May is Mental Health Month. And, while it’s important to be aware of common concerns like depression, stress and anxiety all the time, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana reminds everyone to be especially mindful of how they feel during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s completely understandable that we are all feeling more
fearful or sad than usual right now,” said Blue Cross medical director Dr. Jeremy Wigginton. “The key is to keep yourself from letting these feelings overwhelm you. Focus on the things you can control, be mindful of how much you’re watching the news so you set healthy limits, and use tactics for boosting your mental health that you know work for you.” These could include things like working out regularly, doing a creative activity like painting or journaling, or simply unplugging to focus
on family time, Wigginton added. “Our mental health affects our physical health and overall well-being, and it’s a common concern among people who are struggling with serious health issues, either directly or with a loved one,” Wigginton said. “Be aware of how you feel, and ask for help if you need it. If you are struggling to get through the day, let your healthcare provider know that and ask about treatment recommendations.” Be Stronger Than Ever Blue Cross social workers and other health coaches work with members to offer support and encouragement, find healthcare providers in their network or develop skills to cope with a diagnosis. They also connect members with local support groups and community resources to assist them. To learn more about Care Management programs and services or to sign up for health coaching, visit www.bcbsla.com/Stronger. There is no cost for members to work with a health coach. Blue Cross social workers also share tips for managing depression and stress on the STRONGER THAN EVER: Care Team Programs playlist, part of the Blue Cross YouTube channel. “Motivated Mindset” Facebook Live Series Begins Today Brown will broadcast a Motivated Mindset live event from Blue Cross’ Facebook page at noon every Monday for the next four weeks, beginning today (Monday, May 11). WHAT: Motivated Mindset (a Facebook Live
event series) Behavioral Health Providers Available on BlueCare BlueCare behavioral health appointments can be a good service if you are feeling stress, anxiety, or depression because of COVID-19, or if you are practicing social distancing and looking for ways of getting care without going somewhere for treatment. Log into BlueCare to schedule appointments with available psychology or psychiatry providers who are trained and certified in telehealth care. Behavioral health providers available through BlueCare can help with anxiety, depression, stress, grief, substance abuse, coping with life transitions, couples counseling and more. You can also use BlueCare 24/7 to treat routine, non-emergency medical conditions like colds, bladder infections, allergies, pink eye, mild stomach bugs or rashes. BlueCare is available in all 50 states and works on any device with internet and a camera, like a smartphone, laptop, tablet or computer. You can create a BlueCare account at www.BlueCareLA.com or with the BlueCare (one word) mobile app for Apple and Android devices. Then, simply log in and have a medical visit anytime or schedule a behavioral health appointment. In addition to BlueCare, Blue Cross is currently waiving out-of-pocket costs to have telehealth visits with in-network providers. If you regularly see a behavioral health provider for care, ask if telehealth visits are an option. Dr. Wigginton offers tips for managing anxiety during COVID-19 in this video (1:46). You can visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana YouTube page to see short videos with the clinical team and others discussing various health topics. Subscribe to know when new videos are added. You can also connect with Blue Cross on social media for regular updates. For information on what Blue Cross is doing for members during COVID-19, visit www.bcbsla.com/covid19. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana About Blue Cross Blue Shield AssociationThe Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 34 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. What's the difference between a counselor and a therapist?Counselors tend to offer short-term care, while therapists tend to offer long-term care. Therapists can be more past focused and counselors more future focused. Counselors often have a set number of sessions, and therapists often work on an ongoing basis. Therapists are more likely to treat mental health conditions.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas cover therapy?Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S., providing coverage for one in three Americans -- including mental health, behavioral health, and therapy services.
What is SonderMind therapy?SonderMind is an online virtual and in-person therapy service that connects licensed therapists with users based on their unique needs. Read on to learn more about how SonderMind works and whether the service is the right fit for you.
How do I choose a therapist?Here are some tried-and-true methods for finding a therapist to help you reach your therapeutic goals.. Consult your provider directory. ... . Ask someone you trust. ... . Use a reliable online database. ... . Explore local resources. ... . Reach out to organizations that address your area of concern. ... . Think about your goals ahead of time.. |