If you need care for mental health or alcohol and drug use, you will get care through Magellan Health Services.
Behavioral health care does not need approval from your primary care provider (PCP), but you do have to see a Magellan provider. You also may want to talk to your PCP about the problem.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) offers mental health rehabilitation services and targeted case management to STAR members. If you are an adult who has a mental illness or if you have a child with emotional needs, this benefit can help you or your child to learn how to be your best. Magellan Health Services can help you with:
- Managing your medicine to reduce your symptoms or so that you can be more independent
- Training to help you talk to your family, friends and teachers about how you can work together to control your symptoms
- Dealing with a mental or emotional crisis
If you have behavioral health problems, call Magellan toll-free at 1-800-327-7390. Members with hearing or speech loss may call the Magellan TTY line at 1-800-735-2988.
Online Behavioral Health Program
Learn to Live is a no cost online health program. It is offered to members 13 and older and caregivers. Learn to Live gives self-paced mental health solutions. Plus, access to 24/7 therapy coaches for members. It can help with common challenges like stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia and substance abuse. To start, register at Learn to Live (Access Code: TXMED).
Emergency and Crisis Support
In addition, Magellan offers emergency and crisis support. If, at any time, you think you or your child is having a mental health emergency, call Magellan. You may call at any time of day or night, and on any day of the week. You will be able to talk to a mental health professional.
To learn more about behavioral health services, see the STAR Member Handbook.
Mental Health Hotlines
These hotlines are available 24/7. Calls are confidential and at no cost to you.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – provides support for those who are in distress, as well as prevention and crisis information
- National Maternal Mental Health Hotline– provides support before, during and after pregnancy for those who feel overwhelmed, anxious or depressed
Applied Behavioral Analysis for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy is now a benefit for STAR members as a covered benefit through Texas Medicaid. ABA can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) develop improved function with their peers and caregivers. To qualify for ABA, your child must first have special testing to confirm their diagnosis of ASD.
ABA testing is more thorough than what most pediatricians can do as part of their practice. The testing must be performed by a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, or an Autism diagnosis team. Speak to your child’s pediatrician about getting a referral to one of these specialists.
Please see the ABA therapy Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Go to Provider Finder® to search for and print a list of ABA providers in your area.
If you have more questions about ABA services, please call BCBSTX STAR Service Management toll-free at 1-877-214-5630. Members with hearing or speech loss can call the TTY line at 711.