Diagnosing behavioral and mental health conditions early makes them easier to treat. Start by finding a doctor in your health plan network who is qualified to treat these conditions.*
What is a mental health condition?
A mental health condition changes how a person thinks, feels and acts. Some common mental health conditions include:
- Depression – Continual sadness that lasts at least two weeks or longer
- Anxiety – Excessive worry or fear about everyday life
- Bipolar disorders – Extreme mood swings that are manic and depressive
What is a behavioral health condition?
Behavioral health is a term that spans the full spectrum of mental and emotional well-being, including how people cope with day-to-day challenges. The term also includes the treatment of mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, as well as substance use disorder and other addictive behaviors.
Some common behavioral conditions include:
- Substance abuse – Dependence on harmful substances, like alcohol or drugs
- Eating disorders – An obsession with food and body image
- Addictions – Using a substance or engaging in an activity that interferes with work or responsibilities, despite adverse consequences
What are treatments for mental and behavioral health conditions?
A common form of treatment is counseling with a psychiatrist or psychologist. This may include an overnight stay in a hospital (inpatient) or a visit to a doctor’s office (outpatient). Your doctor may also request psychological tests or prescribe medications.
Health plan coverage for behavioral or mental health conditions
Blue Cross and Blue Plus health plans typically cover behavioral and mental health services. The services covered for inpatient or outpatient care, the copays or coinsurance amounts, and the network of providers may be different for each plan.
Many plans also cover medications to treat mental health. To find out if your plan covers your prescription, check your prescription benefits and plan formulary (the list of covered drugs). Some tests and medications might require authorization before your plan will cover them.
Some Blue Cross plans include online treatment programs
Some Blue Cross or Blue Plus plans offer online programs to help treat behavioral or mental health symptoms. These plans often cost less than an office visit.
- Learn to Live is an online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program that some Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans offer. This program starts with an online assessment to identify the problem, such as anxiety or depression. Patients then complete courses that teach them how to better manage their specific condition.
- Doctor On Demand is an online service. Visit with a licensed psychologist or board-certified psychiatrist using the video feature on your phone, tablet or computer. Mental health professionals are also available by appointment to help with depression, social anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and loss or workplace stress.
To find out if your plan covers these online programs, call the number on the back of your ID card.