October 26, 2023
More than 120 million Americans live in areas experiencing a shortage in behavioral health care providers, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. Even when providers are available, patients often rely on primary care physicians for behavioral health care, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Below are resources that providers across disciplines may find helpful to support patients presenting with behavioral health concerns. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana makes no endorsement of these resources and encourages providers to consider what care is best for their patients under their specific circumstances.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Practitioner Training
- Providers Clinical Support System training to prevent and treat opioid use disorders
- Postpartum Support International's listing of psychiatric perinatal and pediatric mental health consultation lines
BCBSMT Webinars with Continuing Education Credit
We offer introductory behavioral health webinars at no cost to providers. Register or sign in here to view recordings of the following webinars. You will earn one continuing medical education (CME) credit or continuing education unit (CEU) per course, unless otherwise noted.
- Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment (1.5 CME/CEU)
- Comorbid Behavioral Health and Physical Health Conditions
- Depression in a Primary Care Setting
- Diabetes and Behavioral Health
- Differential Diagnoses of Depression: Assessment and Treatment
- Maternal Mental Health: Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Opioid Use Disorder
- Substance Abuse: Coordinating Care and Improving Follow-Up
- Suicide Prevention with the Military Community (1.5 CME/CEU)
- Synthetic Opioids and the Opioid Crisis
The above material is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician or other health care provider. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the appropriate course of treatment. References to other third-party sources or organizations are not a representation, warranty or endorsement of such organization. The fact that a service or treatment is described in this material, is not a guarantee that the service or treatment is a covered benefit and members should refer to their member contract or member guide for more details, including benefits, limitations and exclusions. Regardless of benefits, the final decision about any service or treatment is between the member and their health care provider.