Behavioral Health Care Management
How to Take the Next Step

Mental Health

•  Preferred Care members have the option of seeking mental health services without a referral from a doctor. If you do not go through your doctor, you must call Preferred Care's Behavioral Health Member Line (below) to receive initial authorization for non-emergency (not life threatening) situations. When you call, you will be connected to a licensed clinician who will help you get the right mental health services.

•  You may still choose to obtain a referral from your doctor, since he or she may be familiar with your situation and have a particular specialist in mind.

•  Once you are seeing a behavioral health specialist, it is the responsibility of the specialist to set up any additional visits you may need from Preferred Care's Behavioral Health Unit.

•  In an emergency (a life-threatening situation), seek emergency help immediately. Members who are currently receiving mental health care are encouraged to call their mental health provider right away. If you have no mental health provider, go directly to a hospital emergency room.

Chemical Dependency

•  For chemical dependency services, Preferred Care members are required to contact the Preferred Care Behavioral Health Services Unit Member Line (above) and speak with a Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist. A clinician is available to take your call after business hours, if your chemical dependency difficulties cannot wait until the next business day.

•  The clinician will ask basic information about the member's chemical dependency history to determine the need for an assessment.

•  If an assessment is approved, an appointment will be arranged with a contracted independent Chemical Dependency Assessor or a contracted facility.

•  If an assessment is not approved, the Behavioral Health Clinical Specialist may recommend other community support alternatives.

Visit our online Health Encyclopedia for helpful information about:

Chemical Dependency
Mental Health
Mental Health Assessments