About behavioral health
What's the difference between behavioral health and mental health?
Let’s say that behavioral health is like a pie. Mental health would be a piece of the pie. Behavioral health looks at how our behaviors affect our overall physical and mental well-being. Your behavioral health can be influenced by different factors like your diet, alcohol and drug use, relationships, chronic health issues and trauma. Your mental health is simply one part of your behavioral health, and it focuses on your ability to handle regular life stressors in your daily life.
Reference: www.Betterhelp.com
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Why is mental health important?
Everyone has mental health. Our mental health affects how we think, feel, act and behave. Some signs of positive mental health include being able to contribute to your community, engage in healthy relationships, handle normal levels of stress and recognize your value and worth.
When you struggle with your mental health, other areas of your life may feel the effects. There’s no shame in reaching out for help when you need it. Anyone can experience challenges with mental health at any time.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, World Health Organization
Get care
Who is Magellan?
We're proud to partner with Magellan Healthcare, Inc., a trusted leader in the mental health and substance use disorder industry, to provide behavioral health benefits to our members. Magellan1 has over 50 years of experience providing innovative, high-quality, and compassionate care to people around the country. Together, we make it easy for you to access the care you need, with thousands of behavioral health providers for you to choose from.
How do I find a provider?
Please visit Magellan's online provider directory to find a provider. No referral is needed to access outpatient therapy within you plan network. If you need assistance selecting a provider, please call Magellan at 1-844-483-9013.
What if I need help now?
For 24/7 crisis intervention and urgent mental health support, please call Magellan at 1-844-483-9013. If emergency care is needed, call 911 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
How do I get reimbursed for behavioral health services that I paid for?
If you receive care from an out of network behavioral health provider, you may be asked to pay for those services. If that occurs, you can contact Magellan Healthcare at 1-844-483-9013, to request reimbursement. Magellan will provide a form that outlines the information needed for reimbursement including important reimbursement request deadlines. Magellan will need a copy of the itemized bill showing all services received from the provider and a copy of your Sharp Health Plan ID card in order to determine if the services are covered. Applicable co-payments will apply.
Finding a behavioral health provider
How do I find the right therapist for me?
Finding the right therapist can take some time, but it is worth the effort. When you’re searching for a therapist who can help you long-term, we recommend you follow these five tips.
What’s the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?
Great question. It’s good to know the differences between types of behavioral health professionals. Sharp Health Plan members have access to all the following types of providers, depending on your needs.
- Psychiatrists (MD, DO)
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors that specialize in mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and perform medical laboratory tests to help determine a patient’s specific issues and needs. Psychiatrists may use several treatment methods together to improve a patient’s well-being.
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (PMHNP, APRN)
A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed additional education and training to specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health and substance use disorders, including prescribing medications. They work closely with a team of healthcare providers including psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health providers.
- Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
Psychologists can provide individual or group therapy and may have specialized training in different forms of therapeutic treatment. They use clinical interviews, psychological evaluation and testing to determine your mental health and psychological needs. Psychologists may not prescribe medication.
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
Licensed clinical social workers are the largest group of mental health services providers. They diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, emotional and substance abuse issues among individuals, couples, groups and families, and they provide therapy and develop treatment plans. LCSWs are well-trained in case management and often act as the administrators of social programs such as child welfare.
- Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors are mental health professionals who have completed specialized training in counseling and psychotherapy allowing them to diagnose and treat mental health issues. They provide therapy and counseling services to individuals, families and groups to address a variety of emotional and psychological concerns.
- Marriage and family therapists (MFT, LMFT)
Marriage and family therapists specialize in psychological issues in the context of marriage, couples and family systems. They are trained to deal with both individual psychological issues and issues that affect the entire family, such as marital problems and child-parent relationship issues.
- Addiction counselors
Addiction counselors treat people who are suffering from addictions. It’s common for addiction counselors to work in group settings, either with other individuals dealing with the same addiction or with loved ones affected by the behavior.
- Eating disorder specialists
Eating disorder specialists focus on helping individuals who struggle with conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphia and binge eating disorder. They also support their patients’ medical and nutritional needs and guide them to build lasting, healthy eating habits.
Understanding mental illness
What is mental illness?
Mental illnesses are health conditions that can affect your daily life, your moods, your behavior and the ways you think and feel. These conditions can happen over short periods, be chronic (long-lasting) or occasional. Many individuals who experience mental illness benefit from the support that behavioral health providers can offer.
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
What causes mental illness?
Many factors may contribute to the risk of mental illness, including:
- Biological factors, such as genes or chemical imbalances
- Family history
- Feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Life experiences, such as stress or abuse
- Use of alcohol and/or other drugs
- Other injuries or medical conditions
Behavioral health providers help to identify your concerns and offer suggestions, treatment and guidance.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Medline Plus
Can my overall health be affected by mental illness?
