What is Depression Care Management?
- The Depression Care Management (DCM) is a program designed to support your efforts to manage depression. Depression can have an impact on every part of your life, and may even be related to physical conditions. If you choose to enroll in the DCM program, you will have a Care Manager who is a specially trained mental health professional who will stay in touch with you by phone. Your Care Manager will provide you with caring and personal support. They are available to answer questions, send educational materials and encourage participation in activities that can improve your health and wellbeing. You can expect to talk on the phone with your Care Manager on a regular basis. You will be asked about your symptoms and how you are responding to prescribed medications and other treatment. With your permission, our Care Manager will communicate with your doctor and your mental health provider about your progress.
Who is eligible for the program?
- Depression Care Management is often an employer-funded benefit, or may be offered through your health care plan. It is always a voluntary and confidential program that provides professional and compassionate one-to-one outreach and ongoing support. The program is clinically proven to help individuals feel better and to improve their overall health and well-being.
How can Depression Care Management help me?
- A Depression Care Manager understands the serious problems that people with depression face. What might work for one person, may not work for another. Your Care Manager will customize your plan as you talk together to discover what’s effective for you. You will be supported with each step you take toward your health and well-being goals.
Does the Depression Care Manager take the place of my personal physician or therapist?
- No, your Care Manager works with your personal physician and/or therapist to educate you about depression and to support you in treatment with your health care provider. Each time you talk with your Care Manager, they will ask you questions that will help determine your progress. As mentioned above, your progress will be shared with your health care providers to ensure that they have the important information they need to help you.
Can I receive Depression Care Management without my employer finding out?
- Yes, the DCM program is committed to providing clients with completely confidential services. TeleCare is given access to claims data from your health care plan provider to determine who can benefit from the DCM program. TeleCare never provide employers a list of individuals who were eligible for the program.
