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Behavioral health

Mental health and wellness care.

If you're struggling mentally or emotionally, we're here to help. Discover how to find a behavioral health provider for yourself or a loved one – no referral needed.1

Behavioral health benefits

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.

Magellan2 has over 50 years of experience providing innovative, high-quality, and compassionate care to people nationwide. Together, we make it easy for you to access the care you need, with a roster of thousands of behavioral health providers for you to choose from.

Sharp Direct Advantage® members have access to behavioral health care services including:

  • Mental health and substance use disorder services
  • Testing, diagnosis and treatment for mental health conditions
  • Routine visits or follow-up visits
  • Personal or family counseling for individuals, couples, families and children
  • Inpatient hospital services
  • Outpatient hospital services
  • Outpatient therapy
  • Telehealth video visits

Important behavioral health benefit details

Sharp Direct Advantage members must access behavioral health care services through in-network providers. Out-of-network services will not be covered unless approved by your plan medical group or Sharp Health Plan.

Behavioral health services will not be approved, denied or modified based solely on the type of admission (voluntary or involuntary) or method of transportation to a health facility.

All our plans have mental health coverage that is equal to or better than what it would be for similar medical and surgical coverage. Learn more about mental health parity.

Log in to your Sharp Health Plan online account to view your Member Handbook and learn more about your benefits.

Log in
Sharp Health Plan - Behavioral Health Guide cover

Still have questions?

See our guide to behavioral health or frequently asked questions. If you have any questions about your behavioral health benefits or how to obtain coverage, you can call our Customer Care team at 1-844-483-9013.

Behavioral health expenses

If you receive care from an approved 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 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.

3 steps to get care

1

Find a provider

You don’t need a referral from your primary care physician to access outpatient therapy from a provider in your network. Search for an in-network behavioral health provider and filter by specialty, location and more to find the best fit for you.

Tip: There are many types of behavioral health care professionals. From psychiatrists to psychologists to therapists and more — learn the differences between them. Speaking with your primary care physician about your concerns is also a good option.

2

Set up an appointment

After you choose a provider, follow their site’s instructions to schedule an appointment as a new patient.

3

Prepare for your first visit.

Whether your first appointment is in person or a video visit, your provider will ask you about your current health and health history before your session. It will likely be a questionnaire to help your provider get a better sense of your needs.

Once you’re set up, consider taking a self-assessment (or “screening”) for more insight into your behavioral health needs. Screenings do not provide a diagnosis and simply offer suggestions. It’s a good idea to share your screening results with your provider.

TAKE DEPRESSION SCREENING TAKE ANXIETY SCREENING

Self-service tools

NeuroFlow

NeuroFlow helps you navigate life’s challenges and make changes to improve your sleep, mood, relationships and more. The app includes a full library of wellness-related audio recordings, videos and exercises, as well as trackers for mood, sleep, stress, and more to monitor patterns over time. Plus, you can choose content based on topics relevant to you, such as pain management and relaxation techniques.

Download the app for free from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.


Peer Support Program

Magellan’s Peer Support Program offers personalized support and lived experience from certified peer support specialists.

Learn more


Wellness webinars

Watch prerecorded webinars from our Best Health® team on healthy eating at home, the importance of sleep, mindfulness and other well-being topics.

Watch webinars


Free classes and events for seniors

Sharp provides various classes and events designed for seniors, including regular memory screenings, monthly group walks, and much more.

Find classes


 

Anxiety

Learn about the symptoms of anxiety and get access to helpful tools.

  • Trembling or twitching
  • Lightheadedness
  • Sleep problems
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Restlessness
  • Worrying too much

Read more VIEW ALL TOPICS

Depression

Learn about the causes and symptoms of depression like sadness and feelings of helplessness. This topic covers related illnesses like bipolar disorder and SAD, as well as looks at treatment options, like medication, counseling, and lifestyle choices. It also talks about suicidal thoughts and when to call a doctor.

Read more VIEW ALL TOPICS

Healthy aging

Getting older is a natural part of life. If you take good care of your mind and body now, you can slow down or even prevent problems that often come with getting older.

Read more VIEW ALL TOPICS

Trauma and grief

As a medic in Iraq, Tim was always in the midst of suffering. He treated soldiers with horrible wounds. He saw some die. Within one day of returning home, he faced another trauma. His father died of cancer. "He was my best friend for my whole life. That just threw my whole brain out of whack," Tim said.

Read more VIEW ALL TOPICS

Dementia

Dementia is a loss of mental skills that affects your daily life. If you or a loved one has memory loss that is getting worse, see your doctor — it may be nothing to worry about. If it is dementia, treatment may help.

Read more VIEW ALL TOPICS

Alzheimer’s disease

Mild memory loss is common in people older than 60. It may not mean that you have Alzheimer's disease. But if your memory is getting worse, see your doctor. If it is Alzheimer's, treatment may help.

Read more VIEW ALL TOPICS

Substance abuse disorders

Many people think substance use disorder happen only to teens and younger adults. But all ages can have problems with drugs and alcohol, including older adults.

Read more VIEW ALL TOPICS

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Learn more about the causes and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This topic looks at how treatment can help, the steps you can take, and discusses the most effective treatments — counseling and antidepressant medicines. This topic also includes stories from others in their own words.

Read more VIEW ALL TOPICS

Help hotlines

In addition to the resources listed above, the following hotlines are available to talk over a problem, find information, or get advice.

Need community resources?

Check out our community resource hub for free and low-cost services for San Diegans from trusted resources like 211 San Diego.

Learn more

Featured behavioral health articles

Get insights from our expert caregivers on addressing mind and body health in our everyday lives.

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Finding a therapist who meets your needs is worth the effort.

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Learning self-chakra (video)

Dr. Julie Furby demonstrates healing touch therapy that involves balancing the chakras.

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Mind your heart

Here’s what researchers know so far about how practicing mindfulness affects the heart.

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Paws-itive reinforcement

Dogs are nature’s anti-anxiety medication.

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The healing power of tears

Crying can be healing for everyone, in good times and bad.

Caregiving resources

When you’re caring for a loved one, it’s important to take care of yourself, too. Get help with meals, find support from peers and check out other helpful resources from Sharp HealthCare.

View resources
Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital

Older adult services at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital

Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital offers inpatient and outpatient behavioral health treatment programs for adults age 60 and older. The programs provide help with dementia, mood disorders, addiction and anxiety, among others.

1. No referral needed for outpatient therapy with a provider in your network.

2. In California, Magellan is doing business as Human Affairs International of California, Inc.

Sharp Direct Advantage is offered by Sharp Health Plan. Sharp Health Plan is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment with Sharp Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Read the full disclaimer.

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Page Last Updated: 6/18/2025
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