Meet Elisa: Helping you find mental health care that truly fits
What do mental health services and shoe shopping have in common? A lot more than you might think, says Elisa, a care manager at Capital Blue Cross.
Think back to the last time you walked into a shoe store. Rows upon rows of sneakers, boots, heels, and sandals stretched out before you.
The choices seemed endless – but not every pair was right for you. Were you shopping for a night out or a long hike? Do you have flat feet or need extra arch support?
Finding the right mental health care can feel just as personal. There is rarely a one-size-fits-all solution.
Do you need one-on-one therapy or a more structured outpatient program? Would you benefit more from a psychologist or a licensed counselor? How quickly can you get an appointment and does your health insurance cover it?
That’s where Elisa and the care management team at Capital Blue Cross step in. They work closely with members to understand their unique needs, guide them through their options, and connect them with the right providers and resources—so they can find the care that truly fits.
“More people are proactively seeking mental healthcare, but many don’t know how to find the care that will benefit them the most,” Elisa said. “There’s a lot of different options out there and a lot of different factors to consider.”
Navigating a complex system
Elisa said her grandmother – a community-based social worker in Philadelphia – taught her the persistence of advocating for others and helping connect them to resources that improved their lives. With a master’s degree in counseling, Elisa worked for 15 years in a variety of community-based outpatient care programs before coming to Capital.
“Capital has given me the opportunity to be more of an advocate,” she said.
Capital Blue Cross members can talk with care managers like Elisa to learn their coverage options for providers who treat conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance use. After learning about a member’s individual needs and life situation, Elisa can provide guidance on the types of care that are available and help a member find an in-network provider.
Many members contact care management because of a new diagnosis or because their doctor wants them to proactively address a need before it becomes worse.
A care manager like Elisa can help guide your next steps. By learning what specific behaviors or challenges you’re hoping to address, she can help you find the right provider or program.
Finding care that truly fits
A member recently reached out to Elisa for help managing his drinking. He wanted support but needed a solution that he would fit around his job schedule.
“He needed something consistent and intense,” Elisa said. “He told me, ‘I can’t do in person (therapy) because of my work. I need to keep my job and provide for my family.’ ”
Elisa helped him find a virtual provider within his insurance network who could meet his needs. She even contacted the provider’s office directly to explain the situation before his first appointment.
“We got him connected, and he’s doing phenomenal,” Elisa said. “He’s been sober for months now, and he seems much happier.”
Ready to take the next step?
Capital Blue Cross continues to expand its behavioral health network – adding more than 120 in-network providers since the fall of 2024. This growth is part of Capital’s ongoing commitment to making behavioral health coverage more accessible, flexible, and tailored to each member’s needs.
“Everyone’s journey is different,” Elisa said. “We’re here to help you find what works for you.”
This is not medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. The information provided is meant for a general audience. Capital Blue Cross and its affiliated companies believe this health education resource provides useful information but does not assume any liability associated with its use.