Behavioral Health

In 2001, Neighborhood joined forces with Beacon Health Strategies a managed care organization specializing in behavioral health, to create a new approach to managing the behavioral health needs of our members. 

Specifically, the goals of the partnership are to:

• Improve access to quality behavioral health care
• Assist PCPs in treating and /or referring members with behavioral health needs
• Collaborate to improve member medical and behavioral health
• Develop a full array of community based behavioral health services that will meet the needs of children and families in their communities

Our results to date are highly encouraging and we continue to work with Beacon and other partners to develop a continuum of community-based care for children’s behavioral health in Rhode Island.

Resources:
Depression in Children and Adolescents
Depression Screening
Depression Treatment
Postpartum Depression

Q: Can patients pick their own behavioral health provider?
A: Members may pick a provider from the Neighborhood behavioral health directory.

Q: How do patients use behavioral health benefits?
A: Many services are covered such as hospitalization, day programs, individual, family, and couples counseling.

• Outpatient Services - Members do not have to receive a prior authorization for the first 12 outpatient counseling sessions or any medication visits provided by a Neighborhood behavioral health provider.
• Members simply contact the provider’s office and schedule an appointment.
• Hospitalization - Inpatient hospitals, residential, day and evening programs do require prior authorization. Providers will need to contact Beacon Health Strategies at 1-800-215-0058.

Q: If members have any questions about behavioral health benefits, or need help arranging care, whom should they call?
A: They should call Beacon at 1-800-215-0058. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help.

Q: What happens when members call 1-800-215-0058?
A: Their call is answered “Beacon Health Strategies - We manage the Behavioral Health Plan for Neighborhood”. If the member is calling for help making an appointment, a Beacon representative will assist in finding the right provider and getting an appointment.  The representative may ask a few questions such as:

• What city or town would you like to go to for care?
• Would you like to see a male or female counselor?
• Are you looking for a counselor who specializes in a certain type of service?

Q: What happens if I am calling with an emergency?
A: In an emergency member should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER).
    For children, parents can also contact KidsLink the emergency services hotline at 1-866-429-3979.