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You Need Mental Health Care. Now What?

It's hard to put yourself first when you're pulled in so many directions. And, let's face it, there's still a stigma about mental health care.

Shockingly, the average delay between when mental health issues start and when people finally get help is 11 years.

Mental health care is health care, so every TRS-Care Standard plan covers it. Take the first step and make an appointment today and read on for more information abous using your coverage.

Outpatient Care
With your TRS-Care Standard health plan, you can see a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional.

If you feel like you might be depressed, have anxiety or another mental health condition, and DON'T feel like you're a danger to yourself or others, you can make a mental health appointment two ways:
- Call an in-network provider. Many mental health professionals offer virtual appointments right now, so you don't even have to go into an office.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed by trying to find a provider, we can help. Call a Personal Health Guide (PHG) at 1-866-355-5999, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or use the BCBSTX App, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. A PHG can find you a provider and also give you more details about your coverage.
- Make an appointment using TRS Virtual Health. Mental health care is a call or click away with Teladoc^®. You can easily schedule an appointment to see a provider online or over the phone.
Inpatient Care

TRS-Care Standard plans also include inpatient mental health care, such as hospital and chemical dependency services. Inpatient care typically needs to be preauthorized. You or your mental health provider can call a PHG for preauthorization. You can also get more information in the Preauthorization Requirements section of your Benefits Booklet.
Emergency Mental Health Care

If you call 911, tell the dispatcher there is a mental health crisis and explain the mental health history and/or diagnosis of you or your loved one. If the police arrive aren't aware a mental health crisis is occurring, they cannot handle the situation appropriately.

Some communities have crisis intervention team (CIT) programs that train police officers to handle and respond safely to these calls. Not every police officer is trained in a CIT program, but you should ask for a CIT officer if possible.

You can also connect with a PHG at 1-866-355-5999, day or night, to get help. Make sure to let them know you're having a mental health crisis.

You can also call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for mental health and substance abuse treatment referral and information.

If you're in danger of hurting yourself or someone else, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, anytime, day or night.
Important Plan Information

Staying in the network will always keep your costs down.

Depending on the service, you may also need prior authorization. Be sure to review the Preauthorization Requirements section of your Benefits Booklet. for more specific details of your mental health coverage.

You can get information about copays, coinsurance, and other details of your plan, as well as information about different mental health conditions here.

You also have access to the Well onTarget^® interactive program. Use it to find many mental health resources, including tips for finding a provider and videos and articles about conditions like depression and anxiety.