Join the IBX behavioral health network
Independence Blue Cross (IBX) has changed the way we work with behavioral health providers by integrating the delivery of medical and behavioral health care. We recognize the need for a closer partnership with behavioral health clinicians who treat our members, and the importance of establishing a direct and mutually beneficial relationship.
Effective January 1, 2023, IBX insourced its behavioral health network; we now directly contract with behavioral health providers.
Note: If you have not signed an IBX Professional Provider Agreement, you will be considered out-of-network for our members.
Interested in joining our network?
If you are a behavioral health provider interested in joining our network, the first step is to apply for credentialing. Please complete the online application as thoroughly as required. Applications require timely responses and are closed if the provider does not respond to requests for additional information if needed.
If you do not respond within the designated timeframes, your application will be closed, and you will be required to resubmit all information.
Questions regarding your participation status in the IBX network can be emailed to
ibcbh@ibx.com
Key steps to join our network
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To start the process,
apply for credentialing.
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Sign a contract. For more information, please email us at
ibcbh@ibx.com.
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Register for access to our provider portal, known as PEAR (Provider Engagement, Analytics & Reporting). Visit the
PEAR portal webpage for instructions on how to register.
Four steps to complete credentialing
It typically takes 30-60 days to complete the credentialing process once we have received all requested documentation.
- In addition to your application, you must submit all required supporting documentation. Please ensure you have allowed access to your Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) application and that it is updated with the correct information and matches what is listed on your provider participation form for credentialing.
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Once we have received all required documents, we will review the information on your CAQH ProView® application to ensure that it is consistent with the information provided on your Practitioner Participation Form. Please be sure to grant Credentialing permission to view/pull-in your CAQH application.
- Once your credentialing application has been approved, you will receive an email from DocuSign with the standard contract, if required.
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You have 30 business days from the date of the DocuSign email to electronically sign and return the contract.
Please note: If the contract is NOT returned within this time frame, your credentialing application will be rescinded, and you will need to reapply if you still wish to become part of the IBX network.
Register for the PEAR portal
Our PEAR portal provides fast, secure web access to applications and reports that make it easier for providers to manage clinical and financial activities, such as billing. PEAR also provides access to a variety of health plan information specific to your provider organization.
Visit the
PEAR portal webpage for instructions on how to register.
Connecting your patients to the right care quickly
The IBX Behavioral Health team offers many services that help your patients (our members) connect to the right care quickly.
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Behavioral Health Case Managers: Registered nurses, licensed social workers, and professional counselors proactively identify members who may benefit from behavioral health services. These case managers look at a member’s health history and care patterns to identify risk levels and offer support, including helping the member access care, schedule follow-ups, and stay aligned with their care plans.
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Behavioral Health Customer Care Advocates and Licensed Behavioral Health Professionals: This specialized team helps with care navigation services. They work together to provide risk screening and guide members to the right care options based on their individual needs.
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Clinical Triage Team: This team supports high risk members by identifying priority needs, providing in the moment support, directly connecting the member to care (via warm transfer or direct scheduling), and following up to ensure safety and successful linkage. Care navigation services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide members with rapid connection to the right care.
Additional behavioral health support and tools
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Quartet Health
IBX members enrolled in fully insured health plans can get additional support from
Quartet Health, a company that matches patients to mental health care that fits their needs and preferences and is covered by their health insurance.
Quartet Health also has a Virtual Clinic that it launched in 2022 with IBX. The clinic, which focuses on treating the needs of patients with serious mental illness, has a patient appointment availability guarantee within 48 hours.
IBX offers these navigational services free to eligible members.
If you have questions, or want to enroll with Quartet, please email Quartet at
support@quartethealth.com.
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Shatterproof Treatment Atlas tool
IBX members have access to the
Shatterproof Treatment Atlas® tool, which helps people search and compare addiction treatment facilities to find high-quality care for themselves or their loved ones.
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Teladoc Health
Members have coverage for mental health coaching by
Teladoc Health, a digital resource offering personalized, evidence-based programs, and dedicated support for a wide range of topics, including stress, depression, chronic pain, work-life balance, substance use, and anxiety.
Mental health coaching is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week from a computer or the Teladoc mobile app.
Mental Health Incentive Program
Effective January 1, 2024, IBX introduced a new Mental Health Incentive Program (MHIP) for behavioral health providers. The MHIP is comprised of two separate and distinct programs utilizing quality metrics for:
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Mental health outpatient/professional practices
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Mental health inpatient facilities
Both programs exclude substance use services. These programs will ensure that practices and facilities are providing quality mental health care and effectively managing the care of their patient population.
Connect to Care
Access to care is a key priority for IBX to ensure your patients, our members have access to high quality mental health professionals. If you or your practice has capacity for additional referrals from our care navigation team, please contact us at
mhincentiveprogram@ibx.com.
Behavioral Health Provider Partnership Associates (PPA)
Amber Davis-Acosta
Email
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PA
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Bucks, Lancaster, and Lehigh
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Anita Mason-Smith
Email
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PA
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Chester and Delaware
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Cyndi Swinton-Jackson
Email
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PA
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Philadelphia and Berks
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Judy Wright
Email
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PA
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Montgomery and Northampton
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Donna Simmons
Email
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NJ
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Burlington, Gloucester, and Salem
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Donya Weldon
Email
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NJ & DE
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Camden, Cecil, Hunterdon, Mercer, New Castle, and Warren
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Provider News Center articles
2025
IBX’s expanded behavioral health services deliver faster care, improved health outcomes, and reduced costs June 30, 2025
2024
Now available: New streamlined authorization workflow for behavioral health services in PEAR Practice Management August 1, 2024
New policy for Behavioral Health Services in a School Setting August 1, 2024
Behavioral Health providers: Ensure you have access to the PEAR portal June 18, 2024
New in 2024 – A Mental Health Incentive Program (MHIP) for professional and facility providers May 30, 2024
Support in bridging medical and behavioral health care May 21, 2024
Behavioral Health: Verifying coverage for telebehavioral health services April 9, 2024
Manuals
Behavioral Health IBX Provider Manual
Behavioral Health IBX Hospital Manual
Other behavioral health resources
Behavioral, physical, emotional health | Independence Blue Cross (ibx.com)
HEDIS Quality Tip Sheet: Initiation and Engagement of Substance Use Disorder Treatment (IET)
HEDIS Quality Tip Sheet: Use of First-Line Psychosocial Care for Children and Adolescents on Antipsychotics (APP)
In-network resources for Medicare Advantage patients needing care for substance use disorders
Know Your Mind | Independence Blue Cross (ibx.com)
Mental & Behavioral Health Archives - IBX Insights
Quality Tip Sheet: Concurrent Use of Opioids and Benzodiazepines (COB)