Information to help you find the right behavioral health provider for the services you need:

A word about your benefits:

Health Plan Benefits:
Your health plan generally provides benefits for behavioral health services. However, the types of services and coverage amounts can vary from policy to policy. Please check your benefits to understand what is available under your policy.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAP):
Your employer may offer you a benefit which often includes the availability of counseling services at no cost to you. EAP is a separate and distinct product from the mental health/chemical dependency benefits included in Aetna's health plans. The behavioral health services provided under the Aetna medical benefits are focused on mental health and substance abuse issues that impact a member's ability to function effectively. EAP services focus on work and life situations that are acute in nature and can be addressed through short-term interventions. The provider types in the "Outpatient Services" section (with the exception of Psychiatrists) are part of the EAP program for counseling services.

How to think about your needs: (What kind, how much, how soon, where and by whom)
If you need counseling, consider a therapist who is a social worker, nurse, Marriage and Family Therapist, Psychiatric Nurse or Licensed Professional Counselor. If you think you have something more stressful or chronic, consider a clinical psychologist. Psychiatrists tend to be needed when medication is part of your treatment plan, but often in addition to a therapist. Many individuals feel better after a few sessions. It is reasonable to continue building on your strengths or the gains you make from therapy by seeking support from friends, family, or support groups (online or in person).

Some mental conditions and some alcohol and drug addictions require treatment in a 24 hour setting (see Inpatient Services.) The focus of the inpatient programs is on evaluating and stabilizing the patient so that treatment can continue as an outpatient. The real-world setting will test your skills and present opportunities to confront the people, places and things that could cause difficulty.