What if I have an Emergency?

An “Emergency Medical Condition” is a serious medical or mental health condition. An emergency condition has severe symptoms. The symptoms are so severe that a person who knows a little about health would think that not getting help could: 
1) Put a person’s health at serious risk.
2) Cause harm to a person’s body functions.
3) Cause harm to a body part or organ.

If you have a mental health emergency, you should do one of the following:

• Call your mental health center (listed in Appendix A)
• Call your individual provider, if you have one. 
• Call the CHP toll-free number at 1-800-804-5008. This number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Go to the nearest emergency room (listed in Appendix B)
• Call 911.

You do not need prior approval to get emergency services. You can get emergency services from any hospital or qualified provider emergency rooms in your area. Hospitals in your area are listed in Appendix B

What happens when the emergency is over?

You may need services after the emergency is over to help you stay stable or improve your mental health condition. This is called Post-Stabilization Care. Post-stabilization services are inpatient and outpatient services provided just after an emergency. Your emergency provider must get approval from your BHO for these services after the emergency is over.

What if I am away from home and I have an emergency?

“Out of Area Care” is when you get services outside the counties served by CHP. If you need emergency “out of area care,” go to the nearest emergency room. Tell the staff that you are signed up with CHP for mental health coverage. The emergency room will contact us. When your emergency care is finished, we will work with the emergency room or hospital to move you back to your mental health provider.

Only emergency room and emergency inpatient care is covered when you are traveling or visiting outside of CHP’s area. If you need non-emergency mental health help when you are out of area, call your care coordinator or the toll free Access to Care Line at 800-804-5008. A licensed clinician will help you decide what to do.