Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Mental Health Therapy Treatment

New Jersey and Mental Health Statistics

February 2021 found anxiety and depression symptoms impacting 42.2% of New Jersey adults, while almost 40,000 lived in communities without mental health support. Homelessness intersected with mental health, as one in three of the state’s 9,662 homeless people struggled with serious mental illness. Even the state’s youth were not immune, with 72,000 affected by depression.

Beyond these immediate concerns, New Jersey was home to a substantial 1,112,000 adults living with various mental health conditions. Substance abuse treatment providers reported a heavy workload in 2021, with 87,745 admissions and 86,626 discharges. The rise in drug overdose deaths from 2011 to 2021, reaching 32.4 per 100,000, is deeply troubling, while from 2017 to 2019, 9.8% of young adults in the state had serious thoughts of suicide, highlighting the urgent need for mental health resources.

Exploring The Garden State and its Famous Cities

Within the borders of New Jersey, an array of cities possess a distinct allure and historical narrative. Newark, the largest city, boasts a thriving cultural scene, renowned educational institutions, and the bustling Newark Liberty International Airport. Across the river, Jersey City stands tall with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, a burgeoning arts and dining scene, and a cultural tapestry.

Further north, Paterson, the “Silk City,” holds a legacy in industrial history, notably celebrated through the Great Falls National Historical Park. Meanwhile, Elizabeth blends history with modernity, serving as a vital transportation and commerce hub. Trenton, the state capital, is steeped in American history, housing iconic landmarks such as the New Jersey State House and the Old Barracks Museum. Southward, Camden, though facing challenges, is undergoing rejuvenation with waterfront redevelopment and a growing focus on education and healthcare institutions. These cities together form a dynamic portrait of New Jersey’s urban diversity, showcasing its rich culture, history, and potential for growth.

Mental Health Programs Covered by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ

Mental health care is crucial to overall well-being, and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association recognizes this. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) coverage includes mental health programs and services for those facing challenges. BCBS is committed to ensuring access to mental health resources for optimal cognitive function and emotional well-being, including preventive care benefits and medication management.

BCBS Coverage for Partial Hospitalization Programs

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) represent a form of intensive mental health treatment catering to individuals needing extensive therapy while not necessitating round-the-clock inpatient care. Patients engage in structured treatment and counseling during the day and return home in the evenings, allowing them to maintain their daily routines.

Most BCBS health insurance plans typically incorporate PHP coverage into their mental health benefits. This financial assistance aids individuals seeking short-term, concentrated mental health treatment without complete inpatient care. Nonetheless, coverage specifics can differ based on the policy, individual circumstances, and other variables. As such, it is imperative to thoroughly review your plan for precise details.

BCBS Coverage for Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) serve as a structured treatment option for those grappling with mental health or substance use disorders. IOPs offer therapy, counseling, and mental health support multiple times weekly while patients reside at home. Blue Cross Blue Shield typically includes coverage for IOP services as part of its comprehensive mental health coverage.

BCBS Coverage for Outpatient Program

Outpatient programs provide patients with medical services, therapy, or counseling without needing an overnight stay at a medical facility. Patients can adhere to their daily routines and return home following each session. Blue Cross Blue Shield generally encompasses outpatient programs, which include medical visits, therapy sessions, and other mental health services.

Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Cyclothymia

Bipolar disorder, a mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows, and its milder counterpart, cyclothymia, with less severe mood fluctuations, can significantly affect emotions, energy levels, and daily functioning. Medical and therapeutic intervention is often necessary to achieve stability and manage these mood disorders.

BCBS generally provides coverage for these psychiatric conditions, ensuring individuals can access treatment and support. However, the specific coverage details may vary, so reviewing your policy for a comprehensive understanding of what is included is crucial. 

Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition characterized by unstable emotions, skewed self-image, and dysfunctional relationships. Those with BPD often contend with mood swings, impulsivity, low self-esteem, and difficulty maintaining relationships, which can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. With appropriate therapy and treatment, individuals can learn to effectively manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance typically covers the diagnosis and treatment of BPD, encompassing psychotherapy techniques, medication management, and other interventions near you to enhance overall well-being.

Treatment for Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder is a common mental health issue characterized by excessive worry, fear, and apprehension about future events or situations. Physical symptoms like restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and muscle tension often accompany anxiety, impacting daily life, work, relationships, and overall well-being.

If you’re covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance, you may have access to anxiety treatment. This coverage can encompass cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication management, and other evidence-based interventions to equip individuals with coping strategies to reduce symptoms and enhance overall quality of life.

Treatment for Depression

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyable activities. Depression symptoms often include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, low energy levels, and difficulty concentrating, disrupting daily functioning and straining relationships. Untreated depression can even lead to suicidal thoughts.

Typically, Blue Cross Blue Shield covers depression treatment, which may involve preventive care benefits, therapy sessions, prescription medications, and other evidence-based treatments designed to alleviate depression symptoms and aid individuals in regaining their mental and emotional well-being.

Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It manifests with symptoms such as intrusive flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness, significantly affecting one’s daily life and overall well-being. Individuals with PTSD may also exhibit hypervigilance and avoid triggering situations.

BCBS typically provides coverage for PTSD treatment, encompassing therapy sessions, medication, and other evidence-based therapeutic interventions for stress management. This coverage underscores BCBS’s dedication to mental health advocacy.

BCBS Insurance Coverage Guide

Guide to Other Insurance Providers That Cover Mental Health Treatment

Rehab and Mental Health Statistics in New Jersey

• In February 2021, 42.2% of New Jersey’s adult population indicated experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms.¹
• There are 248,000 adults in New Jersey with a serious mental illness.
• 39,712 New Jersey residents live in a community without enough mental health professionals.
• There are 9,662 homeless people in New Jersey, and 1 in 3 have a serious mental illness.
• 72,000 New Jersey children (12–17) have depression.
• There are 1,112,000 adults in New Jersey with a mental health condition.
• In 2021, substance abuse treatment providers reported 87,745 admissions and 86,626 discharges to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services.²
• From 2011 to 2021, drug overdose death rates in New Jersey increased from 11.3 to 32.4 per 100,000.³
• In May 2022, 21.7% of New Jersey adults with anxiety or depression symptoms didn’t receive therapy in the past four weeks despite needing it.
• 1% of adults in New Jersey with any mental illness in the past year had private insurance before the pandemic.
• Between 2017 and 2019, 9.8% of young adults in New Jersey had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, which is similar to the national average.⁴

Sources

1. “Mental Health in New Jersey.” National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Feb. 2021, www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/StateFactSheets/NewJerseyStateFactSheet.pdf.
2. New Jersey Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Substance Abuse Overview 2021 Statewide Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services. “Substance Abuse Overview 2021 Statewide.” NewJersey.gov, July 2022, www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/publications/statistical/Substance%20Abuse%20Overview/2021/statewide.pdf.
3. “Mental Health in New Jersey.” KFF, 20 Mar. 2023, www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/new-jersey.
4. “Behavioral Health Barometer: New Jersey, Volume 6.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2020, www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt32847/NewJersey-BH-Barometer_Volume6.pdf.