Behavioral health services
Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal gives members mental health and substance use disorder services. This occurs through primary care physicians (PCPs). It can include licensed behavioral health providers. They work with county providers and agencies. For our licensed behavioral health providers, we partner with Carelon Behavioral Health. Carelon Behavioral Health was formerly known as Beacon Health Options. We also have behavioral health treatment services for children under the age of 21.
Mental health
Mental health services include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychotherapy
- Psychiatric medication management
See your Member Handbook (Evidence of Coverage) for a list of covered mental health services.
Behavioral health services for Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal
Behavioral health services for Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal are managed by Carelon Behavioral Health. Carelon Behavioral Health is formerly known as Beacon Health Options. You can call Carelon Behavioral Health to learn more about your covered services or claims information.
Los Angeles County:
Phone: (855) 765-9701 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
San Diego County:
Phone: (855) 321-2211 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
Department of Mental Health
Contact the Department of Mental Health for other mental health services. This includes substance use disorder treatment.
Los Angeles County:
Phone: (855) 765-9701 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health website
San Diego County:
Phone: (855) 321-2211 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services website
Suicide prevention hotline
Phone: (800) 273-8255 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Substance use disorder preventive services
Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal offers Alcohol and Drug Screening, Assessment, Brief Interventions and Referral to Treatment (SABIRT) services as a covered benefit. This is for all members ages 11 and older. Pregnant women are included. These services are provided by PCPs. These services also cover risky alcohol and substance use:
- One alcohol and drug use screening per year
- Brief intervention sessions
- Referral to treatment as needed
County agency services
If you need more services, you can contact your county agency. Ask them about longer treatment options. You do not need a referral from your PCP to inquire. County services also cover other substance use disorders.
Department of Health Care Services Substance Use Resource Center
Phone: (800) 879-2772 (TTY: 711) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Service
Substance Abuse Service Helpline: (844) 804-7500 (TTY 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Substance Abuse, Prevention and Control website
San Diego County Substance Use Disorder Services
Substance Use Disorder Services Access and Crisis Line: (888) 724-7240 (TTY: 711), 24 hours a day, 7 days week
San Diego County Behavioral Health Services website
Behavioral health treatment for individuals under the age of 21
Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal covers behavioral health treatment (BHT) for individuals under the age of 21. This treatment includes applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Other evidence-based treatments are also included. To know more, contact your child’s primary care physician today.
Benefits information
Find information about the benefits, services, and programs covered by Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal. Learn what to do if a service or a procedure requires prior authorization.
Nurse Advice Line
Connect to a registered nurse who will listen to your health problem.
Find a provider
Use our online tool to find a primary care physician, a behavioral health service and other providers.
Health and wellness programs and resources
Take charge of your health with our Health and wellness member tools. Find information on healthy living programs and educational materials on topics like being active and managing chronic conditions.
Medi_23_011_LS_IA020623