The provision of mental health and chemical dependency services is collectively known as behavioral healthcare.

In most preferred provider organizations (PPOs) and open access plans, plan members must receive a referral before accessing behavioral healthcare services from a specialist.

To manage the delivery of behavioral healthcare services, managed behavioral health organizations (MBHOs) typically use alternative treatment levels and alternative treatment methods rather than crisis intervention or alternative treatment settings.

Managed behavioral health organizations (MBHOs) typically are prohibited from negotiating with network providers for reduced fees in exchange for increased patient volume.

The treatment approaches for behavioral healthcare most often include drug therapy, psychotherapy, and counseling.