5 / 6
mental health
T
here was a change in Medi-Cal
coverage that expands
substance use disorder
and mental health bene ts. As of
January 1 of this year, Kern Family
Health Care (KFHC) covers some of
the mental health services that you
could get in regular Medi-Cal and
also covers some substance use
disorder services.
What are the substance use
disorder bene ts?
You will receive
the following substance use
disorder bene ts through KFHC:
Alcohol misuse screening and
counseling for people 18 and up.
We do not cover treatment for
major alcohol problems, but if you
need services for major alcohol
problems, you may be referred
to the County Alcohol and Drug
Program.
What are the mental health
bene ts?
If you qualify, you will
receive the following mental health
Does winter make your spirits
sink? If so, you are not alone.
About 20 percent of Americans
find winter to be more challenging
than fun. For some, the holidays
create stress and sadness. For
others, it’s seasonal affective
disorder (SAD)—which may be
caused by low levels of sunlight—
that brings on the blues and makes
it hard to handle stress.
Either way, trying to cope
can lead to unhealthy choices,
like eating too much or drinking
alcohol.
But it doesn’t have to be that
way. Here are two small changes
that can help you start to feel
better.
1.
Change your mind.
Try to swap
a stormy outlook for upbeat
thoughts. To begin, list three
things you like about winter.
Maybe that’s ice skating, knitting
and making a hearty stew. Now,
ask a friend to do one of those
things with you. Being with others
can help winter stress melt away.
So can writing down what makes
you feel happy—and grateful.
2.
Change the light.
Many people
feel better when they get more
sunlight. So take a daily walk. Not
only will you get a dose of natural
light, but you’ll also enjoy another
reliable mood booster: exercise.
Spending time by a window
during the day can also help.
If winter sadness persists, talk
to your health care provider.
Sources: American Psychological Association; Mental Health America;
National Institutes of Health
Beat those
wintertime blues
services through KFHC:
Individual and group mental
health testing and treatment
(psychotherapy).
Psychological testing to evaluate
a mental health condition.
Outpatient services that include
lab work, drugs and supplies.
Outpatient services to monitor
drug therapy.
Psychiatric consultation.
Specialty mental health services
currently provided by County
Mental Health and community-
based organizations will continue
to be available.
Where can I nd out more
information on the expanded
bene ts?
e KFHC Member
Services Department is available
to help you learn more about your
new bene ts Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call
661-632-1590
(Bakers eld) or
800-
391-2000
(outside of Bakers eld).
Changes to your
mental health benefits
KFHC mailing address: 9700 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311
5
family
health