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Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) Behavioral Health Services Only (BHSO)

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Medicaid

Our plan offers a range of behavioral health benefits. These include mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. View the benefits below to see all that it offers. It's for people who meet income and eligibility requirements for Apple Health (Medicaid) and receive physical health services some other way.

To find out if you qualify, visit wahealthplanfinder.org or call 1-855-WAFINDER (1-855-923-4633) TTY/TTD 1-855-627-9604.

We can also assist with interpreter services, including American Sign Language. To ask for help, please call 1-877-542-8997, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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  • Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) Behavioral Health Services Only (BHSO) Steps to enroll

Find providers and coverage for this plan.

Find a behavioral health provider

Search for behavioral health providers and resources.

Benefits & features

Behavioral health is as important as physical health. You are eligible for behavioral health services, also called mental health services.

Behavioral health services can help you with personal problems that may affect you and your family. These problems may be stress, depression, anxiety or using drugs or alcohol.

Your physical health benefits are from another medical carrier. If you already have a Primary Care Provider (PCP), talk to them today about any health or behavioral health problems you have. We will coordinate your mental health and substance use disorder treatment services with your physical health treatment provider, if necessary.

You don't need a referral from your PCP to see behavioral health specialists in your plan or to access substance use disorder treatment services.

There are some treatments and services that need preapproval before you can get them.

Search for a Behavioral Health Provider

Required care is 100% covered. If you need behavioral health care UnitedHealthcare Community Plan can help coordinate your care.

We cover:

  • Evaluation and assessment
  • Medication management and monitoring
  • Individual and group counseling
  • Peer support
  • Family counseling
  • Education about mental health, treatments and medications
  • Rehab case management
  • Withdrawal management (detox)
  • Opiate replacement treatment
  • Case management

Additional mental health resources can be found here. Find the balance, support and care you need to live the healthiest life possible.

You may also be eligible for additional grant funded services such as care coordination, family hardship services and recovery support services. These provide comprehensive community-based services that supplement your current benefits.

Behavioral Health Advocates

A Behavioral Health Advocate (formerly called Ombuds) is a person who provides free and confidential assistance with resolving concerns related to your behavioral health services. They can also help if you have a behavioral health grievance, appeal, or fair hearing. Behavioral Health Advocates are independent of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. They have also experienced behavioral health services themselves, or someone in their family member has had behavioral health services. 

You can find the phone number of the Behavioral Health Advocate in your county here.  Or you can contact the Office of Behavioral Health Advocacy at  1-800-878-4326 or email info@obhadvocacy.org.

For more information on services available, please refer to your Member Handbook:

Member Handbook (English)
Member Handbok (Español)
Member Handbook (Russian)
Member Handbook (Chinese)
Member Handbook (Vietnamese)
Member Handbook (Korean)
Member Handbook (Ukrainian)

What if I have a mental health crisis?

A mental health crisis is when someone’s behavior can put themselves or others in danger, especially if they do not get help right away, such as:

  • Threatens to or talks about hurting or killing themselves and/or others
  • Feels hopeless
  • Feels rage or uncontrolled anger
  • Feels trapped, like there is no way out
  • Engages in reckless behaviors
  • Feels anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep
  • Increases alcohol or drug use
  • Withdraws from friends and family
  • Encounters dramatic mood changes
  • Sees no reason for living

Help for a mental health crisis:

  • Life-threatening emergency: Call 911
  • Mental health crisis: Contact the WA 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    • Call, text or chat: Dial 988
    • Videophone: Call 800-273-TALK (8255)
    • TTY: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 and then 988
    • American Sign Language (ASL): Visit 988lifeline.org, select the “For Deaf & Hard of Hearing” link, and then choose “ASL Now”
    • Go to: wa988.org
  • Not life-threating mental health crisis or substance use disorder crisis: Call the Behavioral Health - Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO) in your county.
    • Check the list of BH-ASO phone numbers for each county
    • Look for the phone number on the back of your UnitedHealthcare Community Plan member ID card.

Additional resources:

Go to Live and Work Well to find balance, support and care you need to live the healthiest life possible.

