Excellus BCBS of New York Mental Health Anxiety Therapy and Treatment Programs

Some of the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Brands, Product Offerings, and Services Available

As part of the larger Blue Cross Blue Shield family, Excellus BCBS of NY members have access to many BCBS member services and products. No matter your type of BCBS plan, you’ll be able to take advantage of the many offerings Excellus BCBS of New York has to offer. Here are some of the benefits you receive with BCBS membership.

• Excellus BlueCross BlueShield: Excellus BCBS of New York offers comprehensive health coverage for families and individuals, emphasizing preventative health and health education.
• Empire BlueCross BlueShield: Empire is one of the most prominent BCBS brands in New York, and offers several types of plans, such as individual and family plans, employer-sponsored plans, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid.
• BlueChoice: BlueChoice plans offer access to a large number of in-network providers, ensuring BlueChoice members receive quality care and extensive coverage.
• BlueCard: BlueCard is a national program that allows BCBS members in New York to access healthcare around the United States, ensuring access to coverage while traveling or living in states other than New York.
• CareFirst Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): A BCBS HSA will provide a tax-advantaged savings account to cover medical expenses such as doctor visits or medication.
• Medicare Plans: BCBS provides access to a range of Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, to ensure senior citizens and those eligible for Medicare are receiving the coverage they deserve.
• Wellness Programs: BCBS frequently offers wellness programs and education resources to help members maintain a healthy lifestyle. These preventative care benefits include gym membership discounts, smoking cessation programs, and more.
• Prescription Drug Coverage: New York BCBS plans typically include prescription drug coverage, ensuring members have access to necessary and affordable medications.

What is Excellus BCBS Health Insurance Coverage for Anxiety Therapy and Treatment?

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield of New York typically offers coverage for anxiety treatment to some extent. Coverage for anxiety disorders can include anxiety therapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and more. Excellus BCBS of NY will often also cover medications for anxiety to help ease anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety treatment and therapy can come in many forms, including traditional outpatient programs, but also intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, or residential programs, which are more intensive than weekly outpatient sessions. Typically, all these structures of treatment are covered by Excellus BCBS to some degree, though the details will depend on the specific details of your plan.

Does Excellus BCBS of New York Cover Anxiety Therapy and Treatment Programs?

Not only does Excellus BCBS of New York cover anxiety therapy and treatment, it often covers commonly prescribed medications for anxiety. Living with anxiety can be difficult, and sometimes, it’s necessary to seek support from mental health professionals. Excellus BCBS of NY is proud to offer comprehensive anxiety treatment, including anxiety support groups, anxiety medications, talk therapy, and specialized programs.

Though Excellus BCBS of New York commonly covers these programs and treatments, the extent of the coverage you receive will ultimately depend on your specific policy. It is wise to read over the details of your policy to know what your plan will and will not cover. If you have any questions, we are happy to help you clarify the details of your plan. Connect with us at (877) 958-9212.

Excellus BCBS Coverage for Anxiety PHPs

A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) for anxiety will offer structured support in an intensive treatment environment. Meeting for five to seven days a week for several hours at a time, many PHPs are day programs, allowing you to return to your home and family at the end of each session, offering intensive treatment and flexibility.

PHPs will offer individual therapy, group sessions, medication management, and teach the development of life skills to help you learn anxiety self-help skills that you can utilize outside of sessions. Excellus BCBS of NY often covers anxiety treatment at a PHP.

Excellus BCBS Coverage for Anxiety Outpatient Programs

Outpatient treatment for anxiety provides a safe place to practice and utilize relaxation techniques for anxiety. In one-on-one sessions with a therapist for an hour or two each week, you will be able to build upon previous intensive work to build a toolbox of coping and emotional regulation skills.

Several different therapy modalities can be utilized in outpatient sessions, as well as skill-building and lifestyle changes to promote your emotional wellness. Outpatient therapy is regularly covered by Excellus BCBS of New York insurance coverage.

Excellus BCBS Coverage for Anxiety IOPs

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are a step above outpatient therapy. For a few hours per day, four to six days each week, you will attend individual therapy sessions, group therapy, and develop skills such as mindfulness for anxiety. IOPs are an excellent flexible option that provides intensive support but allows you to return to your obligations after each session.

IOPs can be a great transition program if you are coming out of a PHP or residential program. They allow you to practice important skills while still being able to live your normal life. Excellus BCBS of NY frequently covers some level of cost for IOPs.

Excellus BCBS Coverage for Anxiety Residential Programs

Anxiety causes intense distress, and as a result, more intensive programs may be required in the more severe cases. Residential programs offer a safe and secure environment for you to focus on anxiety recovery full-time. With 24/7 access to care and support, you will have the opportunity to attend individual and group therapy and build important anxiety management skills.

Medication management is also sometimes used in residential settings to treat anxiety. Both residential programs and medications prescribed at residential facilities are commonly covered to some extent by Excellus BCBS of NY.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by intense anxiety and fear in social situations. You may worry excessively about being judged, embarrassed, or rejected by others. You may avoid social settings, and your work, school, or personal relationships may suffer. Common treatments, such as therapy and medication are often covered by Excellus BCBS of NY.

Panic Disorder

Panic disorder involves panic attacks, or, a sudden, intense fear with symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. Coping with panic disorder can be difficult as these attacks can lead to avoidant behavior. Medication and therapy treatments that are commonly used are typically covered by Excellus BCBS of NY.

Specific Phobias

Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears of particular objects, situations, or activities. Common examples include fear of heights, spiders, flying, or enclosed spaces. These phobias and fears can trigger severe anxiety symptoms and impact daily functioning. Excellus BCBS of New York will generally cover treatment for phobias, which includes talk therapy modalities such as exposure therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

Separation anxiety involves distress when separated from attachment figures. Though it typically impacts children, it can appear in adults and interfere with daily life and relationships. You may feel intense anxiety about losing loved ones, avoid solitude, or experience physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. Individual therapy, family therapy, and medication are treatments commonly covered by Excellus BCBS of NY.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an intense fear of situations or places where escape might be difficult if panic symptoms occur. This may cause you to avoid crowded spaces or being outside your home. Needless to say, this condition can have negative impacts on your day-to-day life. Excellus BCBS of New York will generally cover common treatments like medication, exposure therapy, and psychotherapy.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is an intense fear of situations or places where escape might be difficult if panic symptoms occur. This may cause you to avoid crowded spaces or being outside your home. Needless to say, this condition can have negative impacts on your day-to-day life. Excellus BCBS of New York will generally cover common treatments like medication, exposure therapy, and psychotherapy.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is marked by persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of life. Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. GAD significantly impacts daily functioning and quality of life, which is why treatment in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and sometimes medication is essential. Excellus BCBS of NY routinely covers these treatments.