Resources for Enrollees in the NYS Health Insurance Program and Additional Resources Available for All
State employees who are New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) enrollees may search by provider for available Mental Health Resources. In addition, this page provides a list of Additional Resources that are available for all.
Empire Plan
Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Program
Virtual Behavioral Health Visits
Administered by Carelon Behavioral Health
Clinical Referral Line 1-877-7-NYSHIP (1-877-769-7447) and press or say 3 for the MHSU Program, then choose option 3 for enrollee and option 3.
The Clinical Referral Line is confidential and available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The Clinical Referral Line is staffed by highly trained and experienced clinicians who can help you find a quality, in-network provider currently accepting patients. They can even help with finding appointment availability.
Talkspace
Talkspace provides online therapy with a provider via private message and live video. Using the QuickMatch process, you can find therapists specializing in stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use, identity struggles, trauma, grief and more. Since Talkspace is a participating provider group through Carelon, engaging with a Talkspace therapist is subject to the same copayment that would apply to an in-person visit.
LiveHealth Online
Virtual Behavioral Health Visits
No copayment.
Register with your Empire Plan ID and select Anthem BlueCross from the list of insurance providers.
MVP Health Care
Gia® Virtual Care
Virtual Visits
No copayment.
When to Use Gia® by MVP Mobile App
Crisis Hotline 1-833-787-9687
1-800-662-1220
1-888-687-6277
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Free, confidential support 24/7
CDPHP
Doctor On Demand®
Virtual Visits
No copayment.
1-800-997-6196
After Hours Crisis Hotline 1-888-320-9684
Live, licensed mental health professionals.
Emblem Health
Emblem Health
Virtual visits through Virtual Portal available.
$5/$10 copayment.
1-800-447-8255
Independent Health
Teladoc
Virtual Visits
1-800-Teladoc or 716-631-8701
Independent Health website
1-800-501-3439
No copayment.
HMO Blue
MDLIVE®
Virtual Visits
No copayment.
Eligible members can register for MDLIVE online, via text, or using the MDLIVE app.
MDLIVE 866-692-5045
Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield website
1-800-499-1275
Blue Choice
MDLIVE®
Virtual Visits
No copayment.
MDLIVE 866-692-5045
Eligible members can register for MDLIVE online, via text, or using the MDLIVE app
Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield website
1-800-499-1275
Highmark
AmWell
Highmark Western New York
1-844-639-2441
Well 360
Highmark Northeast New York
1-844-639-2440
Virtual visits available.
No copayment.
Additional Resources
| Resource Name | Phone Number | Text | Website |
| Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline) Are you in crisis, experiencing emotional distress, or worried about someone you know? 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | Dial 988 | Text 988 | Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Website |
| Lifeline and Crisis Chat - Online Live Messaging | Dial 988 | Text 988 | Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat |
| NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) | 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) | OASAS Website | |
| NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) | 1-800-942-6906 | OPDV Website | |
| NYS Be Well | Be Well Website | ||
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) | 1-800-662-4357 | SAMHSA Website | |
| Veterans Crisis Line | Dial 988 and then press 1 | Text 838255 | Veterans Crisis Line Website |
| Essential Local and Community Services - 211 | Dial 211 | Essential Local and Community Services 211 Website | |
| NY Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP) - WNY LE Helpline | 716-858-COPS (716-858-2677) | NYLEAP Website | |
| NY Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP) - Safe Call Now (Confidential Peer Services) | 206-459-3020 | NYLEAP Website | |
| NY Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP) - Serve and Protect (MH Referrals) | 615-373-8000 | NYLEAP Website | |
| American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) Lifeline | 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) | AFSP Website | |
| Alcoholics Anonymous | 1-212-870-3400 | AA Website | |
| Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) | 1-800-826-3632 | DBSA Website | |
| NARCONON | 1-888-775-2497 | NARCONON Website | |
| Narcotics Anonymous | 1-818-773-9999 | NA Website | |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) | 1-800-950-6264 | NAMI Website | |
| National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) | 1-301-443-1124 | NIDA Website |