Harmony Health Group Accepts BCBS Insurance
Bipolar disorder has been inaccurately portrayed, which has led to misconceptions about what it commonly looks like. While bipolar disorder includes fluctuations in moods, specifically depression, mania, or hypomania, it differs from general irritability or mood swings. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s day-to-day life when left untreated.
Check Your BCBS Bipolar Disorder Therapy Coverage Levels with Harmony Health Group
You can check your insurance coverage levels by calling us on: (866) 461-4474
What are Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy levels, activity levels, and concentration. When left untreated, these shifts can cause impairment in various areas of life, including work, school, relationships, and a person’s emotional well-being.
There are a few types of bipolar disorder that we will discuss in a few moments, but let’s begin by talking about some of the signs and symptoms associated with manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. The key difference to know between manic and hypomanic episodes is that hypomanic episodes are often less intense, and may not require hospitalization, whereas manic episodes often result in an inpatient treatment stay for crisis stabilization services.
- Manic Episodes:
- Elevated mood (euphoria or irritability)
- Increased energy and hyperactivity
- Reduced need for sleep
- Grandiosity or inflated self-esteem
- Racing thoughts
- Pressured or rapid speech
- Impulsivity and risk-taking behavior
- Poor judgment
- Hypomanic Episodes
- Higher levels of energy than usual
- Feeling happy or excited, more than usual
- Only needing a few hours of sleep to feel well rested
- Feeling invincible, or having inflated self-esteem
- Racing thoughts or flight of ideas
- Distractibility
- Impulsive behaviors that lead to poor choices
- Depressive Episodes:
- Persistent depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Changes in appetite (weight loss or gain)
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Fatigue or low energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Bipolar Disorder Statistics in the United States
A Quick Overview: Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a prominent sub-brand within the healthcare industry, consisting of independently operated health insurance companies. Founded in the early 20th century, BCBS originally comprised separate organizations—Blue Cross, focused on hospital services, and Blue Shield, centered on physician services. Today, BCBS continues to provide comprehensive health insurance coverage across the United States, emphasizing accessibility and quality care.
BCBS provides customizable healthcare plans for individuals, families, and employers. Some of their most commonly used brands, products, and services include:
BCBS Brands, Products, & Services
Does BCBS Cover Bipolar Disorder Treatment?
If you find yourself wondering, does Blue Cross Blue Shield covers bipolar treatment, you are in the right place! They do typically provide coverage for bipolar disorder treatment for policyholders. Individuals who are actively experiencing manic, depressive, or hypomanic episodes often require immediate treatment, which can include a combination of psychotropic medications, counseling, and therapy.
If you are living with bipolar disorder, and feel as though there may be a better way to cope with or manage your symptoms, we encourage you to contact the Harmony Health Group today. Our Admissions Counselors can help you understand the scope of your BCBS coverage, as well as provide you with knowledge of which treatment options would be the best fit for you, based on your current experiences and goals for emotional health and wellness.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Bipolar Disorder Therapy and Counseling?
Blue Cross Blue Shield does cover therapy services for policyholders who need these services as a component of comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder. Counseling and therapy sessions can play a vital role in your mental health journey, helping you understand your mental health condition, as well as building the skill set you need to effectively cope with and manage your symptoms.
Your BCBS plan may include coverage for therapy sessions with licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical social workers. Counseling and therapy services are often available in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, allowing you to receive personalized support at various stages of your journey.
What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
The main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist is how they treat mental health conditions and their background in education and training. Psychologists specialize in psychotherapy and psychological assessment., and have earned doctoral degrees. They are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health issues using talk therapy and other psychotherapeutic approaches.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health disorders. They have completed medical school and residency training in psychiatry, which includes education in both general medicine and psychiatry. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications that can be used to treat mental health conditions. While their primary focus is on the use of pharmacological interventions, they too may provide counseling and therapy services. Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together as members of a multidisciplinary team in a mental health treatment setting, to provide comprehensive care to those experiencing mental health concerns.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Cover Psychiatrist Visits for Bipolar Disorder?
Yes! Blue Cross Blue Shield usually covers psychiatrist visits for those living with bipolar disorder. Depending on your current symptoms and struggles, you may encounter a psychiatrist in an inpatient or mental health treatment setting. When working with a psychiatrist, they will complete a comprehensive assessment used to formulate an accurate diagnosis.
Based on your symptoms, they will review medications that can be used to help with the treatment and stabilization of your mental health. Individuals who are experiencing a manic episode, often require inpatient hospitalization services with a psychiatrist for crisis stabilization services. Depressive episodes can also benefit from the use of pharmacological interventions. Many individuals work with Psychiatrists on an outpatient basis for medication management services, even when they are managing their symptoms well.
Does BCBS Cover Medication Costs for Bipolar Disorder?
BlueCross BlueShield prescription drug coverage typically provides some level of coverage for bipolar disorder medications. Medications are often a necessary component of a comprehensive treatment plan because it can help stabilize a person’s mood, and decrease the frequency and intensity of manic and depressive episodes.
