Peace Garden News

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) has received national recognition for its efforts in making mental health care as accessible as physical health care. The organization was awarded the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (MH/SUD) Parity Accreditation by URAC this spring, marking a significant achievement in the field.

BCBSND is among the first in the nation to receive this accreditation, which supports health plans in meeting national standards and enhancing systems for mental health equity. Lacey Bergh, senior vice president of health delivery at BCBSND, stated, "This accomplishment reflects our entire team’s dedication to providing members with access to important mental health services." She emphasized that achieving full URAC accreditation for Mental Health Parity underscores their commitment to improving health outcomes and fostering community well-being.

The accreditation ensures BCBSND members have access to a wide range of mental health providers, including counselors and therapists. Notably, 95% of North Dakota’s mental health professionals have contracts with BCBSND. Services are available both in-person and virtually, which is particularly beneficial for rural areas.

Beyond traditional services, BCBSND is exploring ways to support holistic wellness by addressing social determinants of health such as housing, food, education, and transportation. The BCBSND Caring Foundation contributes through initiatives like Strike Out the Stigma and training on Trauma-Informed Care approaches.

URAC developed this program to assist members in overcoming barriers to receiving quality care. Dr. Shawn Griffin, president and CEO of URAC, explained that current rules regarding mental health care can be inconsistent nationwide. He remarked that the award helps improve standards across the country: “We’re proud of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota for leading the way in making mental health care more equal.”

In addition to accrediting BCBSND in 2025, URAC also accredited Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

For those seeking access to mental health services and therapies provided by BCBSND, they can visit behavioral and mental health services offered by the organization.