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Feel your best,
inside and out

We’re here to help you live your best life.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. That’s why no referral is needed for you to access outpatient therapy with an in-network provider. With our large network of behavioral health providers to choose from and video visit options, it’s easier than ever to get the care you need.

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Tips, tools and resources to help you feel your best.

Having an emergency?

If you or someone you know needs emergency medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Find out more

Get behavioral health support in 3 steps

1

Find a provider

Search for a 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 who may be able to help. 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 like this 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 SCREENINGTAKE ANXIETY SCREENING

No referral needed

You can access outpatient therapy from an in-network provider without a referral from your primary care physician. All you need to do is make an appointment directly through our in-network resources.

Psychiatric Centers at San Diego

Telehealth services

Telehealth services like video visits are a convenient way for you to access care confidentially from wherever you are. These services are covered with most in-network behavioral health providers.

LEARN MORE

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

  

Featured behavioral health articles

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

Man and woman dancing

Keep your brain healthy as you age

Do these 6 things each day to help keep your mind sharp.

Woman demonstrating self-chakra

Learning self-chakra (video)

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

Concerned woman looking at phone

Is my ‘senior moment’ the start of dementia?

Forgetting phone numbers is frustrating, but is it the start of something serious?

french bulldog

Paws-itive reinforcement

Dogs are nature’s anti-anxiety medication.

Woman smiling

The healing power of tears

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

No-cost health coaching

If you need extra support, our Best Health® wellness program is a great place to start. Sign up for one-on-one sessions with a personal health and lifestyle coach who can help with stress management, healthy eating, physical activity and more.

Get started

Your behavioral health benefits

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

  • Inpatient hospital services
  • Outpatient hospital services
  • Outpatient therapy
  • Video visits

Log in to your Sharp Connect account to view your Member Handbook and learn more about your benefits.

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.

  
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.

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

Help hotlines

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

  

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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