While most people look forward to the holidays, the financial, emotional, and physical stresses of the season can be tough for some. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people report being affected by holiday depression. For employees who struggle with depression during the holidays, you can take steps early to head off some of the stress – such as setting a budget and sticking to it, making a special effort to stay physically active, and reaching out for help when you need it.
HealthSelect medical plan participants have resources available to support their mental health. Here are some options if things get too stressful this holiday season.
- Consult your primary care provider (PCP). You can start by sharing concerns with your PCP. Your PCP may help you find mental health support nearby, suggest a mental health provider, or prescribe medication.
- Schedule a mental health Virtual Visit. If you prefer to talk with a mental health professional from the comfort of your home, you can consider scheduling a Virtual Visit. A mental health Virtual Visit is similar to an outpatient visit to a mental health provider’s office, but participants can consult with a licensed mental health professional online any day of the week. And you don’t need a referral from your PCP.
All HealthSelect plans cover mental health care services, including Virtual Visits through Doctor On Demand and MDLIVE. For participants enrolled in HealthSelect of Texas, HealthSelect Out-of-State or HealthSelect Secondary, mental health Virtual Visits are available at no out-of-pocket cost to you. Consumer Directed HealthSelect participants must meet their annual deductible before medical and mental health Virtual Visits for non-COVID-related issues are covered. After you meet your deductible, you will pay 20% coinsurance. Get started with Virtual Visits.
- Speak with a counselor, therapist or psychiatrist. There are options for seeking mental health care from a specialist. Different types of providers offer different services. For example, counselors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists all may offer mental health care, but only psychiatrists or mental health nurse practitioners can prescribe medications. That’s one of the reasons talking to your PCP first can be helpful; but remember, participants do not have to have a referral to see a mental health care provider.
Certain providers may also offer a telemedicine option, so participants should speak with the provider to see if they offer this service. All HealthSelect participants can see out-of-network providers if they choose, but probably will pay more for out-of-network services. Learn more about mental health benefits.
Emergency Resources
If you or one of your dependents needs immediate help and are in a crisis situation, use one of the following resources as soon as possible.
- HealthSelect 24/7 member services line: Participants and their covered dependents who are in a crisis situation and need to find resources for care immediately can call (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711). They can ask to speak to a mental health clinician or follow the prompts to get help for a mental health or substance use issue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Anyone can access the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or through online chat at https://988lifeline.org/ Trained counselors are available to listen, provide support and connect those in need to resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week—no matter what their health insurance status is. TTY users should dial 711 then 988 or use their preferred relay services.
For more information
For more information about HealthSelect mental health benefits, including Virtual Visits, or for help finding in-network providers, visit HealthSelect/BlueCross BlueShield of Texas or call a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday – Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Categories: Benefits