Commonly used medications for those living with bipolar disorder include mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics. These medications target the chemicals in your brain, working to find a balance that allows it to work in harmony.
What Medications Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover for Bipolar Disorder Treatment?
Bipolar Disorder Programs Covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield
The level of care that a person needs is dependent on the psychological distress they’re experiencing, and their level of impairment. The different treatment options often utilize varying approaches including supportive counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other holistic approaches to bipolar disorder treatment. Examples of commonly used therapeutic programs include:
BCBS Coverage for Residential Inpatient Bipolar Disorder Treatment
BCBS Coverage for Partial Hospitalization Program for Bipolar Disorder
BCBS Coverage for Bipolar Disorder Intensive Outpatient Program
BCBS Coverage for Bipolar Disorder Outpatient Program
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Centers That Blue Cross Blue Shield Policies Cover Near Me
The Harmony Health Group is a behavioral health treatment provider that manages mental health treatment programs and behavioral services on the East Coast. Many of our treatment programs are considered in-network providers and are rehabs that accept Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage. Continue reading to explore our various treatment opportunities!
Harmony Bipolar Mental Health Programs in Florida (FL)
Harmony Bipolar Mental Health Programs in Massachusetts (MA)
Harmony Bipolar Mental Health Programs in North Carolina (NC)
Harmony Bipolar Mental Health Programs in New Jersey (NJ)
Harmony Bipolar Mental Health Programs in Tennessee (TN)
Harmony offers a multitude of locations up and down the East Coast for behavioral health services. Call us to learn about our facilities and treatment options.
Types of Bipolar Disorder Covered by BCBS
Now let’s circle back to review the different types of bipolar disorder that BCBS often provides coverage for. More often than not, when someone is talking about bipolar disorder, our minds jump to bipolar I disorder, when in reality, there are several forms of bipolar disorder that an individual could be experiencing. This includes:
Bipolar I Disorder
Bipolar II Disorder
Cyclothymic Disorder
Bipolar Disorder with Rapid Cycling
How Much Does Bipolar Disorder Treatment Cost Without Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance Coverage?
The costs of bipolar disorder treatment can vary significantly based on the type of bipolar disorder being treated, the severity of the symptoms, and the treatment approaches being used. Inpatient treatment programs, including clinical stabilization services, tend to cost more than outpatient services.
Studies have indicated that the cost of treatment for a manic episode can range from $11,700 to over $600,000, depending on the care that you receive. This includes the cost of medical expenses, psychiatric care, treatment, medication, and emergency room visit costs. Outpatient treatment programs tend to have lower levels of cost due to the different intensities of treatment. Additional costs to consider would be co-payments needed for your prescription medications received through medication-assisted treatment (MAT). The national costs for bipolar I and bipolar II disorder are approximately $195 million dollars, annually. If you find that these numbers are overwhelming, we would like to remind you that these numbers reflect mental health disorder therapy treatment costs without insurance. If you complete our online insurance verification form, we can help determine how much BCBS covers for therapy with your specific health plan.
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How To Get BCBS To Pay For Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Individuals who are looking to use their Blue Cross Blue Shield health coverage options for bipolar disorder often begin their journey with a bipolar screening and assessment to determine that that is the mental health concern that they are struggling with. From there, qualified mental health professionals will provide you with a referral for treatment.
Before you begin engaging in treatment services, your treatment provider will verify your BCBS policy. This allows them to see if they fall within your health network of providers, and if there are any copayments, deductibles, coinsurance, or premiums that you would be responsible for. Once your insurance has been verified and your free assessment has been completed, you can begin engaging in your treatment program. In most cases, your treatment provider will initiate the medical claims process for you, by submitting claims as you receive services.
Related BCBS Coverage Articles
Bipolar Disorder Related Statistics
- The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 2.8% of adults living in the U.S. were living with bipolar disorder in the last year
- The prevalence of bipolar disorder is 2.9% for males and 2.8% for women
- 4.4% of adults living in the U.S. will experience bipolar disorder at some point in their life
- Bipolar disorder was more common among adults between the ages of 18 and 29 during 2001-2003
- Approximately 82% of those who are living with bipolar disorder experience serious impairment when they have mood episodes
- 17% of those living with bipolar disorder experience moderate impairment during mood episodes
- 2.9% of adolescents are believed to experience bipolar disorder, with the majority falling between the ages of 17 and 18
Resources
- “Bipolar Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, December 13, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355961.
- “Bipolar Disorder.” National Institute of Mental Health. Accessed May 5, 2024. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder#:~:text=What%20is%20bipolar%20disorder%3F,day%2Dto%2Dday%20tasks.
- Carvalho, André F et al. “Rapid cycling in bipolar disorder: a systematic review.” The Journal of clinical psychiatry vol. 75,6 (2014): e578-86. doi:10.4088/JCP.13r08905
- Cleveland Clinic Medical. “Hypomania: What Is It, Comparison vs Mania, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic. Accessed May 5, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21774-hypomania.
Get in touch with Harmony Health Group to find out about our rehab admissions process, free assessment, treatment options or to check your insurance coverage levels. Your first step to recovery starts here!
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