Top three resources to give yourself the gift of mental health

While most people look forward to the holidays, the financial, emotional and physical stresses of the season can be tough for some. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 64% of people report being affected by holiday depression.

If you know you struggle with depression during the holidays, take steps early to head off some of the stress — such as setting a budget and sticking to it, making a special effort to stay physically active and reaching out for help when you need it.

As a HealthSelectSM medical plan participant, you have resources available to support your mental health. Here are some options if things get too stressful this holiday season.

Consult with your primary care provider (PCP). You can start by sharing your concerns with your PCP. Your PCP may help you find mental health support nearby, suggest a mental health provider or prescribe medication.

Schedule a mental health Virtual Visit. If you prefer to talk with a mental health professional from the comfort of your home, consider scheduling a Virtual Visit. A mental health Virtual Visit is similar to an outpatient visit to a mental health provider’s office but you consult with a licensed mental health professional online any day of the week. And you don’t need a referral from your PCP.

All HealthSelectSM plans cover mental health care services, including Virtual Visits through Doctor On Demand® and MDLIVE®. If you are enrolled in HealthSelect of Texas®, HealthSelectSM Out-of-State or HealthSelectSM Secondary, mental health Virtual Visits are available at no out-of-pocket cost to you. If you are enrolled in Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM, you must meet your annual deductible before medical and mental health Virtual Visits for non-COVID-related are covered. After you meet your deductible, you will pay 20% coinsurance. Get started with Virtual Visits.

Speak with a counselor, therapist or psychiatrist. You have options for seeking mental health care from a specialist. Different types of providers offer different services. For example, counselors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists all may offer mental health care, but only psychiatrists or mental health nurse practitioners can prescribe medications. That’s one of the reasons talking to your PCP first can be helpful, but remember, you do not have to have a referral to see a mental health care provider. Certain providers may also offer a telemedicine option. Speak with your provider to see if this service is offered. All HealthSelect participants can see out-of-network providers, but you probably will pay more for out-of-network services. Learn more about your mental health benefits.

Emergency resources

If you need immediate help and are in a crisis situation, please use one of the following resources as soon as possible.

24/7 Mental Health Line: If you or your covered dependent are in a crisis situation and need to find resources for care immediately, call (800) 252-8039 (TTY:711). Ask to speak to a mental health clinician or follow the prompts to get help with a mental health or substance use issue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: You can access the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or through online chat at https://988lifeline.org/. Trained counselors are available to listen, provide support and connect those in need to resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For TTY users: dial 711 then 988 or use your preferred relay services. 

For more information 

For more information about HealthSelect mental health benefits, including Virtual Visits, or for help finding in-network providers, visit www.healthselectoftexas.com or call a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Personal Health Assistant toll-free at (800) 252-8039 (TTY: 711), Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 7 a. m. – 3 p.m. CT.