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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 OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions of California (Optum Behavioral Health), a trusted leader in the mental health and substance use disorder industry, to provide behavioral health benefits to our members.

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, 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.

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
  • Calm Health

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.

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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 out of network behavioral health provider, you may be asked to pay for those services out of pocket. If that occurs, you can request reimbursement by logging in to your Optum Behavioral Health account. Once you are logged in, go to the Claims section in the top menu and select Submit a claim. You will be asked to complete an online form and upload required documentation to determine if the services will be covered. Then you can submit your claim. Applicable co-payments will apply. You can also contact Optum Behavioral Health at 1-844-483-9013, to request assistance.

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

Calm Health

Calm Health is the #1 mental health app designed to help you manage stress, sleep better, and live a happier, healthier life. It's free for our members. Calm Health's research-based tools help you build life-changing habits to support your mental health. If you're having trouble falling asleep, their 500+ Sleep Stories®, soundscapes, and guided sleep meditations can lull you to sleep. If you're spiraling in negative thoughts and need immediate relief, their 60-second Breathe Bubble grounds you in the moment and helps your body return to a state of relaxation. If you're overwhelmed at work and need a breather, their stress and burnout specialists can guide you through exercises to help calm your mind. Calm is there for you whenever or wherever you need them with more content and tools being added monthly.

Get started


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, as well as treatment options, like medication, counseling, and lifestyle choices. It also talks about suicidal thoughts and how to find the right care.

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

Trauma is a response to a deeply stressful event that can leave lasting effects or lead to PTSD, but healing is possible.

Read more View all topics

Grief and loss

It's common to experience grief and loss, especially as you get older. Learn the five stages of grief and helpful ways to cope with loss.

Read more View all topics

Alzheimer's disease & 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 Alzheimer's, treatment may help.

Read more View all topics

Alcohol and drug use

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

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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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.

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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