If you are in emotional crisis, thinking about suicide, or are concerned about someone who might be, you are not alone. Support is available.

Learn about what to do in a crisis

It’s important to follow-up with your outpatient providers to discuss a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.

Learn more about follow-up visits

Early detection, diagnosis, and a treatment plan consisting of medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices can help to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

See more about managing depression and anxiety

We work to prevent and treat substance use disorders and provide supportive services. 

We are committed to addressing substance abuse challenges in our community, including the national opioid crisis. Repeated use of alcohol or other drugs leading to health issues or problems at work, school, or home may be signs of substance abuse. If you have concerns about your substance use, talk with a healthcare professional.
 
If you have recently been diagnosed with a substance use disorder or dependence, it’s very important to schedule appropriate follow-up treatment. It is recommended that you schedule 3 follow-up appointments within the first 30 days of being diagnosed. 

Medication-assisted treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines counseling and medications to treat substance use disorders. People who are addicted to opioids are usually more successful with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Learn more about MAT and to see if it's right for you. 

Co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment

Substance use and mental health disorders often co-occur. This means individuals with substance use conditions often have a mental health condition at the same time, and vice versa.  Addressing both is critical for success in recovery, and dual diagnosis treatment programs can help.

Find treatment

Call the Customer Care Center number on the back of your insurance card or use our online provider search. If you have an established provider, make sure they are part of the WellFirst Health Plan network. If you choose to see a provider that is out of network – other than in an emergency or with prior approval* – you may have to pay the full cost of the service yourself. It is important to follow your health plan benefit rules to avoid large out of pocket expenses and/or denial of payments.

Other resources

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

*Certain medical services trequire prior approval. See our Medical Management information for more details.

We are committed to addressing the opioid epidemic by helping members manage overuse and misuse of opioids.

Learn about opioid dependence

Get help for your child

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most common disorders affecting children. When managed appropriately, medication for ADHD can control symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inability to concentrate. To ensure that medication is managed correctly, it is important that children be monitored by a pediatrician or their behavioral health provider. If your child has been given a new prescription for ADHD medication, schedule a follow-up appointment with their provider for 2-3 weeks after starting medication.
 

For children & adolescents on antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotic medications can increase a child's risk for developing serious metabolic health complications. Given the risks, a blood test to measure sugar (glucose) and “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels are important. These tests should be completed at least annually and the results communicated to members of your child’s treatment team, which can include the primary care physician and other behavioral health providers.
 

Support for families & children

If you think you, a family member or a friend is having a problem with their mental health, drugs or alcohol, talk to them to provide positive support to help them get the help they need.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) also offers a six-session education program for parents, caregivers and other family members who provide care for youth who are experiencing mental health symptoms. This program is free and available online through NAMI Basics OnDemand.

Mental health and addiction treatment services are available to you and your family. Your recovery may include one or more of the following types of treatment:

• Detoxification - medically supervised treatment that uses medication to help people withdraw from alcohol or drugs. Detox is a first step that can prepare a person for further treatment.
• Inpatient - 24/7 care connected to a hospital, lasting days or longer.
• Residential - 24-hour structured and intensive care for those with more severe problems, and who have limited or no support.
• Partial hospitalization/day treatment – Structured and intensive care on an outpatient basis. 
• Outpatient - regular visits with a counselor, either individually or in group sessions.

Certain services require prior authorization by WellFirst Health Plan. Visit our Behavioral Health page for more information about prior authorization requirements and the criteria used to support clinical decision-making.

Using In-Network Providers

Call the Customer Care Center number on the back of your insurance card or use our online provider search to find in-network care choices. In-network providers are those who have a legally binding agreement with WellFirst Health Plan to provide services to health plan members.

Please refer to your plan materials for your additional financial responsibility when using a non-contracted provider for services. Non-contracted providers are those who do not have a legally binding agreement with WellFirst Health Plan to provide services to health plan members.

If you are in emotional crisis, thinking about suicide, or are concerned about someone who might be, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

We provide services in Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma and Wisconsin. However, accessing services varies slightly in each region.

What to expect at your first visit

You may receive a packet in the mail before your first appointment. Be sure to fill out the necessary forms and bring them with you, along with your insurance card. You may also be asked to bring in any medications you are currently taking.
 
During the appointment, your provider will get to know you by asking questions about your current symptoms and any concerns you may have. Typically, your first appointment will last 60-90 minutes. 
 
After your visit and before you leave, reschedule your next appointment. 

In case of emergency

If you are in emotional crisis, thinking about suicide, or are concerned about someone who might be, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

We provide provides free phone education and resource coordination for members with complex, unstable behavioral health conditions.

Learn more about case management