On January 1, 2025, Carelon Behavioral Health became Maryland's Behavioral Health ASO for the Public Behavioral Health System (PBHS). Action is required by providers to register with Carelon in order to participate as a PBHS provider.
If you are not receiving provider alerts, please click here to sign up for alerts. To view previous provider alerts, please click here.
Carelon has been hosting office hours between 11:00-12:00 am daily and has been encouraging providers to utilize office hours to receive immediate assistance. Providers can register for the office hours on Carelon’s website, linked here. Click on the link titled “Office Hours” in the right navigation menu. Carelon’s Provider Relations team at provider.relations.MD@carelon.com or 1-800-888-1965.
Please use Carelon's Maryland website maryland.carelonbh.com to obtain critical information regarding participation and access for providers under Carelon's system serving Maryland.
This website will remain active for reference purposes only, until March 31, 2025. The website will not be updated during this time. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the website for the new BHASO: maryland.carelonbh.com
Optum Maryland
Optum Maryland gives care to people served by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). We invite you to look through this site to see the many ways we can serve you. If you are a person or a family member seeing a MDH/BHA provider, you can access relevant information with the touch of a finger:
Services: Find out more about the many recovery-oriented services that MDH/BHA funds through local mental health centers!
About Us: Learn more about the MDH/BHA and Optum Maryland partnership. Find out what that means for you!
News and Events: Stay up-to-date on upcoming Maryland mental health news, training and events. MDH/BHA and Optum Maryland offer education and community events.
The website has sections for participants and families as well as providers of mental health services. Click on either the “Participants and Families” or the “Providers” tab to see the information that applies to you. Check the website often as it continues to grow to better serve you!
In the Spotlight
- The next Provider Council Meeting will be held on Friday, December 13, at 10:00 a.m., EDT. Click here to register for this meeting.
News & Events
- Optum Maryland Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steve Daviss will hold his last Wednesday “office hours” call on November 20, 2024, at 12 noon, EST. This call will not be held again following November 20th. Providers are welcome to join this call to ask questions about clinical-related matters for mental health and SUD issues. Click here for meeting information and how to join.
During Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST (Crisis line available 24/7)
Participant Questions and Help to Find a Provider Call Toll-Free:
(800) 888-1965, TTY 711
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
All Providers: Questions, Referrals, Crisis Calls:
(800) 888-1965, TTY 711
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
Outside of Business Hours (evenings, weekends, holidays)
Maryland Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
9-8-8 (Available 24/7)
Optum Crisis Line Available 24/7:
(800) 888-1965, TTY 711
Optum Nondiscrimination Notice and Language Services, see here.
You have the right to get help and information in your language at no cost. To request an interpreter, call (800) 888-1965.