Behavioral health
STAR
Behavioral health and substance use services
If you need care for mental health or substance use, you can access services through Optum. You do not need approval from your primary care physician (PCP), but you must see a behavioral health provider. You can also talk to your PCP about the problem. Dell Children’s Health Plan offers mental health rehabilitation services and targeted case management to STAR members. If you are an adult who has a mental illness or if you have a child with emotional needs, this benefit can help you or your child to learn how to be your best.
Optum can help you with:
- Managing your medicine to reduce your symptoms or so that you can be more independent
- Training to help you talk to your family, friends and teachers about how you can work together to control your symptoms
- Dealing with a mental or emotional crisis
If you have behavioral health challenges, including substance use, you can self-refer directly by:
- Calling Optum toll-free at 1-800-424-1764. Members with hearing or speech loss can reach Optum through the TTY line at 7-1-1.
- Calling the substance use support line at 1-855-780-5955 (TTY 7-1-1) 24 hours a day.
- Visiting Optum’s member portal for mindful sleep and emotional wellness tools for eligible members ages 13-65. You can also find and contact a behavioral health or substance use provider.
Emergency and crisis support
IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OR CALL 911.
In addition, Optum offers crisis support. If, at any time, your child is acting in a way that you think might lead to a mental health emergency situation, call Optum at 1-800-424-1764. You may call at any time of day or night, and on any day of the week. You will be able to talk to a mental health professional.
To learn more about behavioral health services, see the STAR Member Handbook.
Applied behavior analysis for children with autism spectrum disorder
Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy is now a benefit for STAR members as a covered benefit through Texas Medicaid. ABA can help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop improved function with their peers and caregivers. To qualify for ABA, your child must first have special testing to confirm their diagnosis of ASD.
ABA testing is more thorough than what most pediatricians can do as part of their practice. The testing must be performed by a specialist such as a developmental pediatrician, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, or an autism diagnosis team. Speak to your child’s pediatrician about getting a referral to one of these specialists.
ABA services are available through licensed ABA therapists. If you need help finding an ABA therapist you can call 1-800-424-1764 for assistance.
To search for and print a list of ABA providers in your area, Use this search tool for STAR and this search tool for CHIP.
If you have more questions about ABA services, please call 1-800-424-1764. Members with hearing or speech loss can call the TTY line at 7-1-1.
CHIP
Behavioral health and substance use services
Dell Children’s Health Plan works with Optum for some mental health and substance use services. You do not need a referral from your child’s primary care physician to get mental or substance use help. Your child must see an Optum provider for these services.
These providers can help members who have:
- Mental disorders
- Emotional disorders
- Chemical dependency disorders
We cover inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance use services. Sometimes, members with mental health or substance use challenges need 24-hour care in the hospital or a place like home.
Services may include:
- Medicine
- Counseling
- Working with other family members
You must get an OK from Optum for all hospital care for your child. Optum needs an OK from a provider for inpatient psychiatric care or drug/alcohol treatment. To get an OK or for any additional information, call Optum at 1-800-424-1764. Members with hearing or speech loss may reach Optum through the TTY line at 7-1-1.
Emergency and crisis support
IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OR CALL 911.
In addition, Optum offers crisis support. If, at any time, your child is acting in a way that you think might lead to a mental health emergency situation, call Optum. You may call at any time of day or night, and on any day of the week. You will be able to talk to a mental health professional.
For a list of covered services and to learn more about behavioral health services, please see the CHIP Member Handbook.
To find a provider, look in the Provider Directory or use this search tool for STAR members and this search tool for CHIP members.
Note: This benefit is not covered for CHIP Perinatal members.
