British Columbians are struggling with their mental health and emotional wellbeing as a result of COVID-19.  If you are one of those people, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, the Conference Board of Canada found that 84% of respondents reported worsening mental health concerns since the onset of the pandemic.

Pacific Blue Cross has enhanced our mental health coverage with new online CBT programs, which use a structured approach to help you develop skills and techniques to manage the stress and emotions of day-to-day life. The program is tailored to your needs and offers one-on-one support from qualified mental health professionals.

And all of this help is available online or via an app that’s downloaded on your smartphone or tablet—and it’s now covered in most Pacific Blue Cross benefit plans if you have Psychology or Counselling benefits.

 

Introducing our iCBT providers

We’re launching this new benefit with three leading iCBT solutions: BEACON, AbilitiCBT by Morneau-Shepell, and ALAViDA.

Both BEACON and AbilitiCBT offer programs to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Specialty programs include post-traumatic stress, panic disorder, chronic pain management, and anxiety related to a pandemic. Learn more.

With the implementation of stay-at-home measures, and the rise in alcohol and substance use, comes the search for help that can be accessed online. ALAViDA is private and non-judgmental support for individuals questioning their relationship with alcohol and other substances. Learn more.

 

How does it work?

All members with personal health insurance plans from Pacific Blue Cross have this benefit.

If you’re a member of an employer-based group plan, find out if you have coverage and how much it costs by logging into your Member Profile. Under Practitioner Services, look under Counselling Services or Psychological Services.

Select the program from our eligible vendors that you think will work best for you and register online. You’ll pay the cost up front and submit the claim to Pacific Blue Cross for reimbursement. If you have a balance you can claim it through your Health Spending Account if you have one as part of your benefits plan.

COVID-19 has brought lots of changes to all our lives. If you or one of your dependents are affected, online CBT may help.