Behavioral health resources

Find resources and information about behavioral health services for providers serving Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan members.

Behavioral health resources for Blue Shield providers

You can provide immediate support to your patients who may need behavioral health care by using the resources available at Blue Shield of California’s PCP Behavioral Health Toolkit website. You will find clinical and referral information, screening tools and patient education resources to help you manage or refer your patient to meet their behavioral health care needs.
 

Tools to help you refer HMO and PPO commercial plan members for behavioral health services

Explore the PCP Behavioral Health Toolkit at any time to find these resources:

• Information about behavioral health conditions
• Screening tools and clinical practice guidelines
• Behavioral health provider lists for referrals
• Blue Shield drug formulary and medication information
• Patient education materials
• Community resources for your patients
• Behavioral health provider lists for referrals

If you have questions about managing or coordinating behavioral health care needs for your patients with coverage under one of Blue Shield’s HMO or PPO commercial plans, and you don’t find what you need in the PCP Behavioral Health Toolkit, contact us:

• Provider Customer Service Department
   Phone: (800) 541-6652
   
• Blue Shield mental health service administrator for HMO and PPO commercial plan members
  Phone: (877) 263-9952
   

Qualified autism service professionals

Effective January 1, 2024, California Senate Bill 805 (SB 805) expanded the definition of qualified autism service professionals (QASP) to include psychological associates, associate marriage and family therapists, associate clinical social workers, and associate professional clinical counselors. The bill also requires that those who qualify as a QASP meet the training and experience criteria established by the California Department of Developmental Services by July 1, 2026.  

In accordance with the law, Blue Shield of California encourages all participating network providers to comply with the changes made via SB 805 to Health & Safety Code Section 1374.73 and Insurance Code Section 10144.51.

Maternity management 

Blue Shield offers maternity clinical support and coaching for pregnant members and their spouse/partner through the Maven Maternity care management program. The program helps members manage pregnancy, loss/miscarriage, and three months of postpartum care. Members who enroll in Maven Maternity will have access to: 

• A dedicated Care Advocate who will help the member find care, navigate their health benefits, find the right in-network providers, and more. 
• On-demand access to Maven’s virtual network of providers, available 24/7 daily, including weekends and holidays, and spanning more than thirty specialties, including OB-GYNs, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, infant sleep coaches, mental health specialists, and career coaches.  
• Clinically approved content and virtual classes curated to the member’s specific milestone or need during their maternity journey. Examples of content include “What you need to know about the glucose screening test during pregnancy” and virtual classes such as “Breastfeeding 101.” 
• View Maternity program information and sign-up instructions for members

To learn about recommended screening tools and treatment resources that meet Senate Bill 1207 expanded Maternal Mental Health requirements taking effect July 1, 2023, view this quick interactive guide.
 

How to refer members with these Medicare benefit plans for behavioral health care services:

• Blue Shield TotalDual Plan (HMO D-SNP), Blue Shield Inspire (HMO D-SNP) or Blue Shield Coordinated Choice Plan (HMO) members
• Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (IMAPD) HMO members

Complete this Behavioral Health Care Management Referral Form (PDF, 131 KB), then email the completed form to the Blue Shield care team at the email address supplied on the form. The email address for submission will depend on your patient’s type of benefit plan.