Finding mental health support
Many factors can contribute to the perfect fit when looking for a provider that’s right for you or your child, including the provider’s age, gender, culture and personality as well as unique specialty.
Begin your journey by signing in to your Blueprint Portal, where you can search for in-network providers near you.
Mental health matters
Mental health conditions are common. In fact one in five adults and one in six children in the United States will experience a mental health challenge each year. Conditions related to the mind can be treated – should be treated – just like other medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease. We are here to help you every step of the way.
There are lots of different professionals who can help support your mental and behavioral health. These are 4 common providers you’re likely familiar with:
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Someone who provides therapy for mental health, substance use counseling, and daily living issues. They can also connect you to other services. They have master’s degrees and are state regulated. You might also see a licensed master social worker (LMSW)
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Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Someone who provides counseling for mental health, substance use and social development issues. They have master’s degrees and are state regulated. You might also see a licensed associate counselor (LAC)
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Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
Someone provides therapy for serious mental health and emotional health issues. They also perform psychological testing. They have doctorate degrees and are state regulated.
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Psychiatrist (MD)
Someone who provides medication management as well as focusing on detecting and treating mental health and substance issues. They have doctorate degrees and are state regulated.
Exploring care options
There are several options covered on your health plan, including different types of therapy and specialists depending upon you or your child’s needs. Available to you are licensed therapists, counselors, family specialists and clinical social workers – all of which are trained professionals that can help evaluate your needs and recommend care in a safe confidential environment. For more serious conditions, you may need to speak with a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and provide some therapy.
A great starting point is to speak to your primary care (PCP) to help guide you based on your personal family and medical history for diagnosis. Be sure to always check that a provider is in-network before making an appointment. You can find a provider by signing in to Blueprint Portal.
Virtual care is also an option. Your health plan may cover a variety of virtual care options for adults and children.
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Searching for a provider
When searching for a therapist or counselor consider:
- What do you want to accomplish in therapy? Find someone who can help you focus on areas of your life that impact your goals and help you make decisions that lead to a better quality of life.
- If you’re searching for a counselor for your child some important questions to ask include:
- What is your experience working with children?
- How will I or other family members be involved in treatment?
- What are the goals of treatment?
- Reach out to therapists who address your specific area of concern. Some therapists specialize in family and domestic matters while others may specialize in stress management, anxiety or substance use. Getting specific with your search will help ensure the perfect fit.
- Get help choosing the right provider that’s within in your network.
- Work with your PCP to get a referral.
- Connect with your community, friends, family or other trusted professionals for recommendations.
- Find a therapist or counselor in-network through Blueprint Portal using your member ID card or access virtual therapy options.
- Use your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for additional support, if available.
- Do you want virtual visits, in-person care or a combination? Does the therapist offer different care options? Are they in an accessible location or do you need to consider additional transportation need?
- How often do you, or your child, need to see the provider?
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Help along the way
Our dedicated Behavioral Health Case Management team is available to help guide you along the way. The team is comprised of Arkansas-based nurses, social workers and peer support specialists that can help you identify needs and guide you to the right care and community resources.
Speak to a case manager by calling 800-225-1891, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. After hours, call the Lucet helpline at 877-801-1159.
You also get 24/7 access to licensed clinicians and case managers with Lucet. Lucet can help you better understand your mental health needs and benefit from care, locate in-network providers, specialty providers and treatment facilities, connect you to community support and coordinate with your doctors to help you achieve behavioral health goals.
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Moving Forward
Taking the time to find the right therapist or counselor is important to your success. It may take several appointments to know if the therapist or psychiatrist is a good fit. You can switch providers or discontinue therapy with a provider who isn’t meeting your specific needs. Your end goal is to find someone that provides you support, mutual respect and a sense of progress toward your care goals.
Your journey can be ongoing and lifelong, so following through on your therapy plan with the right mental health specialist is key to your well-being.