We understand- life can be stressful. We offer confidential support, treatment, and resources to help. Whatever your goals, we’re here for you.
Mental Health
Talking to Someone
Help When You Need It
In cases of a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.
Anyone witnessing or experiencing a mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis can now text or call 988 and get free, confidential access to trained crisis counselors anytime, day or night. There’s also a live chat option at 988lifeline.org. Veterans can dial “1” after calling 988 to be connected to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline or text 838255.
The support line is answered by a national network of crisis centers, with each state operating their own services. The line can be used to address a variety of behavioral health concerns requiring immediate attention, such as:
- Experiencing suicidal thoughts.
- Having a mental health or substance use-related crisis.
- Feeling intense emotional distress.
- Concerned about someone else who may be experiencing a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis.
The new 988 hotline connects you to services based on your phone's area code. If you live in New York City but have a phone number from another area, the Mayor's Office recommends contacting NYC Well. You can reach them directly by calling 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), texting "WELL" to 65173, or chatting online. NYC Well is also free and accessible 24/7.
If you’re a member of the New York Police Department (NYPD), you can also call POPPA (Police Organization Providing Peer Assistance), the NYPD cop-to-cop mental health hotline: 888-COPSCOP (888-267-7267).
By Phone or Online
If you are an EmblemHealth member, your mental health benefits are provided through our partner, Carelon Behavioral Health (formerly Beacon Health Options). To find a mental health provider, go online or call 888-447-2526 (TTY: 711).
29-I VFCA Health Facilities: To find a mental health provider, call Carelon Behavioral Health at 888-447-2526 (TTY: 711) or go online.
Medicaid Members: If you are covered by a HARP (Health and Recovery Plan), you may be able to get coverage through a care management system, which coordinates mental health and medical health services. This is called a Health Home. Medicaid-covered children under age 21 with mental health or substance use needs can get support through Special Services for Children. There is no additional cost. To find a mental health provider, go online or call 888-447-2526 (TTY: 711).
Your Mental Health Matters
To provide our members quicker access to mental health care, we’ve launched our Mental Health Concierge phone line. You can use this service if you need to find someone to talk to.*
Call our confidential, dedicated concierge line at 646-447-9417 (TTY: 711) from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We will schedule your appointment with a local mental health professional within five business days. In one call, the concierge team will:
- Match you with a licensed professional who fits your needs.
- Answer your questions.
- Schedule your appointment.
Let us help you take the first step towards feeling better.
*This service is available to members in commercial fully insured plans, Individual and Family plans, Essential Plan, Medicare Advantage group plans, Medicaid/Health and Recovery Plan and Child Health Plus plans.
This service is not available to members in self-funded ASO (Administrative Services Only) plans including NYCE PPO, Rx only plans, Medicare Senior Care and Direct Pay Medicare Supplemental plans, and Dental only plans. NYCE PPO members should visit nyceppo.com to access mental health services through UnitedHealthcare behavioral health network. Senior Care and Direct Pay Medicare Supplemental Plan members should call the number on your member ID card for mental health services.
Get Confidential, 24/7 Support
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, confidential help is available 24/7—no referral needed. Seeking help is a sign of strength. Using your health insurance to pay for services will never be a part of your employment record. Your privacy is completely protected. You can find a doctor online or by calling us at 888-447-2526 (TTY: 711).
Neighborhood Care
EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care provides in-person customer support, access to community resources, and programming to help the entire community learn healthy behaviors. EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care offers free health and wellness programs across New York City’s five boroughs.
For information and instructions for processing claims, visit our Mental Health Claims page.