Our Access Model
Our model uses an innovative public health approach to remove financial barriers for patients while supporting the therapists and psychiatrists who deliver care, strengthening the mental health system for everyone.
A New Model for Expanding Mental Health Access
Did you know that more than 320,000 adults with a mental health condition in Arizona reported needing treatment, but not receiving it?
High deductibles, copays, medication costs, and out-of-network fees force thousands of individuals to delay treatment or stop care altogether. When that happens, symptoms often escalate into crisis stabilization, emergency room visits, or hospitalization.
Behavioral health emergencies already account for roughly one in eight emergency department visits, placing a massive strain on hospitals and communities.
Over 30% of therapists and 45% of psychiatrists do not participate at all with insurance plans. This number continues to grow as professionals exit insurance panels in favor of private pay. Over 80% of therapists report that insurance reimbursements are insufficient.
This leaves many patients unable to find providers in network with panels.
The Paperflower Foundation was created to address this problem through a public-health–oriented approach to mental health access.
Rather than waiting for insurance or traditional care systems to change or be replaced, we are taking action now to bridge the financial gaps that prevent people from staying in treatment.
An Innovative Two-Way Model
What makes the Paperflower Foundation model unique is that it supports both sides of the mental health system.
Many programs focus only on patients. While important, this approach can unintentionally strain the therapists and psychiatrists providing care.
The Paperflower Foundation takes an innovative and informed approach.
We provide financial assistance that may cover copays, deductibles, medication costs, partial treatment costs, or full treatment coverage when needed. At the same time, we partner with mental health providers to ensure they are fairly compensated and able to sustain their practices.
This model helps:
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Keep patients connected to therapy and psychiatric care
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Support therapists and psychiatrists financially
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Encourage providers to remain credentialed with insurance plans
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Help practices maintain consistent and sustainable pricing
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By supporting both patients and providers, the Foundation helps strengthen the mental health care ecosystem as a whole.
Why This Model Is Different
To our knowledge, very few models in the United States are structured to simultaneously improve affordability for patients and economic sustainability for mental health providers.
There are many incredible nonprofits working to improve access to mental health care. One notable example is Open Path Collective, which has expanded access to therapy by connecting individuals with therapists who offer deeply reduced-rate sessions. This model has helped thousands of people access care who might otherwise go without treatment.
However, reduced-fee models often rely on therapists absorbing lower reimbursement for their services. While this benefits patients, providers must limit the number of reduced-rate clients they can accept in order to remain financially sustainable.
Our model was designed as a public-health solution to mental health access by a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and private practice owner to directly benefit patients and providers. By helping cover copays, deductibles, medication costs, and treatment fees, we allow patients to remain connected to care while ensuring providers are fairly compensated. Our approach helps preserve insurance participation, stabilize mental health practices, and expand the availability of care in communities that urgently need it.