Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is expanding its mental health provider network to include specialists who focus on obsessive-compulsive disorder, serious mental illness, trauma and substance use disorders.
The company is also contracting with primary mental health groups to match members with clinicians who are most appropriate for their needs and make it easier to schedule an appointment, according to a May 4 press release.
The providers now in-network include Thriveworks, Headway, Refresh Mental Health and Valera Health, which offer independent psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists to treat a broad array of mental health conditions. As part of their contracts, the providers have agreed to prioritize BCBS members, with appointments available within two days for urgent mental health needs and five days for mild to moderate needs. The practices have also committed to offering both virtual and in-person care.
BCBS has also contracted with specialty mental health provider organizations that provide care for specific conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance use disorder, including NOCD and Forge Health.
The company is also planning to add specialty provider groups focused on severe eating disorders, LGBTQ and racial inequity issues.
The company continues to offer specialty mental health services through Aware Recovery Care and Brightline.
"We're taking action to support our members at a time when the need for mental health services has never been greater," President and CEO Andrew Dreyfus said. "Research by our foundation shows that many people who need mental health care struggle to find it, so we're working hard to expand our network and help members find effective, affordable, convenient care when they need it."