How health insurance covers mental health
In recent years, more people have started to talk more openly about their mental health struggles and get the help they need. This is a great step toward fully ending the stigma that surrounds talking about mental health. However, the financial impact of seeking mental health care is still a concern for many.
Emergency mental health services
Sometimes the mental health struggles you’re facing can’t wait. If you or someone you know is dealing with suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This lifeline is available 24/7 and will connect the caller with a trained crisis counselor who can help.
Start here: how to get mental health support with your health plan
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield is continuously expanding the mental health resources we offer to our members. Here are just a few ways Wellmark members can use the benefits included in their health plan to find in-network mental health professionals and get affordable mental health care.
What mental health services are covered (and what can vary by plan)
Mental health coverage is an important factor many consider when choosing a health plan. Different health plans offer different levels of coverage for mental health services. Wellmark is committed to ensuring our members have access to mental health care when and how they need it. All Wellmark plans — with a few exceptions — cover the following mental health services:
- Behavioral health treatments, like psychotherapy and counseling.
- Inpatient services for mental and behavioral health.
- Substance use disorder (also known as substance abuse) treatment.
Not all mental health concerns that require intervention fall into one of these categories. That’s why Wellmark offers additional features to support your mental health. These benefits are available with most health plans.
Get mental health support with myWellmark®
It's important to know when to ask for help. Log in to myWellmark to learn more about Wellmark's case management program, take a free and confidential mental health screening for anxiety or depression and access other well-being tools. Log in to get started.
Preventive mental health care
Long-term stress can lead to serious mental and physical health problems like depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure and more. All members have access to our free well-being tool, Wellmark Connect powered by WebMD®. Available through myWellmark, Wellmark Connect has an extensive library of mental health content and tools to help you manage your stress. Preventing excess stress can lead to improved mental health outcomes over time.
As a Wellmark member, you also have access to deals and discounts on mental and emotional health programs through Blue365® — a free online portal that helps you save on health and well-being products and services.
Virtual mental health care (therapy, psychiatry and coaching)
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Many Wellmark plans include virtual mental health care options — like virtual therapy and psychiatry visits. Some plans even offer coverage for chat-based coaching. Virtual visits can be done on your schedule, from the location of your choosing. All you need is a device. Log in to myWellmark to see what virtual care options are included in your health plan.
In-person mental health care: how to find in-network providers
If you prefer face-to-face care, you may want to consider booking an appointment with a mental health professional near you. Before making an appointment, you’ll want to log in to myWellmark to check if a provider is in-network and offers your preferred type of therapy. Some plans may only cover a set number of appointments, and you can check this in myWellmark too. You can also estimate how much you’ll pay for each session before receiving services, avoiding surprise costs.
If you receive a new prescription for your mental health, you can log in to myWellmark to view your pharmacy coverage, check if the prescription is covered and see how much it will cost you.
Free mental health resources included in your Wellmark health plan
As a Wellmark member, you have access to many free mental health resources. These resources are available through myWellmark and can help you find in-network mental health care professionals, identify symptoms of depression or anxiety, connect you with a behavioral health case manager and more. If you do have a mental health condition, your mental health benefits can help you get the care you need.
Disclosures
meQuilibrium™ is a trademark of New Life Solution, Inc. meQuilibrium is a proactive app to build a resilient workforce. meQuilibrium is an independent company that does not provide Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield products or services.
Blue365® is a discount program available to members who have medical coverage with Wellmark. This is NOT insurance.