Major depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, affecting more than 21 million American adults each year. Many factors can contribute to symptoms of depression, and symptoms may present differently from person to person. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or risk factors.

Like screenings for other medical conditions, screenings for depression and other mental health conditions should be a routine part of healthcare. Mental health conditions can coexist with and complicate other medical diagnoses, making early identification and intervention especially important. Screening patients creates opportunities for meaningful conversations about treatment options and support, which may help prevent worsening symptoms and reduce the need for more intensive levels of care in the future.

BCBSRI supports and encourages the use of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and other evidence-based mental health screening tools in primary care settings to identify and address mental health concerns early.

Source: www.nimh.nih.gov

BCBSRI offers the following mental health treatment programs for members: 

• Child and Family Intensive Services (CFIT): CFIT provides services for children and their families through a team approach that is designed to engage the member and their family by improving level of functioning, promoting healthy lifestyles, and teaching community integration skills. Services are available to commercial members. To find an in-network provider offering CFIT services, please contact BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management at 1-800-274-2958.
• Grow Therapy: Grow Therapy is a virtual behavioral health provider network and practice management platform that connects members with licensed clinicians for outpatient mental health services, including therapy and medication management. Services are provided by independently credentialed practitioners across a range of behavioral health specialties, and appointments are available via telehealth, offering convenient access to care for members. Services are available to commercial and Medicare members. Please visit https://growtherapy.com for more information or contact BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management at 1-800-274-2958 for assistance.
• Headway: Headway is a provider group that delivers quality mental healthcare to children and adults by connecting members with providers quickly and efficiently. Headway matches providers with members based on their geographic location, demographic information, care delivery preferences, and diagnosis/concerns. Services are available to commercial and Medicare Advantage members. Please call 1-888-863-7889 or contact BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management at 1-800-274-2958 for more information.
• HealthPath (Butler Hospital): Offered through Butler Hospital, HealthPath is a home and community-based service available to adult commercial and Medicare Advantage members that offers comprehensive behavioral health services through a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, nurses, independently-licensed clinicians, peer support specialists, and substance abuse specialists. For more information, please call (401) 415-8868 or contact BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management at 1-800-274-2958 for assistance.
• BH Link: A 24/7 community-based walk-in crisis facility which offers immediate assistance to members experiencing a behavioral health crisis. A team of registered nurses, counselors, psychiatrists, phone screeners, and peer specialists provide innovative crisis intervention services for up to 23 hours followed by connection to ongoing treatment if needed. Services are available to commercial members. Please call (401) 414-LINK for assistance or contact BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management at 1-800-274-2958.
• Kid’s Link RI: A 24/7 clinical triage line to connect children and youth in crisis in need of mental health services. Services are available to commercial members. Please call 1-855-543-5465 or contact BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management at 1-800-274-2958 for assistance.
• Mobile Crisis: Mobile Crisis services provide immediate access to care for children and youth experiencing a behavioral health crisis, utilizing the Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) model. Services are available to commercial members. To find an in-network provider offering mobile crisis services, please contact Behavioral Health Care Management at 1-800-274-2958.
• TalkSpace: TalkSpace is a virtual behavioral health provider group that connects members with licensed clinicians for outpatient mental health services, including therapy and medication management. Services include behavioral health assessments, individual psychotherapy, and digital therapeutic support through text, voice, video messaging, and live video sessions. Services are available to commercial and Medicare members via telehealth. Please visit https://www.talkspace.com/ for more information or contact BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management at 1-800-274-2958 for assistance.
• Urgent access appointments: BCBSRI has collaborated with providers throughout Rhode Island to ensure that our members have access to urgent appointments for behavioral health needs, such as outpatient therapy and medication management. These providers have dedicated time slots available exclusively for commercial and Medicare Advantage BCBSRI members. To find a provider with urgent access availability, please contact BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management at 1-800-274-2958 for assistance.