When you start looking for behavioral health services, it is always a good idea to first speak with your primary care provider (PCP). Although a referral is not required, it can help:
- Determine if you have a behavioral health problem.
- Determine if you can be treated in a PCP setting, or may need a specialized provider for your behavioral health needs.
- Refer you to a behavioral health provider with whom your PCP has a relationship or who may practice in your PCP’s office.
- Collaborate with behavioral health providers in the event the PCP feels that you need specialized care.
Some of the most common behavioral health conditions include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Major Depression, Substance Use Disorder.
There are two common forms of treatment for behavioral health conditions: Counseling and Psychotherapy and Medication, or a combination of both depending on your condition.
Two common types of treatment for behavioral health conditions are:
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Counseling and Psychotherapy: (Talk Therapy):
Sessions with a licensed professional that provide you with strategies for dealing with stress and unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. When considering counseling, you must also consider and select the type of counselor you would like to work with. Use our Find a Doctor tool to select the right counselor for you.
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Medication:
Like your primary care physician, a psychiatrist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner can prescribe medication for treatment of your behavioral health condition. You can choose to see a different provider for counseling or psychotherapy, while also seeing a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner for medication. However, there are some psychiatrists who use psychotherapy along with medication treatment.
Finding and selecting the right behavioral specialist is easy when you use our Find a Doctor & Estimate Costs. If you have questions about your coverage or finding a behavioral health provider, call us at the number on your Blue Cross ID card.
When it comes to finding the right behavioral health specialist, you have options. Visit our Behavioral Health Center, to see the available options and definitions of each type of specialist.
If you have questions about your coverage or finding a behavioral health specialist, call us at the number on your Blue Cross ID card.