach to care between the child or teen therapist and the medication provider. This collaboration ensures that the therapy and medication components of treatment align seamlessly. While the platform does not explicitly state whether parents or guardians can reach out to the medication provider directly, there is access to a “chat” within the portal.

Who Is Bend Health Right For?

Bend Health offers a versatile range of services catering to diverse mental health needs within families. Bend Health would be great for kids ages 2-17, teens seeking medication management, and parents seeking weekly/monthly coaching sessions.

For Families Seeking Comprehensive Support

Bend Health is ideal for families looking for all-encompassing mental health support. It’s suitable for kids and teens (ages 2+) dealing with various challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. This platform allows kids/teens and parents to receive tailored therapy, coaching, and even medication management if necessary, fostering holistic well-being for the entire family.

For Teens in Need of Medication Management

While Bend Health offers essential services for teenagers with mental health needs, it’s important to note that those with severe disorders might require higher care. However, clients needing ongoing behavioral intervention and medication management can benefit from Bend Health’s services. Teens specifically can benefit from appointments being scheduled around their school schedule, in the comfort of their own home, and only once per month. Scheduling appointments once a month, conveniently tailored to teens’ school schedules and conducted in the comfort of their homes, offers specific advantages for this age group.

For Parents Seeking Coaching and Support

Bend Health is an ideal platform for parents seeking comprehensive support in navigating their child or teen’s mental health. The subscription model includes coaching services that address the child’s specific challenges in some sessions, while dedicating other sessions to guide parents on how to effectively assist their child. With offerings like parent skills training and clinical support, Bend Health empowers parents with the knowledge and skills essential for enhancing their children’s emotional well-being.

Who Might Want an Alternative to Bend Health?

While Bend Health offers comprehensive mental health support, there are specific groups and needs for which alternative options may be more suitable. While Bend Health is great for some, those 18+, teens seeking longer therapy sessions, and those wanting in-person services will need to seek an alternative.

For Adults and Individuals 18+

Bend Health primarily focuses on children, teenagers, and their families. Therefore, adults and individuals aged 18 and above seeking individual therapy may find other platforms or providers more tailored to their specific needs and demographics. You can find several great online therapy platforms for individuals over 18 by reading our Best Online Therapy Services review.

For Teens Requiring Longer Therapy Sessions

Bend Health offers therapy sessions of varying durations, typically 20 to 45 minutes. Teens who require longer therapy sessions, perhaps for more in-depth discussions or specific conditions, may need to explore alternatives like Talkspace for Teens, where sessions are extended to 45 minutes. To learn more about how their platform works, you can read our comprehensive review of Talkspace.

For Those Preferring In-Person Services

Bend Health offers online services, which may not be suitable for individuals who prefer or require in-person therapy. Those who value face-to-face interactions and a physical therapeutic environment may need to seek traditional in-person therapy providers in their local area as an alternative. To find an in-person provider near you checking out an online therapist directory can help.

Bend Health User Reviews

Bend Health garners both praise and criticism from its users. Positive reviews highlight the platform’s transformative impact on children, with parents noting significant improvements in their kids’ emotional well-being. However, negative reviews point out issues related to staff turnover, billing practices, and difficulties in securing medical records upon departure.

Positive Transformation

Numerous users have experienced positive transformations in their children with Bend Health. One parent highlighted how their 4-year-old overcame social anxiety with the help of a dedicated coach, “Ms. Lea.” The child learned valuable emotional management skills and fostered openness within the family. I found that Bend Health’s focus on child development and emotional growth is a strong point. The platform’s ability to effectively empower children to manage their emotions aligns with these positive user experiences.

Concerns about Staff Turnover and Billing

Several users expressed concerns about staff turnover and billing practices. They mentioned experiencing a revolving door of care team members, leading to confusion and disrupted progress. These users also noted billing discrepancies, where sessions often exceeded the scheduled duration.

I didn’t experience staff turnover during my time with Bend Health, but the billing practices should be addressed transparently to avoid misunderstandings and customer dissatisfaction. My experience with Bend Health around billing was that there needed to be more communication surrounding out-of-pocket costs. While it differs based on each individual’s insurance plan, there is very little upfront information on what insurance can or will cover.

Discrimination and Lack of Professionalism

One user reported feeling discriminated against because Bend Health refused to accept their non-verbal child as a patient. This experience highlights the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in mental health care platforms. Additionally, another user described their experience with Bend Health as “horrid” and criticized the organization’s professionalism.

While personal experiences may vary, such negative feedback raises concerns about the platform’s consistency in delivering quality care. My experience of needing my child to be present for a part of the assessment, although it was not communicated up front, speaks to the bigger issue with Bend Health’s struggle with direct communication. There are limitations to virtual services that did not come across at any point in the Bend Health assessment process.

Responsive Care Team and Personalized Experience

On a positive note, some users praised Bend Health’s responsive care team and personalized approach. These reviews suggest that, for some users, the platform successfully provides a supportive and tailored therapy experience. Personalization and responsiveness are critical factors in delivering effective mental health care, and it’s encouraging to see users acknowledge these strengths. In my experience with Bend Health, I found a lot of follow-up communication regarding appointments and finishing my assessment.

