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Mental Health and Suicide Awareness

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Iowa Total Care values our members and their mental health & wellness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 1 in 5 Americans have a diagnosable mental illness. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention reports suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide and suicidal behavior among youth and young adults is a major public health crisis. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing reports suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people 10-24 years of age in the United States (US), and rates have been rising for decades. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

Every culture has a different way of looking at mental health. For many, there is growing stigma around mental health, and mental health challenges are considered a weakness and something to hide. This can make it harder for those struggling to talk openly and ask for help. 

Iowa Total Care provides integrated quality physical and behavioral health services to our members. Our integrated services strive to address the whole person and ensure our members have quality of life and better health outcomes. Iowa Total Care's approach to behavioral health treatment stems from a system of care perspective. We strive to support the children, youth, adults, and families we service by providing community-based, culturally competent, evidence-based care in the least restrictive environment.

Programs

There are times when you may need to speak to a therapist, counselor, or doctor if you are having any of the following feelings or problems:

  • Always feeling sad.
  • Not wanting to do the things that you used to enjoy.
  • Feeling worthless.
  • Having trouble sleeping.
  • Not feeling like eating.
  • Alcohol or drug misuse.
  • Parenting concerns.

We cover many different types of behavioral health services that can help with issues you may be facing. You can call a behavioral health provider for an appointment. You can get help finding a behavioral health provider by:

  • Calling Member Services at 1-833-404-1061 (TTY: 711).
    • Ask about our Choose Tomorrow program.   
  • Calling our 24/7 Crisis Advice Line at 1-833-404-1061 (TTY: 711).
  • Calling the National Crisis Lifeline at 988.

You do not need a referral from your PCP for mental health and substance misuse needs. 

Members can also enroll in case management to get help with care and community support groups like special groups for pregnant woman and parents. If you are thinking about hurting yourself or someone else, call 911. You can also go to the nearest emergency room even if it is out of our service area. Once you are in a safe place, call your PCP if you can. Follow up with your mental health or substance use disorder provider within 24-48 hours. If you get emergency care outside of the service area, we will make plans to transfer you to a hospital or provider that is in our plan’s network once you are stable.

Iowa Total Care can help members with their mental health treatment. We also help with drug and alcohol misuse. Iowa Total Care can help members get treatment in many ways. This is how we can help:

  • We will refer the member to a doctor. Members can also attend a community support group. There are special groups for pregnant women and parents.
  • Members will have a case manager to help with care.
  • The Health Assistance, Linkage & Outreach (HALO) program connects members with Iowa Total Care case managers to address substance use disorders (SUD).

Resources

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The 988 Lifeline connects you to mental health crisis
support. You can call, text, or chat 988 for help 24/7. When you use 988 it is private and at no cost. The three-digit code is available to anyone having a mental health crisis.

You can use 988 for yourself or a loved one. A crisis counselor will be there to help. They will listen to you. They will work with you to understand how your problem is affecting you. They can share resources for additional help.

Call 988 for:

  • Thoughts of suicide.
  • Ongoing anxiety or depression.
  • Concerns about use of alcohol or drugs.
  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or others.

Call 911 for:

  • Someone’s life is in danger.
  • Overdose.
  • Emergency medical help.
  • Fear for your safety or someone else’s.

Using the 988 Lifeline connects you to someone right away. For help with a mental health crisis:

Additional 988 Resources

 
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Did you know you can request a behavioral health toolkit? Each kit contains informational flyers and resources on mental health challenges. Call Member Services at 1-833-404-1061 (TTY: 711) to request your kit or download the files below.

My Health Pays® Rewards Program

Get rewarded for focusing on your health!

Earn My Health Pays® rewards when you complete healthy activities like a yearly wellness exam, annual screenings, tests and other ways to protect your health.

Use Your My Health Pays® rewards to help pay for:

  • Utilities.
  • Transportation.
  • Telecommunications.
  • Childcare services.
  • Education.
  • Rent.

Or, you can use them to:

  • Shop at Walmart, Sam's Club, or Hy-Vee for everyday items**.

**This card may not be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, or firearms products.

To see the full list of healthy activities that are eligible for rewards, please visit our My Health Pays Resources webpage.