BlueChoice HealthPlan

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Great Expectations® Depression

The Great Expectations® Depression program helps you understand more about depression. We know that depression can be overwhelming. So we provide information and resources to help you manage your depression. For instance, you can check out the Depression Self-Care Center for articles, self-assessments and links to useful Web sites.

We also help you connect with professionals who can help you. As part of your BlueChoice HealthPlan coverage, you may also have the Essential SolutionsSM depression program.* Essential Solutions is administered by Companion Benefit Alternatives (CBA), an independent company that provides mental health and substance abuse benefits.

Essential Solutions teaches you how to prevent relapses. It also helps you learn how best to talk with your doctors and counselors.

  • You'll team with a depression disease management specialist. This nurse or social worker will help you plan, coordinate and evaluate services you can use. She will also call you regularly to see how you are doing. Your disease manager will give you follow-up support, coaching and educational materials, as needed.
  • You'll start the program by taking the Core Assessment. This is a structured telephone interview. Based on the results, we will place you in one of these programs:
    1. Watchful Waiting – weekly phone calls for up to eight weeks.
    2. Depression Monitoring – brief, structured assessments during the first 12 weeks of antidepressant therapy.
    3. Depression Disease Management (for those with depressive disorders) – the disease manager works with these members for 12-24 weeks.
    4. Referral Management – refers members to specialty care.

 

If you are interested in the Essential Solutions program, please call CBA at 1-800-868-1032, extension 25733. 

*Not all employer groups choose CBA for their behavioral health benefits. Only members with CBA coverage can take advantage of the Essential Solutions program. Please see your schedule of benefits or talk to your human resources department to see if you have CBA coverage. 

    Whether you decide to join the Essential Solutions program or not, there are a few important things you can do to manage your depression:

  • Be sure to follow your doctor’s plan of care.
  • Take all prescribed medications.
  • If you are taking antidepressant medication, use the medicine as directed. Tell your doctor right away if you have any reactions or unexpected side effects. You may need to take your medication for one to two months before you notice an improvement. Keep taking your medication, even if you are feeling better.
  • Keep scheduled visits with your doctor or other health care professionals. Contact your doctor with any questions or concerns you have about your treatment.

 

Other Helpful Links:

National Mental Health Association