When and where to find behavioral health services

We all know what to do when faced with a fever or physical injury. But when it comes to managing mental health challenges, the next steps can be less clear.

When does excessive sadness or anxiety turn into a medical issue that needs to be addressed? When does difficulty concentrating or making decisions become a cause for concern?

And, with more than four out of 10 Americans living in areas with a shortage of behavioral health providers, where can you turn for support?

Kathy Wolfe, Senior Director of Care Management at Capital Blue Cross, and her team of dedicated care managers have been asked many of these questions. They are committed to helping members find the care they need.

“Sometimes it takes a while before they realize they need support for behavioral health,” Kathy said. “(A member) may say ‘I have anxiety but what can I do about it?’ At Capital Blue Cross, we are working to make sure our members know where to go to get affordable behavioral health care.”

When should you seek mental health services?

Everyone experiences stress from time to time. If you experience a few weeks of sadness and trouble sleeping but are still able to care for yourself and others, you may feel better by simply engaging in exercise and social contact.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, if you have symptoms that last longer than two weeks, you may want to consider seeking behavioral health services. If you or someone you know needs help now, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right away by calling 988 or 911.

Elisa Coren, a Behavioral Health Case Manager at Capital Blue Cross, said members also seek behavioral health treatment while dealing with a newly diagnosed or chronic (long-term) physical injury or illness.

“With chronic pain, sometimes comes anxiety and depression. … it’s a life change,” Elisa said.

That’s why, if you’re experiencing symptoms such as sadness or poor sleep, a good place to start the discussion is with your primary care provider, says Dr. Jeremy Wigginton, Chief Medical Officer at Capital Blue Cross.

“It is well-known that those with severe illness often have behavioral health needs,” Dr. Wigginton explained. “Whole-person care is the cornerstone of overall well-being. Just as we seek care for physical ailments, it's crucial to address mental health struggles with the same urgency and compassion.”

Infographic - Signs to seek help, excessive anger, extreme mood swings, substance abuse, prolonged sadness or apathy, an inability to cope with daily activities, major changes in personality, eating, or sleeping patterns

How to find behavioral health services

Mental wellness and good behavioral health involve developing healthy behaviors to promote overall wellness. It includes understanding how habits, actions, and choices impact mental and physical health, and encompasses the prevention and treatment of mental health conditions, substance abuse, and other behavioral issues.

For instance, behavioral health providers can help more effectively address anxiety or quit drinking by helping you recognize stressors and find healthier ways to manage them.

Capital Blue Cross members have several ways to tap into behavioral resources:

  • MyCare Finder, available through Capital’s member portal, helps identify a behavioral health provider in your area and verify that they’re in-network.
  • VirtualCare gives you access to a behavioral health provider for an online appointment. This may be a good option if you have a shortage of behavioral health providers in your area or there is a long wait to schedule an in-person appointment.
  • Capital’s Care Management team is made up of experienced behavioral health professionals – including nurses, social workers, licensed professional counselors, and a peer support specialist – and can help you identify in-network behavioral health providers, develop a care plan, and address non-medical barriers that could impact your treatment. Use this self referral form to be connected with a care manager.

Connect with Capital Blue Cross

At Capital Blue Cross, we are committed to expanding our behavioral health network – adding more than 120 in-network providers since the fall of 2024.

If you or someone you know is struggling, don't wait. Visit Capital’s member portal, or contact Member Services (using the back of your ID card).

Interested in health and wellness information? Visit the Capital Journal for more articles.

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.

Sources: “Know the Warning Signs | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.” National Alliance on Mental Illness.

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.