MENTAL WELLNESS: Let’s Talk About It
Mental health is no longer the taboo conversation topic it was a few years ago. It’s becoming as normal as talking about physical health—and that is helping people practice self-care and get professional care to help them face life’s challenges.
Discover how your benefits make it easy to get mental health care for yourself and your family.
Kaiser Permanente Participants:
- Now you can make a behavioral health care appointment online. When you choose from KP’s comprehensive list of in-network providers, you don’t need a referral or prior authorization.
- Click here to learn more about KP’s mental health and wellness support.
Providence Participants:
- Schedule an appointment online with one of Providence’s behavioral health in-network providers.
- You also have access to Behavioral Health Concierge (get help selecting a therapist), Learn to Live (self-directed virtual therapy) and TalkSpace (virtual behavioral health therapy).
- Click here to learn about all of Providence’s mental wellness options.
Resources:
- Mental Health America: Online Screening Tests.
WHO’S YOUR GO-TO? Choose a Primary Care Provider (PCP)
Choosing one person to be your go-to provider can change your health—and your life. When you designate a Primary Care Provider, or PCP, you begin a long-term relationship with someone who knows your health history, medications, and background.
Here are a few ways a PCP helps you be your healthiest:
- Sees you whenever you need a doctor (this is the provider you keep in your Contacts)
- Helps you manage long-term health problems (such as diabetes or high blood pressure)
- Refers you to a specialist if you need one (like a knee surgeon or a heart doctor)
- Helps coordinate your care from other providers.
Scheduling an annual wellness visit is a great time to “interview” a potential PCP. After your visit, evaluate how it went. If you don’t think it’s a good fit, continue your search until you find the one PCP who’s right for you.
Watch our newest video for more tips on choosing a PCP.
Resources:
- Kaiser Permanente: Choose a Personal Physician to Be Your Partner in Care
- Providence: Primary Care
- SD-1 Library (Video): Who's Your Go to Provider?
WHAT IS A HEALTH TRUST? Discover the Advantages for You
Did you know that the Trust was created by members, for members? Its purpose has always been to offer members high-quality health care benefits at a reasonable cost.
Unlike an insurance company, which exists to make a profit, the Trust is a non-profit entity. The Trust gives you many advantages an insurance company cannot:
- It’s run by you and for you. The Trust is managed by volunteer employees who represent Portland Public Schools and each union.
- It saves you money. Although health care costs keep rising, the Trust’s reserves offset the amount you pay, keeping your monthly contributions low.
- It offers the benefits you want. The Trust gives you options, so you can choose the coverage that’s best for you and your family.
Watch our short video to learn how every member can help keep their Trust strong by using benefits wisely.