Finding a Mental Health Provider

In 2023, we removed requirements for prior approval for all in-state, in-network mental health services and substance use disorder treatments. Faster access and earlier treatment can ensure timely care and prevention, reduce the need for interventions, and decrease health care costs in the long run.

“Mental health is just as important as physical health,” says Chief Medical Officer Tom Weigel. “By removing barriers and expanding access to care, we’re ensuring that our members can get the support they need when they need it.”

If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support or care, we’ve put together some advice for finding a provider and getting treatment quickly.

Virtual Mental Health Clinic

The use of telemedicine for mental health increased dramatically during the pandemic and has continued to be an important way of delivering care. Because of this, we now offer our members access to three virtual mental health networks via web or mobile apps:

• Valera Health ® provides ongoing support and comprehensive treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Valera Health’s clinicians can assist members aged 12 and older.
  • Visit valerahealth.com. Complete your onboarding form to receive a free consultation call from a Health Connector during your preferred time window. You can also call (646) 450-7748 to start the onboarding process.
  • Your Health Connector will assess your needs, match you with a qualified provider, and schedule your first appointment.  
  • Connect with your care team through the Valera Health app or on a computer. They will work with you to create a treatment plan to meet your goals.
• Amwell ® offers 24/7 online sessions with psychiatrists and other therapists for a wide range of conditions, including panic attacks, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • Schedule an appointment online at bluecrossvt.amwell.com. Use the service code VERMONT to see all services available to our members.  
  • Review Amwell providers’ education, experience, and approach to treatment.  
  • Easily access Amwell’s telemedicine platform through their app, on a computer, or by phone at (844) 733-3627.
• SonderMind ® provides in-person or virtual care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and couples therapy. They can assist members aged six and older but may be able to assist younger members depending on the case.
  • Go to sondermind.com. Click "Meet with a Therapist" to fill out a brief online questionnaire.
  • SonderMind will connect you to licensed therapists who take your insurance within 48 hours.
  • Review the provider profiles that you are matched with and choose the provider who’s right for you.
  • Download the Sondermind app for access to content, tools, and therapy.

Check out our Mental Health Telemedicine Brochure for more information about these networks available to our members.  

In-person Treatment

If you’d rather see a mental health provider face-to-face, 41% of our in-network therapists are accepting new patients. With 2,632 mental health therapists as of 2024, our therapist-to-member ratio is more than double the national Blue Cross plan average.

Start your search with our recently enhanced Find-A-Doctor tool. 

• Enter your location and the type of provider you’re looking for.
• Filter your search results by different categories like distance or gender.
• Click on a provider’s name to see more information about them.

While our Find-A-Doctor tool is an up-to-date directory of all the providers participating in our networks, other online directories of Vermont mental health providers are available. Please note that providers in these directories may not be covered by your plan, so it’s important to ask about that in advance.

• The Vermont Psychological Association has a searchable directory of its members.
• The Vermont Mental Health Counselors Association has a search form to find a counselor.

As with other providers, it’s important to look for a mental health practitioner who you’ll be comfortable with. You can read provider reviews on websites such as Healthgrades. Personal profile information, such as certifications and education, is often available on the website of the hospital that the provider is affiliated with. You may also want to ask for recommendations from friends and family to narrow your search.

Other Options for Mental Health Support

If you need support in finding mental health professionals and resources to help you feel better, we’re here for you. As a Blue Cross Vermont member, you have access to our case management team who are certified in mental health first aid. A dedicated nurse or clinician can work with you by phone, email, text, or most often -- a mix of all three. It’s your choice. Learn more about case management.  

Here are some other ideas for how to get help with your mental health:

• Ask your primary care physician if they can give you the names and contact information of some therapists in your community.  
• If your employer has an employee assistance program, that can be a good way to get help with personal problems affecting your mental health. Most employee assistance programs offer quick access to confidential counseling with licensed mental health professionals. Immediate family members may also be eligible to receive services.
• The Vermont Department of Mental Health has designated private, non-profit agencies to provide mental health services in each region of the state. Find the designated agency for your area.
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available in Vermont by dialing 988. More information about suicide prevention is available in this blog article.
• Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 by texting “VT” to 741741
• Vermont Peer Support Line is available 24/7 by calling or texting 833-888-2557

Don’t Give Up

If you have questions about your benefits or need help finding providers in our network, please give our customer service team a call at 1-800-247-2583. We’re available Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., except holidays. You can also log into your Member Resource Center account to send us a secure email. 

We know that it can be difficult to find mental health treatment and we’re constantly working to expand access to care for our members and all Vermonters. If you are having trouble getting an appointment, we encourage you to keep trying, as it’s very important that you not let your condition go untreated.