Millions of Americans experience some form of emotional and behavioral health issues every year. Addressing this health concern is vital, as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports the high rate at which American are affected by emotional and behavioral health conditions. The following estimates reflect this percentage of our population:

• Approximately 1 in 5 American adults, or 43.8 million or 18.5%, face an emotional or behavioral health disorder each year.
• Approximately 1 in 25 American adults, or 9.8 million or 4.0%, suffer from an emotional or behavioral health illness that substantially limits how they function at home, school or work.
• Approximately 1 in 5 Americans of the ages 13 to 18 or 21.4%, go through a serious emotional or behavioral health disorder at some point in their youth.

Accessing the services, by these adults and children who may need help in addressing and resolving emotional and behavioral health concerns, can be challenging. While access to insurance and treatment has improved due to the introduction of health care reforms, the state of health care in America is best depicted by the following statistics: 80% of youth are left with inadequate or no treatment at all, while 56% of American adults affected by an emotional or behavioral health disorder still lack access to care and have not received treatment.

Recognizing and treating people with emotional or behavioral health issues is extremely important, considering that most of these conditions are treatable. To improve the symptoms, develop resiliency, and to strive for better health and wellness, early detection and intervention are key elements. The earlier intervention is provided, the easier it is to return to optimal functioning. Some of the beneficial health care services available can be provided by professional counselors, therapists, and clinical psychologists.

Navigating the Complexities of Health Insurance with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Seeking counseling services can be confusing when using your health insurance. The details sometimes need clarifying as to whether your health plan covers counseling. Some counselors may not accept health insurance or they may not be within the network of your insurance company.

However Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), one of the most recognizable names in health insurance and care, consist of 36 independent health insurance organizations and companies all over the US. With this extensive network, Blue Cross NC covers millions of patients experiencing physical, emotional, and behavioral health issues.

One of the shared difficulties in understanding an insurance policy on behavioral health care is if your preferred counselor accepts your insurance. With Blue Cross NC, the insurance companies under it are licensed entities, offering insurance plans within their specific area. There are also regions where Blue Cross NC companies act as administrator of Medicare and cover state and federal government employees under the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan.

With Blue Cross NC, it is important for beneficiaries like you to get access to counseling services from your preferred health professional, a therapist you can trust to help you attain positive changes in your life. When Blue Cross NC covers your counseling, there is no need to get a doctor’s referral for counseling. This way, you or someone you care about can receive treatment before the symptoms get worse. It also provides you with the comfort in knowing that the treatment and care you or your loved one needs can be accessed quickly.

On the Road to Recovery

Every client is unique and so is every therapist. Connecting with a therapist you can feel comfortable talking about difficult and confidential issues is an essential to part of your recovery. This is why a counseling service with many different counselors and therapists is such an advantage to those who may need one.

When seeking counseling for an emotional or behavioral issue that may be impacting you or a family member, call Carolina Counseling Services — Cameron, NC, on Hwy 87, near Linden Oaks and be matched with an independently contracted therapist that is right for you.

And as a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina beneficiary, there is no need to get a doctor’s referral before receiving treatment with a therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services — Cameron, NC, on Hwy 87, near Linden Oaks. Schedule your first appointment now!

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• No Need to Get a Doctor’s Referral for Counseling If You Have Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Coverage