Published on Jan. 15, 2026
Behavioral health is an essential part of a person’s overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked in routine medical care. By integrating behavioral health services directly into primary care visits and offering access to innovative digital tools like Neuroflow, Bend Health, Brightside Health, and Rula, we are making it easier than ever for patients to care for their mental and emotional health just like they would their physical health.
Behavioral health concerns are widespread, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition each year, and more than 60% of them do not receive treatment. Barriers such as stigma, time constraints, and lack of access to care often prevent people from getting the support they need.
Meeting Patients Where They are At
These tools are designed to meet patients where they are—whether they’re managing stress, coping with depression or anxiety, or seeking support for themselves or their children. By combining in-person support with virtual platforms, our doctors help empower patients to take a proactive, personalized, and continuous approach to mental wellness.
The purpose of behavioral health is to encompass a wide range of mental, emotional, and psychological well-being concerns from anxiety and depression to stress management, substance use issues, and sleep disorders. While many people associate their primary care provider (PCP) with managing physical health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, MemorialCare recognizes that emotional health is just as important. Many common behavioral health concerns are still not discussed openly or often enough.
Behavioral health concerns are common but often under-discussed. For example, depression doesn’t always look like sadness. It might feel like:
- Persistent fatigue, even after sleeping
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Struggling to focus or make decisions
- Feeling worthless or hopeless
- Withdrawing from family or friends
Anxiety can manifest as:
- Racing thoughts or constant worry
- A tight chest or difficulty breathing
- Trouble sleeping or eating
- Feeling overwhelmed by small tasks
- Irritability or restlessness
Improving Access to Whole-Person Care in A Virtual Setting
That’s why MemorialCare has taken a proactive approach by embedding behavioral health screenings into primary care visits. Since these symptoms can be subtle at first and easily dismissed early on, through screenings, often brief and non-invasive -- we are able to identify signs of anxiety, depression, or other behavioral health challenges early. Providers use evidence-based questionnaires that allow them to gauge how a patient is feeling mentally and emotionally.
If a concern is identified, the patient is not left to navigate it alone. Instead, the PCP and care team work collaboratively to develop a care plan, which may include in-house counseling, referrals to behavioral health specialists, or the use of supportive digital tools like NeuroFlow. This whole-person approach ensures that behavioral health receives the attention it deserves right alongside physical health.
At MemorialCare, we understand that emotional and psychological challenges can affect anyone, especially during times of stress, uncertainty, or change. Whether you're managing daily stress or struggling with more intense feelings of anxiety or depression, early recognition is key—and taking that first step doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Patient Health Questionnaire Can Guide You
To help patients better understand their emotional well-being, your primary care physician will offer Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), a brief, two-question screening tool designed to help identify possible symptoms of depression.
The PHQ-2 asks how often, over the past two weeks, you’ve been bothered by two specific issues:
- Little interest or pleasure in doing things.
- Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
For each question, you choose how frequently you’ve experienced the feeling: "Not at all" (0 points), "Several days" (1 point), "More than half the days" (2 points), or "Nearly every day" (3 points).
Your total score can range from 0 to 6. If your score is 3 or higher, this is considered a positive screening result, which may indicate symptoms of depression. While the PHQ-2 is not intended to provide a diagnosis, it serves as a helpful first step in determining whether further evaluation is needed.
If you score 3 or above, we encourage you to reach out to your primary care provider for a more thorough assessment and to discuss possible next steps. Addressing your behavioral health early on can help build resilience and improve your overall well-being.
It’s normal to experience occasional worry or sadness, especially during stressful times. But when these feelings persist, they can interfere with daily life and overall health. Addressing behavioral health early can lead to better outcomes, greater resilience, and a higher quality of life.
MemorialCare offers a variety of self-care tools and professional services to help patients better manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
After taking the PHQ-2 or recognizing that emotional support may be needed, patients are encouraged to explore MemorialCare’s behavioral health resources, which include:
- In-person and virtual therapy services
- Collaborative care through your primary care provider
- Digital and virtual tools for behavioral health support, available for all age groups
Bringing Important Behavioral Health Resources to You
MemorialCare works with several trusted digital platforms that your provider may recommend based on your specific needs, preferences, and age. Each platform offers different tools, services, and levels of support:
- NeuroFlow – A self-guided mental wellness app designed for ongoing support between visits and helps patients manage their behavioral health on a daily basis. NeuroFlow offers self-guided tools like mood tracking, mindfulness exercises, journaling, and educational content. It’s often used to support those experiencing mild stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms and helps patients stay engaged in their wellness between appointments. While it’s not a replacement for therapy, it is an excellent complement to care plans, offering a convenient way to build behavioral health habits. Access is typically provided through your health system or provider, and coverage may vary.
- Bend Health – A virtual behavioral health care provider for children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 1–25). Bend Health provides family-centered services such as coaching, therapy, and psychiatric support through video sessions and ongoing communication via messaging. Bend is especially helpful for youth facing behavioral concerns, school stress, anxiety, or mood challenges. Your provider may recommend Bend Health for timely, age-appropriate care. Bend partners with several health plans; coverage can be verified through their site or by asking your provider.
- Brightside Health – Offers online mental health care for individuals ages 13 and up. Care is personalized based on your needs and may include therapy, psychiatry (including medication management), or specialized programs for extra support. Brightside Health supports people experiencing anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use concerns, and more. They are in network with many major insurance plans, as well as Medicare Advantage. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and could benefit from structured online support, your health care provider may refer you to Brightside Health. Appointments are often available as soon as the next day.
- Rula – A mental healthcare platform for individuals and families (ages 5+) offering quick access to licensed professionals. Rula matches patients with a therapist based on insurance, availability, and preferences. Offering both virtual and in-person sessions, Rula is in-network with most major insurance plans and is ideal for those looking for flexible scheduling, quick access to support, and high-quality care. If you're seeking regular therapy in a private, virtual setting, your provider might suggest Rula as a convenient and personalized option. If your PHQ-2 score suggests further evaluation—or if you’re simply looking to improve your emotional well-being—speak with your primary care physician.
No matter where you are in your behavioral health journey, MemorialCare is here to provide compassionate, connected care—so you never have to go through it alone. Your MemorialCare physician will help determine the best fit for your needs, whether that’s in-person therapy, collaborative care, or digital support tools like NeuroFlow, Bend Health, Brightside Health, or Rula. Our mission is to ensure each patient has ease and access to the care they need, when they need it, at the right time.