Mental health

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 can help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Treatment plans can include medication, therapy, and healthy lifestyle choices. 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 drugs can lead to health issues and problems at work, school, or home. These problems can be signs of substance abuse. If you have concerns about your substance use, talk with a health care 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 three 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 MAT. Learn more about MAT, and 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 Member Services number on the back of your insurance card or use our Find a Doctor online search. If you have an established provider, make sure they are in our 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. It is important to follow your health plan benefit rules to avoid large out-of-pocket expenses and denial of payments.
 

Other resources

• Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline: 1-833-944-4673
• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

*There are certain medical services that require prior approval. Learn more about prior approvals.

We are committed to addressing the opioid epidemic by helping members manage overuse and misuse of opioids. Learn about opiod 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 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 mental health providers.
 

Support for families + children

If 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 or those with limited 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. Learn more about prior authorization requirements and the clinical criteria used in our review.

Using in-network providers

Call the Member Services 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 us to provide services to our members.

Please refer to your plan materials for your additional financial responsibility when using a non-contracted provider for services. Non-contracted providers don't have a legally-binding agreement with us to provide services to our 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 & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

How to schedule an appointment

A referral from your primary care physician (PCP) is needed to see one of our mental health providers. Mental health providers include social workers, therapists, counselors, and psychiatry. Once the referral is placed, call 1-608-252-8000 to schedule an appointment.

If the mental health provider you want to see is not an SSM Health Dean Medical Group provider, you do not need a PCP referral. However, make sure they are part of our 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. It is important to follow your health plan benefit rules to avoid large out of pocket expenses and denial of payments.
 

Telepsychiatry visits

We offer telehealth psychiatry and counseling appointments. Call 1-608-252-8000 to ask if these services are an option for you.
 

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. Bring in any medications (prescription and over-the-counter) you recently took or 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, schedule your next appointment.
 

In case of emergency

If you are in emotional crisis, thinking about suicide, or are concerned about someone who might be, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

We provide free phone education and resource coordination for members with complex, unstable mental health conditions. Learn more about our services.