ORANGE, Calif. (August 27, 2025) — A new school year can bring pressure and stress for Orange County children and parents alike, raising the risk of mental health issues. CalOptima Health reminds members that ample no-cost mental health support is available in person, via telehealth or by app. To help members navigate, CalOptima Health offers a dedicated phone line: 1-855-877-3885.
“Back-to-school season is a good time to remind parents, young adults and children to reach out for mental health services in a way that fits their needs,” said Carmen Katsarov, LPCC, CCM, Executive Director, Behavioral Health Integration. “We believe the more available ways for help the better. We are focused on removing barriers to care and promoting overall wellness for the growing number of members seeking these critical services.”
CalOptima Health is fortunate to directly contract with qualified and compassionate mental health groups and individual providers across Orange County, and the broad network continues to grow. These providers offer a range of behavioral health services face-to-face and/or via telehealth. CalOptima Health also contracts with TeleMed2U, a telehealth-only provider offering virtual behavioral health services, which supports quality goals of timely psychiatric and therapy care, especially for follow-ups after emergency department visits or hospitalizations. Further, CalOptima Health works with Hazel Health to provide counseling telehealth services for members in K–12th grade with convenient hours during and after school and during school breaks. Members and parents can contact their school directly to ask if Hazel’s services are offered at their school.
Demand for mental health services is strong. For example, since TeleMed2U began serving CalOptima Health members in April 2024 to present, more than 35,000 appointments have been completed, many within days or even on the same day as the request.
In addition, CalOptima Health partners with NAMI to create NAMI By Your Side (NBYS) to support CalOptima Health members 18 years and older. NBYS peer advocates offer in-person and telephonic support, guiding members in making behavioral health appointments, building a social support network, connecting to CalAIM services and other community resources.
To engage our youth populations, CalOptima Health is promoting the use of no-cost mobile phone apps. BrightLife Kids, a CalHOPE program funded by the State of California, offers free, expert coaching to families with children ages 0–12. Soluna, another free CalHOPE program, offers teens and young adults ages 13–25 a safe space to explore mental health concerns and seek support anytime, anywhere.
CalOptima Health recently enhanced the information available about the range of behavioral health services. Members can now access a new webpage with details: www.caloptima.org/en/health-insurance-plans/medi-cal/behavioral-health-services.