Independence Blue Cross (IBX) just made getting mental health support a whole lot simpler. As part of a recent expansion, members now have access to more behavioral health services than ever before. Whether it’s help with anxiety, depression, substance use, or something more specific, like eating disorders or OCD, IBX has you covered. They’ve even boosted their provider network by nearly 50%—meaning there’s a good chance the right clinician is closer than you think. And if you’ve been struggling to get an appointment in the past, that’s about to change too.
More Providers, More Options
IBX’s expanded network now includes 6,700 mental health professionals in the Philadelphia area alone, a 47% jump from 2022. More notably, they’ve made sure this network reflects the diversity of their members. Over 500 of these new providers are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), with Spanish and Russian being the most spoken languages after English. It’s a big step towards breaking down the cultural and language barriers that can make finding the right care feel impossible.
Virtual Care is Here to Stay
Virtual appointments? Absolutely. IBX has been expanding virtual care options for members in and out of the area. These appointments, often available in less than a week, cover everything from general mental health to substance use disorders. Need help fast? Providers like Grow Therapy and Headway offer nearly 4,000 available appointments every month.
Support for Kids and Teens
Got kids or teens who need support? Little Otter, Joon, and Blackbird Health are some of the providers focused on younger members. Whether it’s help with managing school stress or more serious issues, there are options for all ages.
Help is Just a Phone Call Away
Navigating health care can feel like a maze, especially when you’re in a mental health crisis. That’s why IBX is doubling down on providing members with support right from the start. A dedicated team of Behavioral Health Case Managers, all of them trained professionals like registered nurses and social workers, are ready to step in and help members get the care they need faster. These managers have helped identify thousands of people who needed care, offering guidance from start to finish.
And if it’s an emergency or something urgent, IBX has a 24/7 team that can guide members to the right care, with appointments often booked within five days. The Clinical Triage Team doesn’t just stop at the referral—they follow up to make sure everything is on track.
Going the Extra Mile
IBX is going beyond just doctor visits. They’ve partnered with Quartet Health to offer free access to mental health navigation services, ensuring that members are matched with the right care quickly. The best part? If someone’s dealing with a serious mental health issue, IBX’s partnership with Quartet guarantees a provider appointment within 48 hours.
For those struggling with addiction, there’s the Shatterproof Treatment Atlas. This tool helps members and their families compare addiction treatment centers to find the best fit.
IBX members also have 24/7 access to Teladoc Health for mental health coaching, covering a wide range of issues like stress, depression, and work-life balance—all from the comfort of their home.
The Bottom Line
Independence Blue Cross’s latest push to expand mental health services couldn’t come at a better time. By growing their provider network, offering more virtual care, and providing extra tools and support, IBX is working to make mental health care more accessible for everyone.
For more information on these offerings and how you can take advantage of them, visit www.ibx.com.