Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nevada manages mental health benefits through Carelon Behavioral Health. Most Anthem PPO members can see an in-network psychiatric provider without a referral. Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare is in-network with Anthem in Las Vegas and checks your benefits before your first visit.
You have Anthem, you know you need help, and your plan documents keep mentioning a company called Carelon. What does that mean for getting care? Here’s how to use your Anthem mental health benefits for psychiatric care in Las Vegas.
Key Takeaways:
- Carelon Manages Benefits: Carelon serves as the behavioral health administrator for Anthem. Previously, it was known as Beacon Health Options.
- PPO vs. HMO: The PPO plan allows the insured person to freely choose the providers, while in some HMO plans, you need to obtain a referral from your primary care physician first.
- Out-of-State Blue Cross: Many out-of-state Blue Cross Blue Shield plans may work in Nevada.
What Is Carelon Behavioral Health?
Carelon Behavioral Health, formerly Beacon Health Options, manages mental health benefits for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.
Carelon, formerly Beacon Health Options, manages mental health benefits for Anthem plans. When you see a psychiatric provider, the visit is processed through Carelon, but it’s still your Anthem coverage.
What Do Anthem Mental Health Benefits Cover?
Anthem plans generally cover psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and telehealth as outpatient mental health care.
- Psychiatric evaluations
- Medication management follow-up visits
- Telehealth visits on most plans
- Care for depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and more
Do Anthem Plans Require a Referral?
Anthem PPO plans usually don’t require a referral for outpatient mental health care; some HMO plans do.
| Anthem Plan | Referral usually needed? |
| PPO | No |
| POS | Depends on the plan |
| HMO | Sometimes |
Can I Use Out-of-State Blue Cross Blue Shield in Las Vegas?
Many out-of-state Blue Cross Blue Shield plans work with in-network Nevada providers through the BlueCard program; call to verify.
Las Vegas is full of transplants. If your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan is from another state, look for a suitcase logo on your card. Many of those plans work with in-network Nevada providers through the BlueCard program. Call us, and we’ll verify.
How Do I Start Psychiatric Care with Anthem?
Find your Anthem member ID, contact an in-network practice, and let the office verify your Carelon benefits.
- Find your Anthem member ID.
- Book online or call/text 702-830-9588.
- We verify your Anthem/Carelon benefits.
- Attend your evaluation in Las Vegas or by telehealth.
See all Anthem plans Arbor Wellness accepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Arbor Wellness accept Anthem?
Yes. Arbor Wellness is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nevada, with behavioral health managed by Carelon. - Do I need a referral with Anthem?
Most Anthem PPO plans don’t require a referral for outpatient mental health care. Some HMO plans do. - Does Anthem cover telehealth psychiatry?
Most Anthem plans cover telehealth psychiatric visits. We offer telehealth anywhere in Nevada.
Get Started at Arbor Wellness
Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and most major insurance plans. Book online or call or text 702-830-9588. We verify your benefits before your first visit, in our Las Vegas office on W. Sahara Ave. or by telehealth anywhere in Nevada.
About Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare: Arbor Wellness is a Las Vegas psychiatric practice at 8687 W. Sahara Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89117, providing psychiatric evaluations and medication management for children 6 and up, teens, and adults, in person and by telehealth anywhere in Nevada. In-network with Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare, Nevada Medicaid, and most major insurance plans. Best of Las Vegas 2025 Gold, Best Medical Practice. Call or text 702-830-9588.
Medically reviewed by Nicole Gregorio, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, Clinical Director at Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare.
Sources:
https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/mental-health-substance-abuse-coverage/ https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients
https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/plan-types/
https://www.bcbsmt.com/docs/forms/provider/mt/blue-card-out-of-state-claims.pdf
