Understanding how SFHP helps with mental and behavioral health issues

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) community is made up of people from every race, ethnicity, social class, or immigration group. This brings a range of thought and insight that can be a source of pride and strength. While being part of the LGBTQIA+ community can be a source of strength, it can also bring unique mental health needs.

LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Facts

  • LGBTQIA+ people are more than 2x as likely to have mental health issue than heterosexual (or straight) people.
  • LGBTQIA+ teens feel depressed 6x more than non-LGBTQIA+ teens.
  • 48% of transgender adults say they think about hurting themselves compared to only 4% of non-trans people.

How SFHP Can Help

SFHP works with Carelon Behavioral Health to provide mental health care. Mental health care includes:

  • 1-on-1 help and group treatment. Treatment can include medicine or talking with a mental health expert. Sometimes you can get this care at your primary care clinic.
  • Testing to check for a mental health issue.
  • Outpatient care such as lab work, medications, and supplies.

You can learn more or make an appointment at 1(855) 371-8117 or go to carelonbehavioralhealth.com.

Gender Affirming Care

SFHP offers gender affirming care, such as:

  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Mental and behavioral health care
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • STI testing and treatment
  • Surgery such as voice modification, chest reconstruction, and vaginoplasty

You can ask your primary care provider (PCP) to learn more about gender-affirming care. A PCP is your main doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

Sensitive Care for Adults and Minors

If you are under age 18, you can get some services without a parent’s or guardian’s permission. Some of these services include:

  • Care for sexual assault, such as outpatient mental health care
  • HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, and treatment
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevention, testing, and treatment

As an adult 18 years or older, you may not want to go to your PCP for certain sensitive or private care. You can choose any doctor or clinic for care such as:

  • HIV/AIDS prevention and testing
  • STI prevention, testing, and treatment
  • Care for sexual assault

Learn more about sensitive care in your SFHP Member Handbook.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: Our team can answer your questions about benefits and health services. Call 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free) or 1(415) 547-7830 TTY. Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.