Pay BillMental Health and Substance Use Resources
Behavioral health is about how we think, feel, and act – and how those things shape our well-being each day. It includes mental health and substance use support, along with help for concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life changes.
With the right care and tools, people can build healthier coping skills, feel more like themselves, and move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, CALL 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Independent Health’s Behavioral Health Case Management
When you need help, we are here for you. As an Independent Health member, you have access to a team of experienced and highly trained care specialists who can provide you with safe, confidential guidance on your journey.
Behavioral health case managers take time to understand your needs and help you stay on track with your treatment plan and health. They provide education and support to help you navigate the health care system, reduce symptoms and complications, avoid hospitalizations, and feel your best so you can focus on other important parts of your life.
(716) 529-3945, Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Independent Health’s Find a Doctor Tool
Find a health care provider who participates in our network.
Behavioral Health Network Provider Access
Participating providers that are accepting new patients must offer appointments within the following wait times when a member requests outpatient mental health care or substance use services:
- Ten (10) business days for an initial appointment; and
- Seven (7) calendar days for an appointment following a discharge from a hospital or an emergency room visit
The above timeframes can be satisfied through a telehealth visit with a Participating Provider, unless the member specifically requests an in-person visit.
Contact Independent Health for Assistance
Independent Health has designated staff to assist in finding a Participating Provider who can treat behavioral health (mental health or substance use) conditions. Members may contact Independent Health’s staff by calling 716-529-3945.
If you are unable to find a Participating Provider that can treat your behavioral health condition within the appointment wait times, you or your designee may submit an Access Complaint by calling 716-250-2335.
Telemedicine Benefit*
With Teladoc®, you can consult with psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and clinical social workers. – Phone consultations are available 24/7 – Online video consultations requests from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Teladoc is not covered for State-sponsored plans offered by Independent Health.
Learn more to get started.
Mental Health Advocates of WNY
Independent Health encourages our members to seek help for Mental Health concerns. We encourage you to take a self-screening test at to learn more about their available resources.
Resources
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, reach out to any of the following resources:
CALL 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
A national network of more than 200 crisis centers providing 24/7, confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress.
Call: 988
Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline which serves our nation’s Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.
For texts, Veterans should continue to text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Services
Serving Erie and Niagara County 24/7, providing emergency outreach, crisis care management, domestic violence support and trauma support. Translation services available on all hotlines.
- 24-hour Crisis Hotline for Erie County: (716) 834-3131
- 24-hour Crisis Hotline for Niagara County: (716) 285-3515
- 24-hour Addiction Hotline: (716) 831-7007
- Kids’ Helpline: (716) 834-1144
- 24-hour Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
- 24-hour Crisis Text Line for Frontline Workers: Text “FRONTLINENY” to 741741
- TTY: 711
Erie County Department of Health Addiction Hotline
Available 24/7, providing immediate help, education, information, referrals and assistance with links to addiction treatment services.
Call: (716) 831-7007
Matters Network
Offers connections to treatment, harm reduction supplies and telemedicine services.
Call: (765) 628-8377
Veterans Crisis Line
A free, 24/7 confidential resource that connects all service members and their families or friends with a caring, trained VA responder – even for veterans not registered with the VA.
Call: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
Text: 838255
TTY: 1-800-799-4889
For educational information and resources related to Behavioral Health and Substance Use, please visit Healthy Living Tips & Guidelines.
Healthy Habits that Can Improve your Mental Health
Explains what a habit is, how habits can impact your overall health, and what might affect health behaviors. Discusses how starting small leads to bigger changes.
Stress Management and Psychological Wellbeing
Defines the 6 factors of Psychological Well-being and why this is important. It helps employees recognize the need for self-care or stress management and ways they can manage stress and emotional health.
Mental Health in the Workplace
Provides an overview of mental illness along with statistics to begin breaking the stigma. Common mental health definitions, signs and symptoms are discussed, as well as the impact mental health has on family and work, and when to seek help. The mind-body connection and a list of resources are discussed.
Understanding Substance Use Disorders and Addiction
Provides insight into the most common substance use disorders and demonstrates that it can happen to anyone. It helps employees recognize what they might see, and that there is a link between mental health and substance use. Prevention, treatment, and resources are discussed.
*Benefits vary by plan. Check your benefit plan documents for your applicable member cost share and other information associated with the telemedicine benefit. If your plan is HSA-qualified, by law, you are responsible for paying the full cost of Teladoc services until your deductible is satisfied. Teladoc does not replace the primary care physician. Teladoc does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. Teladoc operates subject to state regulation and may not be available in certain states. Teladoc does not prescribe DEA controlled substances, non-therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. ©Teladoc, Inc. All rights reserved. Teladoc and the Teladoc logo are registered trademarks of Teladoc, Inc. and may not be used without written permission.