Blue cross blue shield mental health coverage

Blue cross blue shield mental health coverage

Support when you need it most

Mental health, also known as behavioral health, is an important part of our overall health. It includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. In the U.S., one in five adults experience mental illness each year. But you are not alone. If you, or someone in your family, has mental health needs, we’re here to help.

  • Ways to Get Help
  • Mental Health
  • Warning Signs

What to do if you think you need help

If you need help coping with the challenges in your life right now, it can be helpful to talk about how you’re feeling with others. You can find a mental health professional using our online directory here. Use search terms like counseling. You can also narrow the list of providers by type of mental health professional (i.e., Specialty), whether or not they accept new patients and other criteria.

Keep in mind that it might take time for you to find the right mental health professional for your needs, lifestyle and situation. We recommend getting referrals from your friends and your doctor. 

Talk to a professional

It can be helpful to talk about how you’re feeling with a mental health professional.

There are several types of mental health professionals, including:

  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychiatric nurse practitioners
  • Counselors, clinicians & therapists
  • Clinical social workers
  • Certified alcohol & drug abuse counselors

These professionals provide care in different settings like:

  • Teletherapy & telepsychiatry
  • Private practices
  • Community or county mental health centers
  • Substance abuse treatment centers

Self-help tips

While it might take time to find the right mental health professional, there are other things you can do to help yourself:

  • Build a support system
  • Find a peer group
  • Participate in your treatment decisions
  • Develop a recovery plan
  • Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga
  • Exercise regularly to help your mind and body
  • Use myStrength to help with everyday stressors

Someone’s always here to listen

If you or someone you know needs help right now, please call:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  • Call, text or chat 988 from anywhere in the U.S. 24/7
  • Or call 1-800-237-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line

  • Text HELLO to 741741

The Service Benefit Plan covers professional services by licensed professional mental health and substance use disorder providers. We also have online resources that can support your day-to-day mental health right here on our site.

What is mental health?

Mental health affects how you think, feel and act. It may impact how you handle stress, relationships and make healthy choices. A few of the most common mental health conditions include:

  • Anxiety
  • Addictions
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Grief & family difficulties

The Service Benefit Plan covers professional services by licensed professional mental health and substance use disorder providers. We also have online resources that can support your day-to-day mental health right here on our site.

Warning Signs

Think you might need help? The first step is determining how much these common warning signs and symptoms interfere with your daily life. If any of these last longer than two weeks, you should consider reaching out for help.

Common Warning Signs

  • Feeling excessively sad, withdrawn or anxious
  • Severe mood swings
  • Intense worries or fears
  • Sudden overwhelming fear
  • Significant weight loss or weight gain

  • Out-of-control risk taking behavior
  • Repeated use of drugs or alcohol
  • Sudden changes in behavior, personality or sleeping habits
  • Difficulty concentrating or staying still
  • Abrupt changes in sex drive

Blue cross blue shield mental health coverage

Blue cross blue shield mental health coverage

Personalized tools and support to help you manage life’s challenges

Offering tools, videos and daily inspiration, myStrength gives you personalized support for everyday stress, sleep, parenting and more—all at no cost.

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Learn more about mental health from BlueNews

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Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois PPO cover mental health?

Yes, BCBSIL does cover mental health treatment in many cases [1]. The exact details of your coverage will depend on your plan, so be sure to consult your plan documents for specifics.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas cover mental health?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) offers mental health rehabilitation services and targeted case management to STAR members. If you are an adult who has a mental illness or if you have a child with emotional needs, this benefit can help you or your child to learn how to be your best.