As a member of the Army’s 506th Infantry unit, Paul Kim experienced some of the most harrowing combat situations during the Iraq War. His journey not only forged a deep sense of purpose but also highlighted the mental health challenges faced by veterans, culminating in the impactful PBS documentary “The Wounded Platoon,” which exposes how trauma can lead to crime, depression, and suicide.
### A Personal Struggle with PTSD
Kim’s time in Iraq left him grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that can severely affect a veteran’s quality of life. Frustrated by the inadequate mental health services available, he pondered a solution: what if there were a more efficient way for veterans to access therapy? This question ignited Kim’s passion to create a better, more accommodating healthcare system for those who had served.
Determined to bridge the gap between military service and mental health support, Kim co-founded Sensible Care. This innovative telehealth platform not only connects veterans with clinicians but also ensures that they receive both psychiatric care and therapy sessions. Importantly, Sensible Care works with major insurance providers, including TRICARE, making healthcare more accessible to veterans who often face complicated bureaucracies.
### Building a Comprehensive Network
Unlike traditional platforms that merely schedule appointments, Sensible Care makes significant investments in hiring full-time mental health professionals. Since its inception in 2017, over 100 therapists have joined the TRICARE network in California, with a nationwide total exceeding 270 clinicians primarily offering telehealth services. Kim proudly states that more than 5,000 veterans, service members, and their families have benefited from the services provided through Sensible Care.
As the organization nears its 10th anniversary, Kim believes that he has effectively mitigated several barriers veterans typically encounter. Long wait times for appointments, bureaucratic red tape with insurance, and communication hurdles have all been addressed, allowing for quicker, more reliable access to care.
### A Commitment to Diversity
Kim’s vision for Sensible Care also includes recognizing the diverse needs within the veteran population. Each service member’s mental health journey is unique, and Sensible Care aims to tailor its approach accordingly. Understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, the platform seeks to provide a more individualized experience in mental health care.
Growing up in the United States after moving from South Korea at a young age, Kim felt an overwhelming sense of duty following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The desire to serve his adoptive country led him to enlist in the Army in 2003, where he eventually rose to the rank of captain, facing intense and frequent enemy encounters during the war. The trauma from those experiences remained long after he returned home, leading him to seek help and ultimately leading to his commitment to improve mental health access for veterans.
### Innovating Solutions for Access
During his nine years managing a psychiatrist’s office, Kim absorbed crucial insights into behavioral health systems. Seeing a lack of integration with insurance and technology, he collaborated with Dr. Paul Chung to develop Sensible Care, focusing on simplifying the complexities of accessing TRICARE coverage. The platform employs advancements in technology to streamline scheduling and improve care delivery, actively addressing the logistical challenges that many veterans face.
While telehealth may not suit everyone, the convenience of rapid access to providers without the need for extensive travel offers significant benefits. Notably, veterans make up about 20% of Sensible Care’s clientele, despite comprising only 2% of the general population. This statistic showcases the platform’s pivotal role in bridging the gap in mental health services.
Exploring future possibilities, Kim is optimistic that Sensible Care will expand its reach, potentially entering partnerships with healthcare systems like the VA. His goal is clear: to create a reliable, barrier-free mental health care environment not just for veterans but for all individuals seeking assistance. Whether one has served in the military or not, the need for mental health support continues to grow, underscoring the importance of services like Sensible Care in today’s landscape.