Seeking help for your mental health is a sign of strength, and LA Care understands this. Initial mental health assessments are available to all members without needing pre-approval. If you are concerned about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or any other mental health condition, you can access a licensed mental health provider within the LA Care network to begin your journey toward wellness. No referral is needed for this first important step.
Following your initial assessment, your primary care physician (PCP) or mental health provider may recommend further screening with a specialist in the LA Care network. This step is crucial to determine the most appropriate level of care for your individual needs. If these screenings indicate mild to moderate distress, or challenges with your mental, emotional, or behavioral well-being, LA Care offers a range of outpatient mental health services designed to support you.
LA Care provides comprehensive coverage for various outpatient mental health services, including those relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of OCD and related conditions:
- Individual and Group Psychotherapy: Engage in therapy sessions tailored to address your specific concerns, whether individually or in a supportive group setting. Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of OCD treatment, helping individuals manage intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
- Psychological Testing: When clinically necessary, psychological testing is covered to thoroughly evaluate your mental health condition. This can be instrumental in accurately diagnosing OCD and differentiating it from other conditions.
- Cognitive Skills Development: Services aimed at enhancing cognitive functions like attention, memory, and problem-solving are available. These skills are often integral to coping strategies and improving daily functioning for individuals with OCD.
- Medication Monitoring: Outpatient services are provided to monitor medication therapy, ensuring the safe and effective use of any prescribed medications as part of your mental health treatment plan.
- Outpatient Laboratory Services: Access to necessary outpatient laboratory services to support your overall health and treatment.
- Medications, Supplies, and Supplements: Outpatient medicines not listed under the Medi-Cal Rx Contract Drug List, along with necessary supplies and supplements, are covered to support your treatment.
- Psychiatric Consultation: Benefit from expert psychiatric consultation to guide your treatment plan and ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective care.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy options, involving at least two family members, are available. These include evidence-based therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy for adults and Child-Parent Psychotherapy (for ages 0-5) and Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (for ages 2-12), which can be valuable in supporting families dealing with OCD.
For more detailed information about mental health services available through LA Care, please contact Member Services at 1-888-839-9909 (TTY 711).
Should you require mental health treatment that is not available within the LA Care network, or if timely access to care is an issue, LA Care will facilitate and cover out-of-network services to ensure you receive the necessary support.
In cases where screening indicates a need for specialized mental health services (SMHS) due to a higher level of impairment, your PCP or mental health provider can connect you with the county mental health plan to access the required care.
For further details on Specialty Mental Health Services, please refer to the dedicated section in this handbook.
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