Do you or a family member have a serious health problem? If your health needs qualify then our care managers are in your corner. They will:

  • Explain medical terms in plain language.
  • Coordinate your doctor appointments.
  • Provide your care team with your medical records.
  • Interpreter Services are available. If needed, you can have an interpreter present at yours or your child's behavioral health visits.

Your care manager will stay with you throughout the medical journey. He or she will:

  • Think beyond your medical needs.
  • Make sure you have support at home.

View Advance Directives in English | Español.

Get extra benefits and support. You can rely on:

  • Language Help. Connect to a translator through Member Services.
  • Interpreters. Have an interpreter with you at your child’s behavioral visits.
  • Quitting Tobacco. Coaches and supplies to help you quit using tobacco.
  • Member Services. Your benefit questions are answered 24/7.
  • WISe. Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)

For information on additional benefits and services you may have please contact the Health Care Authority at 1-800-562-3022, TTY 711.

Choice of Behavioral Health Provider

Your Behavioral Health Provider

You can get a wide range of treatments and services for mental health and substance use disorder. You do not need a referral from your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to see a network behavioral health provider or to access substance use disorder treatment services.

Use the Doctor Lookup tool to find behavioral health providers near you.

Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)
This is the person you should see for most of your care. These services are not covered by this plan. You receive access to these services some other way. Talk to your PCP about any behavioral health concerns you may have. Your PCP can help you decide the right options for you.

Interpreters

Your behavioral health provider and you need to understand each other. Not speaking English well makes this difficult. We can arrange for an interpreter to be at your appointments.

We also have people in member services who speak more than one language. Chances are, we have someone who speaks your language or they can connect you with our interpreter service which covers more than 170 languages.

Language Help

You can receive information in your preferred language. Just ask. We also have people at our customer service centers who speak more than one language. Chances are, we have someone who speaks your language or they can connect you with our interpreter service which covers more than 170 languages.

Member Services

Sometimes you might need a little help understanding your health care options. With us, you have someone you can call. We'll answer your questions simply and completely.

We can also help you find:

  • Mental health providers.
  • Substance use disorder treatment services.

Mental Health Services for Children and Youth

Problems such as depression and anxiety can also be challenging for children and teens.

There are no costs for covered services. We have therapists and doctors for youth and teens that can address their specific behavioral health or substance use disorder. Help get them extra support to live a heathier life.

Look for behavioral health providers or call 1-877-542-8997, TTY 711

Additional Resources

Teens can connect with teens during specific hours: 866-833-6546, teenlink@crisisclinic.org, www.866teenlink.org

No Cost for Covered Services

Get the quality health care you deserve at no cost for covered services. You get:

  • Care from highly skilled and compassionate behavioral health providers.
  • Treatments at respected facilities.

Nurse Hotline

When you have questions about your health care, you can call a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-877-543-3409 (TTY 711).

Our nurses will:

  • Listen to symptoms.
  • Help with self-care.
  • Advise you about getting the type of care you need.
  • Help you know when to go to the emergency room or urgent care clinic.

Quitting Tobacco

You know the bad health effects of smoking. You know you need to quit. We support you while you quit with coaches and supplies. The only thing you won't get from us is a lecture. Call 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE (1-866-784-8454) Or visit www.quitnow.net

Transportation

Get a ride – at no cost to you - to and from health care locations. That includes trips to:

  • Doctor or behavioral health provider visits.

Apple Health pays for transportation services to and from needed non-emergency health care appointments. If you have a current ProviderOne services card, you may be eligible for transportation. Call the transportation provider (broker) in your area to learn about services and limitations. Your regional broker will arrange the most appropriate, least costly transportation for you. See the list of brokers

Member resources

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Apple Health (Medicaid) Behavioral Health Services Only (BHSO)


Individual & Family ACA Marketplace Plans Disclaimer

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The benefits described may not be offered in all plans or in all states. Some plans may require copayments, deductibles and/or coinsurance for these benefits. This policy has exclusions, limitations, reductions of benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, review your plan documents, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable. Plan specifics and benefits vary by coverage area and by plan category. Please review plan details to learn more.

UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family plans medical plan coverage offered by: UnitedHealthcare of Arizona, Inc.; Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization Incorporated in CO; UnitedHealthcare of Florida, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Georgia, Inc; UnitedHealthcare of Illinois, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company in AL, KS, LA, MO, NJ, and TN; Optimum Choice, Inc. in MD and VA; UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Inc. in MI; UnitedHealthcare of Mississippi, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of New Mexico, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Ohio, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Oklahoma, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of South Carolina, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Texas, Inc.; UnitedHealthcare of Oregon, Inc. in WA; and UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin, Inc.  Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or its affiliates.

This policy has exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call or write your insurance agent or the company, whichever is applicable. By responding to this offer, you agree that a representative may contact you.

*To qualify for a $0 monthly premium, you must meet household income requirements for Advanced Premium Tax Credits.

**$0 cost-share for network periodic oral evaluation 2 times per consecutive 12 months. Adult dental benefit coverage is limited to a $1,000 benefit maximum per plan year. Coverage for routine vision exam and eyewear is limited to once every 12 months. If you opt to receive vision care services or vision care materials that are not covered benefits under this plan, a participating vision care provider may charge you their normal fee for such services or materials. Coverage may not be available on all plans or in all states. For costs and complete details of coverage, contact your insurance agent or the company, as applicable.

Last Updated: 06.11.2025 at 04:56 AM CDT

Disclaimer information

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Looking for the federal government’s Medicaid website? Look here at Medicaid.gov.

UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete plans

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year.

Premium disclaimer

Dual Special Needs plans have a $0 premium for members with Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy).

Benefit disclaimer

Benefits, features, and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations, exclusions and/or network restrictions may apply.

Nurse Hotline disclaimer

This service should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The information provided through this service is for informational purposes only. The nurses cannot diagnose problems or recommend treatment and are not a substitute for your provider's care. Your health information is kept confidential in accordance with the law. The service is not an insurance program and may be discontinued at any time. Nurse Hotline not for use in emergencies, for informational purposes only. Access to this service is subject to terms of use.

Star ratings disclaimer

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-Star rating system. The 5-Star rating applies to plan year 2025.

Formularies

The formulary, pharmacy network and provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.

Important provider information

The choice is yours

We will provide you with information to help you make informed choices, such as physicians' and health care professionals' credentials. This information, however, is not an endorsement of a particular physician or health care professional's suitability for your needs.

The providers available through this application may not necessarily reflect the full extent of UnitedHealthcare's network of contracted providers. There may be providers or certain specialties that are not included in this application that are part of our network. If you don't find the provider you are searching for, you may contact the provider directly to verify participation status with UnitedHealthcare's network, or contact Customer Care at the toll-free number shown on your UnitedHealthcare ID card. We also recommend that, prior to seeing any physician, including any specialists, you call the physician's office to verify their participation status and availability.

Some network providers may have been added or removed from our network after this directory was updated. We do not guarantee that each provider is still accepting new members.

Out-of-network/non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat UnitedHealthcare plan members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost- sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

American Disabilities Act notice

In accordance with the requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ("ADA"), UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company provides full and equal access to covered services and does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.

Referrals

Network providers help you and your covered family members get the care needed. Access to specialists may be coordinated by your primary care physician.

Paper directory requests

Paper copies of the network provider directory are available at no cost to members by calling the customer service number on the back of your ID card. Non-members may download and print search results from the online directory.

Declaration of disaster or emergency

If you’re affected by a disaster or emergency declaration by the President or a governor, or an announcement of a public health emergency by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, there is certain additional support available to you.

  • Part A, Part B, and supplemental Part C plan benefits are to be provided at specified non-contracted facilities (note that Part A and Part B benefits must be obtained at Medicare certified facilities);
  • Where applicable, requirements for gatekeeper referrals are waived in full;
  • Plan-approved out-of-network cost-sharing to network cost-sharing amounts are temporarily reduced; and
  • The 30-day notification requirement to members is waived, as long as all the changes (such as reduction of cost-sharing and waiving authorization) benefit the member.

If CMS hasn’t provided an end date for the disaster or emergency, plans will resume normal operation 30 days after the initial declaration.