At CCA, we understand that mental health is personal, and that feeling supported can make all the difference.

This was especially true for Mike*, a CCA member who was struggling with his mental health and facing frequent hospitalizations. Living alone, Mike lacked the support he needed to manage his chronic illness, take his medications, and keep up with doctors’ visits. To help, Mike’s CCA care team worked with him to build a personalized care plan designed to help him navigate these challenges and access the support he needed to improve his long-term health and well-being.   

As part of his care plan, his CCA nurse coordinated with his mental health providers, helped him schedule appointments and tests, and arranged for medications to be delivered to his home. When one routine test uncovered a health issue that required further treatment, his nurse supported him throughout the process. Today, Mike is in a better place physically, emotionally, and socially. He is back to enjoying walks around his neighborhood and doing the activities he loves.

Mike is not alone in his experience. In Massachusetts, nearly 30 percent of people experience mental health challenges ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex diagnoses, all of which can impact your physical health. Specifically, poor mental health can significantly worsen symptoms of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. This is often the case for older individuals and people with disabilities, who are more likely to feel isolated or anxious.

Mental health conditions can be influenced by a wide range of factors including socioeconomic conditions, genetics, and even chronic conditions. For some, small actions like light exercise, connecting with a friend, or trying meditation can have positive and long-term effects on their mental health. For example, physical activity can boost endorphins in your brain, increasing feelings of happiness and lowering stress. For others, medication or therapy is an important part of treatment.

CCA care teams work with members, one on one, to better understand their unique needs, helping each individual connect to the programs and services they need, whether that’s counseling, grief support, substance use treatment, food and housing support, and more. Because our care teams live and work within the communities we serve, we are better able to understand the real-life challenges our members face and what they need to feel their best.

“At CCA, we’re proud to walk alongside our members on their mental health journeys, providing compassionate, whole-person care that supports long-term stability and well-being,” said Dr. Nazlim Hagmann, CCA’s Chief Medical Officer. “Our mission is to advocate for our members and help connect them with services and supports that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.”

*Name changed to protect member identity.

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