What: Mental health services are to be found at US CVS, Rite Aid and other chains.

Why is it important: While seeking to offer more services to customers, US drugstore chains are now offering on site or remote counselling.

CVS, the largest retail pharmacy in the United States, has added licensed clinical social workers trained in cognitive behavioural therapy to 13 locations. The providers will offer mental health assessments, referrals and counselling either in person or via telehealth, and this spring the company plans to expand to 34 locations in those same regions.

CVS is just one of a growing number of retailers who are recognizing the unmet need for mental health providers and hoping to fill the gap. Walmart announced it is acquiring MeMD, which offers online medical and mental health care. Walmart currently provides counselling via Walmart Health, a health centre located in a separate building alongside Walmart Supercenters. In addition, Rite Aid is piloting teletherapy in the “virtual care rooms” of 13 stores. And Walgreens is facilitating therapy appointments via the company’s web platform Walgreens Find Care, which connects customers to teletherapy from BetterHelp or Sanvello. Walgreens also offers free access to online mental health screenings through a partnership with Mental Health America.

Pricing options without insurance range between USD 129 for an initial assessment to USD 69 for a 30-minute session, with many options in between. At Walmart, the initial therapy session is USD 60 and the 45-minute follow-up sessions cost USD 45, according to the company’s website.

Pharmacies Are Entering the Mental Health Market