Choosing the Right Provider

Congratulations. You are taking a positive step by deciding to seek help. Get the support you need to live your life to the fullest. If you are helping a loved one find care, thank you for understanding the importance of recovery and resiliency. Although depression and other mental health and substance use disorders are common, the stigma still exists and needs to be ended so individuals can reach out to get the care they need.

How to use our tool to find a provider

It's simple and easy to use. Enter a location (zip or city+state) and then filter by your provider preferences (provider type, office hours, treatment options). Results listed link to more information on each provider or group, including a map to the office.

Not a member yet? Tour our provider search tool! Opens in a new window

Please remember that your network providers may be different than those in our tour. Sign in with your Access Code to see your specific network providers:

How do you choose?

One of the most important factors in addressing your mental health concern is finding a provider you trust. Keep these things in mind to ensure the provider you select is right for you:

• Use our Find a Provider tool Opens in a new window to explore various provider options.
• Consider the qualities that are important to you (background, expertise, gender, location).
• Choose a network provider choosing a provider that works with your health plan or Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) to minimize or even eliminate any cost to you.
• Find out if your benefit package requires you to get approval to see a provider. Learn more about pre-approvals for EAP services.
• Assess quality and review experience.
• Contact us for a referral.

Once you have Selected a Provider

Call. If you can talk with the person directly for a few minutes, confirm that they have experience working with people with your type of concerns. You can ask about their approach to working with people. If you feel comfortable, ask to make an appointment.

In reality, you probably will get their receptionist. Ask if they are taking new patients and how soon you could get an appointment. Ask if there is anything special you should bring to the first appointment. Get directions to the office and parking information, if you need it.

Many benefit plans require you to call us to obtain authorization before you obtain services. Services that have not been authorized as required by your benefit plan will not be eligible for reimbursement. We will authorize services and providers that are appropriate given your unique circumstances and your benefits (the provider may be different from one you've looked up).

Some of these professionals have very busy schedules. If you have a pressing need, be sure to voice this when you call or have your doctor contact them first. If you are having an emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room of your local hospital.

It's always good to be prepared for your first appointment. At your first appointment, you can ask what kind of treatment plan they think is best for you. If you like the provider and the way they work, great. Sometimes you need to talk with several providers to find someone you are really comfortable with, so don't be afraid to move to a new provider if one isn't working for you. It is worth the effort to find the right one for you!

Experience the Network Advantage

We review the background and practice of each provider before including them in our network. We check credentials regularly, and make sure we share the latest scientific information about behavioral health disorders and treatment best practices. When you see a network provider, you pay only a modest copayment and don't have to file a claim- the network provider does it for you. If you see an out-of-network provider, you will need to file the claim yourself.

Contact us for a Referral

Chemistry is key to having a positive relationship with your provider. If you are a member and are unable to find a provider that is right for you through our online tool or just want some assistance, contact us and we will help you find someone whose training, background and expertise fit your preferences and needs. Your Member support phone number is on our web site after you enter with your access code or register/login.

It is also a good idea for you to call us before receiving care, as some benefit plans require you to get a pre-authorization before treatment.

EAP Visit Authorization

We require prior approval before you access you EAP services (free face-to-face sessions). You can do this online (for yourself) or via phone (for anyone in your household). Log in with your access code and click on "Employee Assistance Program (EAP)" link under the Benefits item in the top navigation. From there, scroll to the bottom of the page and select the EAP Visit Authorization tile and fill the form out.

If any of the following conditions apply, you will need to call us for authorization (do not use the online tool):

• You are seeking authorization for someone other than yourself
• You have accessed EAP visits already this calendar year
• You are seeking medication services
• You work in a safety-sensitive position (truck driver, pilot, etc.)
• You are under the age of 20 (some state regulations require phone authorizations for those under 20)
• You were referred by a manager or supervisor

If any of these apply to you, please call the support number (available once you log in with your Access Code).