Connecting With Mental Health Support

Dealing with mental health concerns is common. Seeking out support is one of the best things you can do to improve your quality of life and take steps to feel better. Knowing how to access mental health support can make it simpler to find the right care for you.

Common Signs Of Mental Health Concerns

Everyone’s mental health concerns look different. However, there are some common signs that someone may be struggling. If you or a loved one are dealing with any of the symptoms below, you may want to consider reaching out for help, according to the Mayo Clinic:

• Confused thinking
• Lasting feelings of depression or sadness
• Excessive worry and fear
• Big shifts in eating or sleeping habits
• Avoiding friends and social activities
• Substance use
• Major mood swings 

Explore other common symptoms and warning signs on Mayo Clinic's website.

If it’s an emergency, call 988 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.

How To Find Mental Health Support

Mental health support looks different for everyone. Talking to your primary care doctor is a good first step. They can help you come up with a treatment plan. That means they may prescribe medication, suggest lifestyle changes, or recommend you connect with a therapist.

Therapy can be a helpful way to sort through your emotions as you work to heal, grow, cope, and recover. If you do seek therapy, consider choosing a therapist in your plan’s network, which can save you money. Here are two ways to find a therapist:

• If you’re part of Anthem’s Employee Assistance Program, you can find professional, confidential counseling for you and your household members, including a set number of visits each year at no cost. Log in at anthem.com/ca/eap to begin. Call the EAP phone number listed on the home page for more information about your visits
• If you don't have an EAP, you can still find a therapist in your Anthem health plan’s network. Log in to anthem.com/ca or the Sydney℠ Health app and use the Find Care feature to search by location or specialty

Choosing A Therapist

As you reach out to therapists, take time to make sure it feels like a good match. A therapist should be someone you trust, makes you feel comfortable, and is in sync with your goals and values.

Once you’ve explained what you’re going through, consider asking potential therapists a few questions to see if you think you will be a good fit. These are a good place to start, according to NAMI:

1. What problems or symptoms can you help me with?
2. How do you explain why I have these problems or symptoms?
3. How many sessions will this take?
4. What training do you have to provide treatment for my specific problems or symptoms?
5. How will we monitor my progress?

Consider Virtual Visits

Many therapists also offer virtual visits, which might be a convenient option for you. You can have an appointment from the comfort of your home, as long as you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer and a good internet connection.

As you search for therapists, ask if they offer virtual visits. You can also access virtual therapy online through the Sydney℠ Health app, anthem.com/ca, or the Anthem Employee Assistance Program, if you have it.

We’re Here To Help

If you have access to the Anthem Employee Assistance Program, log in at anthem.com/ca/eap to explore articles, podcasts, and videos on dozens of mental health topics.

If you have questions about how your Anthem plan covers mental health and virtual visits, or need help finding a therapist or other mental health professional in your plan’s network, chat with us in the Sydney Health app or anthem.com/ca. You can also call Member Services at the number on your health plan ID card.

EAP products are offered by Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.

In addition to using a telehealth service, you can receive in-person or virtual care from your own doctor or another healthcare provider in your plan’s network. If you receive care from a doctor or healthcare provider not in your plan’s network, your share of the costs may be higher. You may also receive a bill for any charges not covered by your health plan.

Appointments are subject to the availability of a therapist. Online counseling is not appropriate for all kinds of issues. If you are in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, it’s important that you seek help immediately. Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 988, or dial 911 for help. If your issue is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Sydney Health is offered through an arrangement with Carelon Digital Platforms, a separate company offering mobile application services on behalf of your health plan

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