Take me to...
Mental Health
Important mental health and substance use disorder treatment information
Everyones faces their own struggles when it comes to mental health. From diagnosis to treatment, Premera is here to help.
Deciding which type of provider to see can be confusing and licenses can vary by state. Often it is a good idea to consult with your primary care provider first, because medical conditions can cause symptoms similar to mental illness. Your primary care provider can also help you find the care that is right for you.
Find care
Browse our provider directory to connect with the right primary care provider, therapist, psychologist, or mental health specialists.
Crisis lifelines and immediate help
In a life-threatening mental health or medical emergency call 911.
In emotional distress crisis: Call/text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24/7) or chat with a counselor at 988lifeline.org.
Emergency Behavioral Health Services provided by an emergency behavioral health services provider, with or without a pre-authorization, are always covered whether the provider is in your network or not. This includes treatment by Mobile Crisis Response providers.
We're all in this together
Talking about mental health—and caring for it—is easier when you know you have support from those around you. That's why Premera partnered with athletes from universities across Washington state who shared how taking care of their mental health is a team effort.
Some members prefer to work with a therapist who isn't in network or doesn't take insurance. If your plan includes out-of-network provider coverage, you can submit a request for reimbursement of services. Check your benefit booklet to confirm your plan's coverage.
Adults
Sometimes it's difficult to know if you or a loved could use mental health support. Everyone is unique and symptoms differ. Here are some warning signs to be aware of:
Psychological and emotional imbalances
- Excessive worrying, prolonged stress, depression, grief
- Changes in mood and frequent anxiety
- Strange or grandiose ideas
- Emotional exhaustion and social withdrawal
- Thinks or talks about self-harm or suicide
Physical problems
- Insomnia and hypersomnia
- Physical aches without obvious causes
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns, lack of self-care
- Panic attacks, shortness of breath, chest pain
Behaviors
- Withdraw from family, friends, social situations
- Unable to manage daily activities, drop in job performance
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Change in intimacy, lack of energy or interest
- Self-harm
Kids and teens
Children of all ages and life stages can experience stress and their symptoms may be different than adults. Here are some common warning signs:
Psychological and emotional imbalances
- Struggle to verbalize emotions, writing about death or suicide
- Outbursts of anger and temper tantrums
- Regular irritability and noticeable mood changes
- Feeling like a burden, worthlessness, lack of hope
- Persistent lack of motivation and energy
Physical problems
- Insomnia and hypersomnia
- Headaches and stomachaches
- Digestive problems or appetite changes
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Panic attacks, shortness of breath, chest pain
Behaviors
- Shutting down, screaming, crying
- Withdraw from family, peer groups, social situations
- Drop in academic or sports performance
- Use of drugs or alcohol
- Extreme mood changes of highs and lows, defiant behaviors
- Self-harm
Right to privacy for minors
In many states, including Washington, minors ages 12-17 may receive care for mental health or substance use conditions without consent from parents or guardians. In other states, such as Alaska, the age of consent is 18. Premera is mandated to respect these rights to privacy as defined by law.
Explanations of benefits for members 13 or older (18 and older in Alaska) will be mailed in the name of the member who received the care. This means parents or spouses might not be able to see claims through the online member account or speak to customer services representatives about these claims unless the member grants permission to family members.
2022 Mental health facts
2.5M
youth in the U.S. have severe depression, and multiracial youth are at greatest risk
27M
adults in the U.S. do not receive mental health treatment and 11.1% of Americans with a mental illness are uninsured
664K
more individuals than last year reported having serious thoughts of suicide
Behavioral and mental health – What is the difference?
When it comes to healthcare, behavioral health is a blanket term that includes treatment of mental health conditions, substance use disorders, stress-related physical symptoms, and unhealthy behaviors. Substance use disorders often occur simultaneously in individuals with mental illness.
Research shows, 17 million U.S. adults experienced both mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2020.
Premera considers behavioral health treatment as specialty care. If you are unable to get an appointment with a behavioral health provider within 15 business days, contact customer service, using the number on the back of your member ID card.
Substance use
People who have been diagnosed with mental or behavioral health challenges may start substance use to suppress their pain. Addiction is chronic but treatable medical condition. To find out more about different treatment options and what your plan may cover, see these resources.
There are many mental health or substance use therapists and providers in your network.
Search directory by provider name or specialty.
Benefits under your health plan may differ, so refer to your benefit booklet for information on what your specific health plan covers.
Your health plan covers preventive care services as required by state and federal law. For more information, please review the "A" and "B" rated services on the United States Preventive Services Task Force, immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and preventive care and screening recommended by the Health Resources and Services Administration. See the list on healthcare.gov.