Bend Health Vs. Competitors

To understand Bend Health’s services comprehensively, examining its competition is important. We’ll compare Bend Health with Brightline Mental Health and Teen Counseling to assess how it stacks up against its rivals. This analysis will help you gauge the relative merits and offerings of Bend Health in a competitive context.

Bend Health Vs Brightline Mental Health

Bend Health and Brightline Mental Health share similar offerings, including coaching and behavioral therapy. Bend Health’s coaching focuses on everyday challenges and parenting support, while Brightline addresses various issues like anxiety and stress through coaching. Both platforms provide personalized therapy by licensed therapists or psychologists, addressing conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Additionally, both offer medication support integrated into treatment plans after an initial evaluation by medical professionals.

There are differences between the two platforms. Bend Health offers subscription-based pricing covering coaching, therapy, and medication management. As mentioned in our review of Brightline Mental Health, they use a fee-for-service model where users pay per session for these services. Brightline’s initial evaluation sessions are longer than typical therapy sessions. Bend Health accepts various insurance plans, while Brightline partners with national health plans for insurance coverage, offering support for claim submissions. Both platforms offer out-of-network benefits and superbill documentation.

Brightline serves all 50 states, ensuring broad availability, whereas Bend Health’s availability varies by location and therapist availability, as listed on its website. Bend Health suits those seeking bundled, subscription-based comprehensive care with insurance coverage. At the same time, Brightline offers flexibility and personalized services, making it ideal for parents of children and teens, with nationwide accessibility.

Bend Health vs. Teen Counseling

Teen Counseling, operated by BetterHelp, is a subscription-based online therapy platform for teens aged 13-19. It offers 30-minute live video, phone, or texting sessions at monthly costs ranging from $260 to $360, with the ability to message therapists between sessions.

In contrast to Bend Health, our review of Teen Counseling highlights that they do not accept insurance, making it less suitable for individuals seeking coverage for their therapy expenses. While it offers a convenient and cost-effective option for teens engaging in online therapy, it may not be the best fit for those requiring extended therapy sessions, psychiatric services, or insurance-supported coverage, prompting consideration of alternative options.

History of Bend Health

Bend Health, co-founded by Kurt and Monika Roots, operates at the intersection of healthcare and technology, drawing on their substantial expertise to address the pressing need for mental health care among children and adolescents. Established on February 1, 2021, Bend Health has swiftly expanded its reach. It is now recognized as a nationwide provider of pediatric mental health services, primarily focusing on enhancing the well-being of young individuals and families.³

One noteworthy aspect of Bend Health’s approach is its utilization of data-driven technology and an evidence-based collaborative care model. This innovative approach has brought about significant changes in treating mental health conditions in youth, offering scalable and comprehensive care solutions. Their commitment to eliminating obstacles such as stigma, cost, and logistical challenges has resulted in a remarkable statistic: over 80% of the children and teenagers enrolled in Bend Health exhibit improvement within 60 to 90 days.⁴

Frequently Asked Questions About Bend Health

What Credentials Do Bend Health Providers Hold?

The therapists and counselors at Bend Health hold various licenses tailored to their specific roles. Behavioral Health Coaches typically possess certifications like ICF Coaching Certification or NBC-HW certification, and some may hold Master’s degrees in psychology-related fields, even if they are unlicensed.

On the other hand, licensed therapists must hold licenses such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or LMHC, ensuring they practice at the highest level of their licensure. They have experience in pediatric trauma work, and some may have received training in EMDR. Additionally, some therapists may hold licenses in multiple states, providing added flexibility and accessibility for clients.

How Am I Matched With Providers in Bend Health?

Bend Health typically employs a matching process where clients are paired with therapists or Behavioral Health Coaches based on their specific needs and preferences, as determined by their online assessment.

Can I Change Providers?

Bend Health’s website doesn’t explicitly outline the process for requesting a provider  change within the app, clients can likely contact their customer service team to make such a request. If you wish to change providers, I recommend reaching out to customer service at the following email: [email protected].

Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?

Yes, you can use your FSA or HSA for mental health services through Bend Health. While Bend Health requires a monthly auto-pay setup, which may not always be compatible with FSA or HSA cards, alternative payment methods can be used initially, followed by reimbursement requests through your FSA or HSA.

How Do I Cancel My Subscription with Bend Health?

If you wish to cancel, you can initiate the cancellation process by notifying the company of your decision. You can convey your cancellation request to your designated behavioral care manager, who oversees your care team, or contact Bend Health via email at [email protected] to seek additional assistance.

Does Bend Health Offer Refunds?

Yes, Bend Health can offer refunds…. Following a request to cancel any scheduled appointments, Bend Health will adjust the monthly payment on a prorated basis. They do not offer refunds for previously utilized services.

Is Bend Health HIPAA Compliant?

Yes, Bend Health strongly emphasizes upholding privacy and data protection standards, particularly concerning sensitive health information. They delineate how they collect, utilize, and disclose your protected health information, enhancing transparency and accountability in safeguarding your health data throughout your engagement with Bend Health in their privacy practices.

Summary Table of What Bend Health Offers

For Further Reading

• Best Online Therapy Services
• Best Options for Online Therapy for Teens
• ADHD in Children
• Signs & Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder