At Blue Shield of California, we know that your behavioral health is an integral part of your overall wellbeing. That’s why we’re making changes to achieve a member experience that is focused on your whole health.
Currently, Blue Shield’s Mental Health Service Administrator (MHSA) manages behavioral health services through its network of providers for some Blue Shield members including all members receiving applied behavioral analysis (ABA) services.
Beginning January 1, 2026, Blue Shield will directly manage the behavioral health benefit for all of our members including those receiving ABA services. With Blue Shield Behavioral Health, members have access to an expanded, quality network of behavioral health providers.
Our goal is to offer a simpler, member-focused experience. This centralization effort allows for better coordination of care between primary care physicians, specialists, and behavioral health providers.
Continuing care
This change will not affect members’ existing plan benefits or the ability to get or continue necessary care.
To ensure a smooth transition, impacted members will be notified if their provider will no longer be considered “in-network” beginning January 1, 2026. Members who receive this notice have the right to request continuation of care with their current provider for certain health conditions. Learn more about out Continuity of Care process.*
Impacted Medicare Advantage members
Contact Customer Care to request continuation of care coverage. Call the Customer Service number on your Blue Shield member ID card. All continuing care decisions will be made based on current Medicare guidelines.
Accessing care for your behavioral health needs
Find in-network behavioral health providers for the remainder of 2025.
Starting October 2, 2025, you will be able to search for 2026 in-network providers. Be sure to select 2026 in the Find a Doctor tool.
*This Continuity of Care process applies to all plans except for Medi-Cal and Medicare. If you have questions, please call the Customer Service number on your Blue Shield ID member card.
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