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Behavioral Health Benefits

Most people in the United States know someone who might be dealing with depression, eating disorders, phobias or substance abuse. Seeking treatment is a sign of strength, and most people who get help get better. Having strong mental and physical health can lead to a better overall quality of life.

Many health issues involve some combination of physical, mental and social causes. Treating behavioral health and medical conditions at the same time offers the best way to take care of your overall health care needs. The Behavioral Health program can help you better manage your health and stay healthy — mentally and physically.

BCBSIL members have access to a full range of behavioral health care services, including:

  • Inpatient, partial hospitalization and some outpatient behavioral health care management
  • 24-hour access to Behavioral Health clinicians for crisis management
  • Support to help with behavioral disorders, such as anxiety, depression and eating disorders
  • Referrals to other BCC medical care management programs

Behavioral Health Program

You must request preauthorization from BCBSIL for behavioral health service benefits, when preauthorization is required. Behavioral health services requiring preauthorization before the initiation of services are: inpatient care, partial hospital admissions, outpatient electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), psychological testing, neuropsychological testing and intensive outpatient programs.

Requesting preauthorization before required behavioral health services gives BCBSIL the chance to help you get the most from your health plan benefits. To ask for preauthorization, call the Behavioral Health number at 1-888-372-2175.

Outpatient care management services are available on a voluntary basis. Call the Behavioral Health number at 1-888-372-2175 to speak with a licensed behavioral health staff professional.

To search for an independently contracted and licensed behavioral health professional or physician in your area:

  • Use the Provider Finder® to search by Provider Type.
  • Select either Individual Behavioral Health Providers or Behavioral Health Facilities from the drop menu.

You can call the Behavioral Health number at 1-888-372-2175.

Employee Assistance Program

Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers you and your household members a full range of services from experts. These services are confidential and at no cost to you.

EAP can assist you with day-to-day issues as well as issues that are more serious in nature. Basic services include:

  • Unlimited telephone consultation
  • Up to three confidential sessions with a professional counselor
  • Legal, financial and identity theft services including a free 60-minute consultation
  • Work/life services including advice and pre-screened referrals for child care, elder care, educational needs and much more
  • Comprehensive website with LifeMart Discount Center and LiveChat

Learn more about EAP

To access your EAP services:

  • Call 1-800-327-6260 (available 24 hours a day)
  • Or log on

Critical Incident Stress Management

As part of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you have free access to immediate and highly experienced consultation and counseling services to help you and your employees in the aftermath of a tragic event. This specialized unit, known as the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team, provides help to process and cope with the emotional impacts of the event.

Services provided by the CISM team help to:

  • Reduce absenteeism
  • Increase productivity
  • Increase employee morale
  • Minimize the long-term effects on individuals as well as your business

Examples of events the CISM team can help with include robberies, violent altercations, the unexpected death of an employee, workplace or community disasters, workplace injuries and more.

Learn more about CISM
Contact the CISM team at 1-800-327-6260 (available 24 hours a day). Consultants will help you create a plan, often including the deployment of a specialized onsite counselor to your site soon after the incident, which best addresses your event and business needs.