In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health. As people begin to prioritize their emotional well-being, the demand for high-quality behavioral healthcare services has skyrocketed. One organization that stands out in this field is Carelon Behavioral Health.
But what exactly is Carelon Behavioral Health, and what role does it play in the healthcare ecosystem?
Let’s dive deep into what Carelon does, who it serves, its mission, and how it’s helping individuals and communities thrive.
Introduction to Carelon Behavioral Health
Carelon Behavioral Health is a managed behavioral health organization that focuses on delivering mental health and substance use disorder services. It’s part of Carelon, a healthcare services brand launched by Elevance Health (formerly known as Anthem Inc.), one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States.
Carelon Behavioral Health was previously known as Beacon Health Options, a trusted name in behavioral health for over 30 years. In 2023, Beacon rebranded as Carelon Behavioral Health, aligning its services under the broader Carelon umbrella to streamline and enhance healthcare delivery.
The Mission of Carelon Behavioral Health
Carelon Behavioral Health aims to transform lives through behavioral health care. The company envisions a world where mental health and substance use services are accessible, personalized, and deeply integrated with general health services.
Their mission is built on:
- Compassionate care
- Clinical excellence
- Whole-person health
- Reducing stigma around mental health
What Services Does Carelon Behavioral Health Offer?
Carelon provides a wide array of services that span mental health, substance use disorders, and integrated care management, including:
- Crisis support services
- Case management
- Utilization management
- Provider network management
- Behavioral health claims processing
- Peer support programs
- Digital tools and telehealth access
These services are tailored for:
- Individuals and families
- Healthcare providers
- Employers
- Health plans
- Public sector agencies (like Medicaid, Medicare, etc.)
Key Areas of Focus
1. Integrated Behavioral Health
Carelon ensures mental health and substance use disorder services are integrated with general health care. This “whole-person” approach improves outcomes by addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health simultaneously.
2. Evidence-Based Clinical Programs
The organization uses clinically proven methods for treating depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and other behavioral health issues.
3. Telehealth and Digital Tools
Carelon leverages technology to make access easier, offering online therapy, mental wellness apps, and digital screenings.
4. Community-Based Programs
It supports outreach programs targeting vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those with severe mental illness, and individuals in crisis.
5. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Carelon partners with employers to provide mental health support and counseling for employees and their families.
Why Carelon Behavioral Health Matters
Mental illness affects 1 in 5 adults in the U.S., and access to quality care remains a challenge. Carelon addresses this gap by connecting people with the support they need—regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
Here’s how Carelon stands out:
- National reach with localized services
- A strong provider network with over 100,000 professionals
- Focus on clinical outcomes and data-driven decisions
- Partnerships with Medicaid and Medicare agencies
- Emphasis on reducing health disparities
Who Can Benefit from Carelon Behavioral Health?
Anyone experiencing emotional distress, mental illness, or substance use issues can benefit. That includes:
- Children with behavioral issues
- Teens struggling with anxiety or depression
- Adults facing addiction
- Seniors dealing with isolation or cognitive decline
- Employers seeking mental health benefits for staff
- Public agencies looking to enhance community care
The Evolution from Beacon Health Options
In 2020, Anthem acquired Beacon Health Options, a leader in behavioral health management. The move aimed to integrate behavioral health with Anthem’s broader health services. In 2023, Beacon was rebranded as Carelon Behavioral Health to unify its mission and brand under the Carelon name.
Despite the name change, the organization has retained Beacon’s legacy of expertise, now enhanced with more advanced tools and broader healthcare integration.
Real Impact: Stories from the Field
Carelon has helped millions of Americans receive life-saving support. From suicide prevention to substance abuse recovery programs, its services have real-world outcomes:
- Reduced ER visits for mental health crises
- Improved medication adherence for people with schizophrenia
- Greater access to therapy for rural communities
- Support for veterans coping with PTSD
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Carelon Behavioral Health?
Carelon Behavioral Health is a mental health and substance use care company that provides clinical, operational, and digital services nationwide.
2. Is Carelon the same as Beacon Health Options?
Yes. Beacon Health Options rebranded as Carelon Behavioral Health in 2023.
3. Is Carelon part of Anthem or Elevance Health?
Yes, Carelon is a subsidiary of Elevance Health, formerly known as Anthem Inc.
4. What types of care does Carelon offer?
It offers care for mental health issues, substance use disorders, crisis intervention, and integrated health services.
5. Who can use Carelon Behavioral Health?
Individuals, families, employers, Medicaid/Medicare members, and public sector organizations.
6. Does Carelon offer telehealth services?
Yes, Carelon offers digital therapy, remote consultations, and mental wellness apps.
7. How do I access Carelon’s services?
You can access services through your health insurance provider, employer, or public health agency.
8. Is Carelon available in all U.S. states?
Yes, Carelon has a national footprint and works with providers across the country.
9. Are services confidential?
Absolutely. All behavioral health services are provided with full confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
10. Does Carelon handle emergency mental health crises?
Yes, they offer crisis intervention services and work with local agencies for urgent support.
11. What insurance plans are accepted?
Carelon works with a wide range of commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare plans.
12. Are there resources for children and adolescents?
Yes, Carelon provides tailored services for youth, including therapy, family counseling, and school-based support.
13. How does Carelon support addiction recovery?
Through inpatient and outpatient programs, peer support, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and relapse prevention.
14. What is integrated behavioral healthcare?
It means coordinating mental health care with physical healthcare to treat the whole person.
15. Does Carelon offer support for employers?
Yes, through Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), workplace mental health training, and wellness programs.
16. How can providers join Carelon’s network?
Providers can apply via Carelon’s website under the “Join Our Network” section.
17. Does Carelon help with case management?
Yes, especially for individuals with complex or chronic behavioral health conditions.
18. What’s the difference between Carelon and traditional therapy providers?
Carelon is a managed behavioral health organization, coordinating care between providers, payers, and patients.
19. Is Carelon involved in research or innovation?
Yes, Carelon invests in clinical research, digital tools, and data analytics to enhance care delivery.
20. How can I contact Carelon?
Visit https://www.carelon.com for contact info, provider portals, and member resources.
Final Thoughts
As mental health becomes a greater priority across the U.S., organizations like Carelon Behavioral Health play a critical role in making care more accessible, efficient, and compassionate. Whether you’re an individual seeking help, an employer supporting your team, or a healthcare provider aiming to offer better care—Carelon is designed to meet you where you are.
By integrating behavioral health with broader healthcare systems, Carelon is not just treating symptoms—it’s changing lives.
