COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What type of services do I need?

Find out which is right for you by calling 1-888-724-7240 to speak to a clinician that can assist you to find the best fit for you or your family member. You may call this number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in any language of your preference.

If you prefer to connect via chat  in English, you can click here to chat with a clinician Monday through Friday from 4pm to 10pm.

San Diego Access and Crisis Line clinicians can assist you to find a provider to meet your needs.

What is meant by Timely Access to Care?

Beneficiaries have the right to appointments within the following timeframes: Urgent – 48 hours; Routine (Non-Urgent) – 10 business days for non-psychiatrist; 15 business days for psychiatrist. The wait time for a routine appointment may be longer if the provider has determined and documented that a longer time period will not negatively impact the beneficiaries health. Interpreter services are available to beneficiaries at the time of the appointment as requested. If you need assistance with a timely referral to an appropriate provider, please contact the Access in Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240. For more information regarding Timely Access to Care, please click here: Timely Access to Care

Where can I report inaccuracies in the County of San Diego Behavioral Health Network provider directory?

California residents may report possible inaccurate, incomplete or misleading information listed in the provider directory by calling 1-800-834-3792, emailing SDHelpdesk@optum.com, or by clicking here to submit an online form.

For members outside of California: Please check with your provider before scheduling your appointment or receiving services to confirm that the provider is participating in our network.

The directory is updated no later than 30 calendar days after the county receives updated Provider information and otherwise quarterly.

Who do I contact if I need an authorization for services?

The following services covered through the Medi-Cal benefit require authorization as outlined:

  • Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalization: Treating hospital please call Optum for authorization at 1-800-798-2254, Option 3, Option 1.

  • Long Term Care: Pre-authorization is required. Treating hospital to request authorization by calling Optum at 1-800-798-2254, Option 3, Option 5.

  • Outpatient Specialty Mental Health Services: This includes Fee-For-Service providers, Day Treatment Services, Therapeutic Behavioral Services, Intensive-Home Behavioral Services, and Therapeutic Foster Care. Some programs require referrals; please contact the San Diego Access and Crisis Line 24/7 at 1-888-724-7240 for referrals. Providers may then need to request authorization by submitting an authorization request. Please contact Optum at 1-800-798-2254, Option 3 for authorization related questions.

  • Residential Substance Use Disorder Services: Treating provider to request authorization by calling Optum at 1-800-798-2254, Option 3, Option 2.

  • Crisis and Adult Residential: Treating provider please call Optum for authorization at 1-800-798-2254, Option 3, Option 6.

Which network should I choose?

Mental Health

Assertive Community Treatment
Case Management
Outpatient
Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs
Urgent Outpatient
Wraparound

Substance Use Disorder

Intensive Outpatient Clinic
Medication Assisted Treatment
Opioid Treatment Program
Outpatient Drug Free Clinic
Residential
Withdrawal Management (Detox)
Network
Preferred Location
Treatment Location
Provider Info
Additional Treatment Location Info
Additional Provider Info

* Services may be delivered by an individual provider, or a team of providers, who is working under the direction of a licensed practitioner operating within their scope of practice. Only licensed, waivered, or registered mental health providers and licensed and/or registered substance use disorder services providers are listed on the Plan’s provider directory. All appointments will be to the facility not the individual provider. After an assessment is completed, the appropriate healthcare professional will be assigned based upon your needs.

Non-Discrimination Notice - please see here.

Members have the right to obtain covered services from any enrolled and DMC-certified provider, even if that provider is not listed in the provider directory.

You have the right to get help and information in your language at no cost. To request an interpreter, call (888) 724-7240.

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