If you are enrolled in HealthSelectSM of Texas, HealthSelect Out-of-State or Consumer Directed HealthSelect, you can see a licensed mental health professional by scheduling an in-office visit. If an office visit is not convenient, you also can meet with a provider from the comfort of your home or office by scheduling a mental health virtual visit.
With this option, you have broader access to a network of mental health professionals online. And, you have access any day and any time of the week, including on the weekends and in the evenings.
Mental health virtual visits are offered through Doctor On Demand® and MDLIVE® and are covered at the same benefit level as an in-office mental health visit. You must make appointments in advance. Appointments are typically available within five to seven days, on average, but could take up to two weeks. You get to choose the duration of the appointment.
Only psychiatrists can prescribe medication, if deemed necessary and appropriate, but will not prescribe controlled substances.
What is the cost to you?
It depends on your plan:
- HealthSelect℠ of Texas and HealthSelect Out-of-State participants have a $25 copay; the rest of your virtual visit is 100% covered.
- Consumer Directed HealthSelect participants pay 20% coinsurance after meeting the annual deductible.
Nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness (44.7 million in 2016), according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
Not all those with mental illnesses get treatment, however. The NIMH finds that about a half of people with mental health issues try to cope with the disease on their own―and that can lead to other problems, such as substance abuse.
Fortunately, if you or someone you know has a mental illness, there are ways to get help. Treating mental illness is important to improving your physical health.
What can be treated
Licensed mental health professionals can provide treatment for:
- anxiety
- depression
- stress
- anger management
- insomnia
- substance abuse
- trauma and loss
- addiction
If you need assistance signing up for virtual visits or making an appointment, go to the virtual visits page on the HealthSelect website or call a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039, Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. CT.
HMOs
KelseyCare powered by Community Health Choice
If you or your covered dependent has a problem with drugs, alcohol or mental health, call Beacon Health Options toll-free at (844) 265-7587, which provides mental health and drug and alcohol abuse treatment services for KelseyCare members. Beacon Health Options is available to you all day, every day. You do not need to see your PCP first or get a referral from your PCP. For more information, review your Benefit Program Fact Sheet.
Source: ERS News About Your Benefits (January 2019)
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