Behavioral Health: Mental Health and Substance Use DisorderUnexpected events, such as the loss of a loved one, can affect your state of mind. But behaviors like eating habits, substance use or an inactive lifestyle can also have a major impact on your state of mind. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is here to offer the support you need to think and feel better. Show
Let’s talk about mental health and substance use disorder
Managing your mind A broken spirit is just as real as a broken boneEmotions are part of the human experience, but feelings or mood changes can be difficult to manage. Ask yourself a few questions. Do you have trouble focusing on daily tasks? Have you experienced a loss of interest in activities you used to like? Do you drink or smoke when you feel down? Find out if you may need support.
Crisis assistanceFeeling down, depressed or just not yourself is normal and can be treated. But when those feelings are overwhelming, you may have thoughts of harming yourself or others. If you have these thoughts or are a victim of abuse, please seek help at your nearest emergency room or call: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call 988 lifeline or 1-800-273-8255 for support 24/7. National Domestic Violence Hotline Call 1-800-799-7233 for anonymous, confidential support 24/7. Hope is Here It's okay to ask for help — you're not aloneMore than 45 million adults in the U.S. have a mental health condition.1 Whether this applies to you or not, it’s important to think about how you cope with stress. Your mental health doesn’t just affect your mind or the way you feel. It can have physical outcomes, too.
Mental health guidance for membersGet tips on living a balanced life, hear from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members and see your options for care. Guide ParentsYou've got the most important job in the world. Let us help you through it. See parent's guide Guide WomenMake time for your behavioral health with these programs and services. See women's guide Guide MenCheck in on your mental fitness and learn how to get confidential support. See men's guide GUIDE SeniorsStaying fit and active also means taking care of your mental health. See senior's guide GUIDE MembersGood health unites all of us. Get tips for a strong mind-body connection. See member's guide Explore your care optionsYou have affordable, convenient mental health options that work with your schedule. Get Support The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes only. Nothing on this webpage is intended to be, nor should be used as or relied upon as, professional medical advice. Nothing contained on this webpage is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. For medical advice, or to receive medical diagnosis or treatment, consult with your health care provider.
Saying “I’m ready” for professional mental health support for yourself or your child is a big turning point. These steps can help as you look to find the right therapist. You’re never alone when seeking professional support. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),
one in five U.S. adults, on average, experience mental health challenges each year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, that number has doubled, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finding that
40 percent of American adults struggle with mental health or substance use. There are many types of therapy and
specialists available depending on your specific mental health needs. Therapists – including psychologists, licensed mental health counselors or marriage and family therapists – and clinical social workers are trained professionals who can evaluate a person’s mental health in a safe and confidential environment. Talking to a therapist is a great start. For more serious clinical diagnoses, psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who can prescribe and monitor medications as well as diagnose
mental health conditions and provide some therapy. Read more about identifying the right professional for you. If you have a primary care provider (PCP), they can be a good resource to help you get started, but it’s not a mandatory step when seeking support. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
(Blue Cross) plans don’t require a PCP referral to visit a covered mental health professional. As a reminder, you should always check to see if a provider is in-network to avoid out-of-network costs. You can contact Blue Cross directly to find an in-network mental health professional for a consultation or ongoing therapy. Additionally, your PCP may be able to recommend a professional who could be a good
fit. If you’re comfortable, ask friends or family members who may have had a positive experience with a therapist or know of therapists in your area. You can also ask the therapist directly which insurance plans they accept. To help verify if a provider is in-network, Blue Cross also provides members with access to online tools like
Find A Doctor, which will show you mental health professionals in-network when you’re logged in to your account. Blue Cross recommends that you make a short list of three-to-five professionals to call and see if they can talk over the phone about whether they might be a good fit for you. The next step is critical: identifying the right fit for you. This process can include some trial and error, but that’s okay. As you consider options, conduct research by visiting therapists’ websites and reading their bios, or calling to learn about their practice: It’s worthwhile to have a quick phone conversation or consultation with potential therapists to find the one who is most compatible. “The purpose of reaching out is to get an initial evaluation to find out what ballpark you’re in and what treatments might be helpful for you,” said Dr. Kenneth Duckworth, child and adolescent psychiatrist, and the chief
medical officer forNAMI. It may take a little time to find the right therapist. One might appear to be a good fit but is no longer accepting new patients, or it may take some time to make a compatible connection with another.
Don’t get discouraged. Refer back to your short list as needed to find the right therapist for you. Contact your health plan for assistance with finding a covered provider in your network. If you experience barriers in finding support or identifying the right specialist for you, or if you need clarity on what your benefits offer, Team Blue is here to help:
1-888-389-7764. If you’re looking for additional information, assistance or more care options, Blue Cross has several tools and resources: For immediate help, when
a person is in danger to themselves or others, call 911 or go to the ER. Taking time to find the right therapist is worth it. It may take several appointments to know if your selected therapist or psychiatrist is a match. You can discontinue therapy with a provider who isn’t fitting your mental health needs. The goal is feeling support, mutual respect and a sense of
progress with your therapist. Mental health can be an ongoing, lifelong journey, and following these steps can make it easier to begin a care plan with the right mental health specialist. What's the difference between a counselor and a therapist?Counselors tend to offer short-term care, while therapists tend to offer long-term care. Therapists can be more past focused and counselors more future focused. Counselors often have a set number of sessions, and therapists often work on an ongoing basis. Therapists are more likely to treat mental health conditions.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona cover therapy?Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover most types of therapy, including individual therapy and child therapy, as well as different types of therapy approaches, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
How do I choose a therapist for help?Can I choose my therapist with BetterHelp?. Follow this link to BetterHelp (opens a new window).. Scroll to the bottom, and click on the faint link in the footer that says “Find a Therapist.” ... . From there, choose your state. ... . You can read their profiles and click to sign up with the specific therapist you choose.. |