Certain types of mental illness can increase the risk of physical health problems. The opposite can also be true: Chronic conditions may increase risks for mental illness.
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
Is mental illness common?
Yes. Like many other health concerns, mental illnesses are common and are treatable. In the U.S., nearly 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness and nearly half of them receive treatment. Adolescents and children can also experience mental illness.
Sources: American Psychiatric Association, NAMI
Which types of mental illnesses are most common?
There are over 200 types of mental illness. Common conditions include:
- Anxiety disorder
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Substance abuse disorders
Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
What are common signs and symptoms of mental illness?
Symptoms can show up differently, depending on the type of mental illness someone is experiencing. Common signs can include:
- An inability to cope with daily problems and activities
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Excessive anxiety, fear or worry
- Extended periods of irritability or sadness
- Extreme highs and lows in mood
- Strong feelings of anger
- Thoughts of suicide
Optum Behavioral Health
Why are you partnering with Optum Behavioral Health?
We are committed to providing best-in-class mental health and substance use disorder services that align with The Sharp Experience and that are rooted in high-quality and compassionate care. As such, we are pleased to announce that we are partnering with OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions of California (Optum Behavioral Health) to further expand our mental health and substance use disorder network.
Our expanded network will include thousands of additional providers, a suite of virtual mental health and substance use disorder specialty care, and 24/7 access to personalized evidence-based digital tools and wellness resources.
When will this partnership be effective?
Our new partnership with Optum Behavioral Health will be effective Jan. 1, 2026, pending DMHC approval.
Will this change be applicable to my benefit plan?
Yes. Optum Behavioral Health will be providing mental health and substance use disorder services for all Sharp Health Plan members, across all benefit plans including our employer group plans, individual and family plans and Medicare Advantage plans.
Will my mental health and substance use disorder benefits change? What about my copays?
No. Your plan benefits for mental health and substance use disorder services will not change, and your costs for accessing these services will remain the same.
Will this change impact my pharmacy benefits for mental health and substance use disorder medications?
No. If you are enrolled in a plan with pharmacy benefits through Sharp Health Plan, there will be no impact to your pharmacy benefits for mental health and substance use disorder medications.
Can I keep my current mental health and substance use disorder provider?
To receive your plan benefits, you must see an in-network mental health and substance use disorder provider. If your current provider is part of the Optum Behavioral Health network, you will be able to continue seeing them. If your provider is not part of the Optum Behavioral Health network, they can contact Optum Behavioral Health directly to discuss joining their network. If they choose not to join, then you will be able to select a new provider who is in network. If you are enrolled in a Point of Service (POS) plan or a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, you will be able to keep your provider on the Tier 3 level.
How will I know if my provider is in the Optum Behavioral Health network?
If you have accessed mental health and substance use disorder services in 2025, we will send you a letter letting you know if your current provider is in the Optum Behavioral Health network or not. If they aren't in the network, we'll share additional information with you to ensure you are able to continue accessing care.
What is continuity of care?
To receive your plan benefits, you must see an in-network mental health and substance use disorder provider. Please note, if you are enrolled in a POS or PPO plan, you will be able to keep your provider on the Tier 3 level.
If your provider chooses not to join the Optum Behavioral Health network, you can contact Optum Behavioral Health at 1-866-756-4791 beginning Dec. 15, 2025, to request continuity of care. You must have approval for continuity of care from Optum Behavioral Health prior to receiving such services. If your request is approved, you will be able to continue seeing your provider until your care is completed or can be safely transferred to an in network mental health or substance use disorder provider. Continuity of care may be provided for the completion of care when you are in an active course of treatment for one of the following conditions:
Condition | Length of Time for Continuity of Care |
Acute condition | Duration of acute condition |
Serious chronic condition | No more than 12 months from the date of their provider's contract termination with
Sharp Health Plan
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Maternal mental health condition | 12 months from the maternal mental health condition diagnosis or from the end of
pregnancy, whichever occurs later |
Your requested mental health or substance use disorder provider must agree to provide continued services to you, subject to the same contractual terms and conditions that apply to contracted providers providing similar services. If your provider does not agree, Optum Behavioral Health is not required to authorize continuity of care.
How do I find a new mental health and substance use disorder provider?
You can search the Optum Behavioral Health online provider directory.
Do I need a referral to switch mental health and substance use disorder providers?
No. You don't need a referral or prior authorization to access outpatient therapy from a provider in the Optum Behavioral Health network. After you choose a provider, contact their office to schedule an appointment as a new patient.
Some services, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), psychological testing, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, will require a referral and prior authorization. Please note that if you have already received prior authorization for mental health or substance use disorder services, a new referral and request for prior authorization for the same approved services and timeframe is not needed to access these services through a provider in the Optum Behavioral Health network.
Who should I contact with questions?
If you have questions, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-359-2002.