September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind one another that support is available. Suicide is a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.
Based on recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 2024, the top 10 causes of death in the United States have shifted, with COVID-19 falling off the list and suicide unfortunately returning to the top 10.
The good news is that suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, depression, or thoughts of harming oneself, help is available.
What Do CalPERS Health Plans Cover?
CalPERS health plans offer resources, support, and treatment specifically designed to support your mental and emotional wellbeing at either low-cost or no-cost. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and taking care of your emotional well-being is a vital part of overall wellness.
Members have access to behavioral health services through their CalPERS health plans, including:
- Individual and group therapy
- Psychiatry, telehealth, or virtual behavioral health visits
- Substance use treatment
- Crisis support
You can also reach out to your primary care provider, an important partner in addressing mental health needs and connecting you with care. Members are encouraged to explore their specific plan’s resources to find the support that best meets their needs.
Here are some ways to access behavioral health services through your plan:
- Contact Your Health Plan: Call the member services number on your health plan ID card for personalized assistance.
- Check Your Plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC): review your plan’s EOC for detailed information on covered behavioral health services.
- Visit the CalPERS Behavioral Health Programs page.
What Other Resources Are Available?
Additionally, if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, experiencing emotional distress, or behaving in a way that could harm others, call 988 to reach the 24/7 confidential 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained crisis counselor right away. You can also text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
California also offers free, confidential mental health support to residents of all ages — no insurance or referral needed. These services are designed to help manage stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being through coaching, live chat, and peer support. Below are some helpful programs:
- Together for Wellness connects California youth and their parents and caregivers to the best resources available for mental health and wellness.
- CalHOPE Connect: Feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? CalHOPE Connect offers free, confidential emotional support via phone, video, or online chat. Whether you need individual help or family/group support, trained counselors are ready to listen.
- BrightLife Kids: For families with children ages 0 to 12, BrightLife Kids provides personalized coaching through live video, secure messaging, and on-demand tools to help with sleep, anxiety, behavior, and more.
- Soluna App: If you’re between 13 and 25 years old, Soluna is a free, confidential app that provides one-on-one coaching, self-care tools, and peer support.