Originally published on KaiserPermanente.org.
The meditation and sleep app, part of Kaiser Permanente’s self-care portfolio, supports people looking for ways to manage stress and build resilience, particularly in uncertain times.
OAKLAND, Calif., May 19, 2020 — Kaiser Permanente announced it has added Calm, a leading app for mindfulness meditation and sleep, to its digital self-care portfolio via kp.org/selfcareapps. Kaiser Permanente members can now download Calm Premium on their smartphone, computer, or tablet through their kp.org account. The nonprofit integrated health system is the first to offer the app to its members at no cost.
The availability of the Calm app is part of Kaiser Permanente’s continued commitment to provide its members with new ways to support emotional wellness anytime and anywhere, particularly during times of increased stress and anxiety. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found a majority of adults said worry or stress related to the coronavirus pandemic has had a negative effect on their health and well-being, resulting in problems sleeping or eating, or increased alcohol or drug use.
“As we all continue to grapple with the uncertainty, stress, and sometimes fear brought on by COVID-19, it’s essential that we tend to our physical and mental health,” said Don Mordecai, MD, psychiatrist and national leader for mental health and wellness at Kaiser Permanente. “We know mindfulness meditation can support emotional well-being, and the Calm app is a great way for people to learn life-changing skills to reduce anxiety, be more resilient, and make self-care a priority.”
Kaiser Permanente members will have unlimited access to Calm content, including an ever-growing library of guided meditations, sleep stories for deeper and better sleep, and video lessons on mindful movement and gentle stretching.
“We’re proud to partner with Kaiser Permanente to increase accessibility to mental fitness, and champion the importance of taking care of your mind,” said Calm chief strategy officer Alexander Will. “Together, we’re helping millions of people ease stress, sleep better, and build resilience to ultimately live a happier, healthier life.”
Kaiser Permanente clinicians reviewed many options and chose Calm and myStrength, which was added in March, as the first 2 apps to offer to members at no cost based on their effectiveness and ability to support mental health and emotional care. Kaiser Permanente will continue its commitment to support mental health and wellness by growing its digital self-care portfolio and bringing new and effective tools to its members, including more top-rated apps.
The new Calm offering reflects Kaiser Permanente’s ongoing commitment to addressing the mental health and wellness needs of its members and communities. Kaiser Permanente provides integrated mental health care focused on early intervention, personalized treatment, patient empowerment and support, and the latest innovations in care delivery, including telehealth services and digital self-care tools that put evidence-based practices at members’ fingertips.
While most mental health and wellness resources on kp.org are available to the general public, access to the 2 new apps are limited to Kaiser Permanente members who have active kp.org accounts. To get access to the Calm app at no cost, members must begin registration at kp.org/selfcareapps through a web browser and click on the “Get Calm” button located on the web page. These self-care resources are secure and confidential and not intended to replace treatment or clinical support. For more information about eligibility, please visit kp.org/selfcareapps.
