Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between behavioral health and mental health?

Let’s say behavioral health is like a pie. In this scenario, mental health would be a piece of the pie. Behavioral health involves looking at how our behaviors affect our overall physical and mental well-being. Your behavioral health can be influenced by different factors like your diet, alcohol and drug use, relationships, chronic health issues and trauma. Your mental health is part of your behavioral health, and it focuses on your ability to handle regular life stressors in your daily life. Reference: www.Betterhelp.com

Why is mental health important?

Mental health is different from mental illness. Everyone has mental health, but not everyone experiences mental illness. Your mental health affects the way you think, feel, act and behave. Some signs of positive mental health include being able to contribute to your community, engage in healthy relationships, handle normal levels of stress and recognize your value and worth.

When you struggle with your mental health, other areas of your life may feel the effects. There’s no shame in reaching out for help when you need it. Anyone can experience challenges with mental health at any time.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, World Health Organization

Who is Magellan?

We're proud to partner with Magellan Healthcare, Inc., a trusted leader in the mental health and substance use disorder industry, to provide behavioral health benefits to our members. Magellan¹ has over 50 years of experience providing innovative, high-quality, and compassionate care to people around the country. Together, we make it easy for you to access the care you need, with thousands of behavioral health providers for you to choose from.

How do I find a provider?

Please visit Magellan's online provider directory to find a provider. No referral is needed to access outpatient therapy within you plan network. If you need help selecting a provider, please call Magellan at 1-844-483-9013.

What if I need help now?

For 24/7 crisis intervention and urgent mental health support, please call Magellan at 1-844-483-9013. If emergency care is needed, call 911 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a suicidal or mental health crisis, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

How do I get reimbursed for behavioral health services that I paid for?

If you receive care from an out of network behavioral health provider, you may be asked to pay for those services.  If that occurs, you can contact Magellan Healthcare at 1-844-483-9013, to request reimbursement. Magellan will provide a form that outlines the information needed for reimbursement including important reimbursement request deadlines.  Magellan will need a copy of the itemized bill showing all services received from the provider and a copy of your Sharp Health Plan ID card in order to determine if the services are covered.  Applicable co-payments will apply.

How do I find the right therapist for me?

Finding the right therapist can take some time, but it is worth the effort. When you’re searching for a therapist who can help you long-term, we recommend you follow these five tips.

What are the differences between behavioral health providers?

There are many types of behavioral health care professionals. As a Sharp Health Plan member, you have access to all of these providers, depending on your needs.

• Psychiatrists (MD, DO)

  Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors that specialize in mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and perform a full range of medical laboratory tests to help determine a patient’s specific issues and needs. Psychiatrists may utilize several treatment methods in conjunction with each other to improve their patient’s well-being.

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (PMHNP, APRN)

  A Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed additional education and training to specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health and substance use disorders, including prescribing medications. They work closely with a team of healthcare providers including psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health providers.

• Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)

  Psychologists use clinical interviews, psychological evaluation and testing to determine your mental health and psychological needs. They can provide individual or group therapy, and may have specialized training in different forms of therapeutic treatment. Psychologists may not prescribe medication.

• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

  Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors are mental health professionals who have completed specialized training in counseling and psychotherapy allowing them to diagnose and treat mental health issues. They provide therapy and counseling services to individuals, families and groups to address a variety of emotional and psychological concerns.

• Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)

  As the largest group of mental health services providers, licensed clinical social workers diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, emotional and substance abuse issues among individuals, couples, groups and families. They provide therapy and develop treatment plans. LCSWs are well-trained in case management and often act as the administrators of social programs such as child welfare.

• Marriage and family therapists (MFT, LMFT)

  Marriage and family therapists specialize in psychological issues in the context of marriage, couples and family systems. They are trained to deal with individual psychological issues, as well as those that affect the entire family, including marital problems and child-parent relationship issues.

• Addiction counselors

  Addiction counselors are trained to treat people suffering from addictions. They commonly work in group settings, either with other individuals dealing with the same addiction or with loved ones affected by the behavior.

• Eating disorder specialists

  Eating disorder specialists deal with conditions such as anorexia, bulimia, body dysmorphia and binge eating disorder, while supporting individuals’ medical and nutritional needs. They guide patients through their struggles, to help build lasting, healthy eating habits.

What is mental illness?

Mental illnesses are health conditions that can affect your daily life, as well as your moods, behavior and the ways you think and feel. These conditions can happen over short periods, be chronic (long-lasting) or occasional. Many individuals who experience mental illness benefit from the support that behavioral health providers can offer.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

What causes mental illness?

Many different factors may contribute to the risk of mental illness, including:

• Family history
• Biological factors, such as genes or chemical imbalances
• Life experiences, such as stress or abuse
• Drug and/or alcohol use
• Feelings of loneliness or isolation
• Other injuries or medical conditions

If any of these experiences are affecting your mental health, you’re not alone. Help is available. A behavioral health provider can help you to identify your concerns and offer suggestions, treatment and guidance.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Medline Plus

How can mental illness affect my overall health?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain types of mental illness may increase risks for physical health problems. The opposite can also be true: Chronic conditions may increase risks for mental illness.

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

How common is mental illness?

Mental illnesses are common and, like many other health concerns, they are treatable. Nearly 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in the U.S., and nearly half of them receive treatment. Adolescents and children can also experience mental illness.

Sources: American Psychiatric Association, NAMI

What are the most common types of mental illnesses?

There are over 200 types of mental illness. Some common conditions include:

• Anxiety disorder
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Substance abuse disorders

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

What are common signs and symptoms of mental illness?

Symptoms may vary, depending on the type of mental illness someone is experiencing. Some common signs in adults and adolescents can include:

• An inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Excessive worry, anxiety or fear
• Extended periods of sadness or irritability
• Extreme highs and lows in mood
• Strong feelings of anger
• Thoughts of suicide

The It’s Up to Us^® website provides more information about symptoms you may notice.

What is a Best Health account?

Best Health^® is our award-winning wellness program that's completely free to members. By creating an account, you'll have access to wellness tips and tools to help you feel your best. Features include custom content that's right for you, innovative goal setting and challenges, advanced trackers with smart device compatibility and much more. You can also download the app.

What is the Best Health Wellness Assessment?

The Best Health Wellness Assessment is a quick, confidential survey that helps you identify health risks, set goals and get motivated to make healthy choices. Based on the information you provide, programs and wellness content are customized to your unique health needs. Log in or create an account to get started.

What is NeuroFlow?

NeuroFlow is Magellan's digital emotional well-being self-care app. It helps you navigate life's challenges and make changes to improve your sleep, mood, relationships and more. The app includes a full library of wellness content and exercises, various relaxation techniques like guided breathing and journaling, a tracker for your mood, sleep, stress, pain and much more. You can download the app for free from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Does NeuroFlow have any programs for children and teens?

Yes. NeuroFlow has two programs specifically designed for children and teens. ThinkHero is for children ages 6 to 12 and ThinkWarrior is for teenagers ages 13 to 17. Both programs teach children about coping with anxiety through a series of nine, self-directed steps. You can use them anywhere, anytime. All you need is the NeuroFlow app to get started.