Need to talk? A Mindful Advocate is here for you
As humans, there is only so much we can hold inside before we feel overwhelmed, our sleep is affected, or we generally can’t function normally. Problem is, not everyone knows where to find the right type of care.
You, however, do have someone to help you find it. A Mindful Advocate.
Mindful Advocates are behavioral health professionals available 24/7 to talk, provide in-the-moment support, figure out next steps, and recommend resources to get you on the path to better mental health.
You can reach a Mindful Advocate at 833-302-MIND (6463).
To get a picture of what you might experience when you call, we asked a Mindful Advocate questions we often hear from Blue KC members.
What are common reasons people call a Mindful Advocate?
- Finding a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist
- Looking for facility-based mental health or substance use treatment
- Dealing with work stress, relationship issues, or family concerns
- Adjusting to a major life change (moving, a new job, becoming a parent)
- Coping with grief or a recent loss
- Dealing with a new medical diagnosis that’s causing stress or anxiety
- Getting connected to legal or financial consultations
- Help with work/life services (childcare, eldercare daily-life resources)
- Guidance related to your child
- Questions about benefits or services available in your health plan
When would a Mindful Advocate NOT be the right resource?
If you are experiencing an immediate crisis situations, such as thoughts, plans, or intent of self-harm or harm to others, call or text 988 to talk to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or 911 for local emergency services right away.
Mindful Advocates are also not meant to replace ongoing therapy, since you may not speak with the same Mindful Advocate each time. However, they are always an appropriate first call to help you access the right kind of care.
Will the first voice I hear be a live person?
You’ll hear a short automated message at the beginning of the call asking your reason for calling. Say “Mindful” to be connected with a live Mindful Advocate.
If I call the behavioral health number on my Blue KC ID card will it connect me to a Mindful Advocate?
Yes. The behavioral health number on your Blue KC ID card will connect you to a Mindful Advocate.
What can I expect on my call?
Calls with a Mindful Advocate generally follow a comfortable, conversational flow:
- Introductions: The Mindful Advocate introduces themself, explains confidentiality, and asks for basic details to connect you to the right support.
- Understanding your needs: The Mindful Advocate will ask what prompted your call and listen to what you’re looking for.
- Clarifying support needs: The Mindful Advocate may ask a few follow-up questions to better understand your situation.
- In-the-moment support: If you’re feeling distressed, the Mindful Advocate can offer immediate emotional support and suggest coping strategies you can start using right away.
- Exploring options: The Mindful Advocate will explain available benefits, including complimentary, virtual counseling sessions, if appropriate, and discuss resources that may be helpful.
- Next steps and connections: If you need longer-term therapy, psychiatry, psychological evaluations, ABA services, or a higher level of care, the Mindful Advocate will connect you to the appropriate team or make a warm handoff to help you access those services.
Throughout the call, the Mindful Advocate’s goal is to make sure you feel heard and supported — and that you leave with a clear understanding of your options and next steps.
How long will a Mindful Advocate stay on the phone with me?
Most calls last approximately 15-20 minutes. If you need more time or in-the-moment support, the Mindful Advocate will stay on the line longer to make sure you feel supported and understand your next steps.
If you are in crisis, a Mindful Advocate will stay with you as long as needed to help ensure your safety and that your immediate needs are addressed, including connecting you to additional support when appropriate.
How do I make the most of my time with a Mindful Advocate? Should I come prepared with certain information or questions?
You don’t need to come prepared with everything figured out — it’s okay to call even if you’re not sure what you need yet.
That said, it can be helpful to have a general idea of:
- Whether you’re looking for counseling, resources, or information
- If you’re hoping to talk through something specific that’s been stressful
- Whether you think you may need therapy, psychiatric care, or another type of support
The Mindful Advocate will guide the conversation and ask questions to better understand your situation.
If I need more care/support after I hang up with a Mindful Advocate, can I call back and talk to the same person?
You’re always welcome to call back. Because Mindful Advocates work as a team, you may not be able to speak with the same person each time you call. However, all Mindful Advocates are licensed counselors who have access to your information and can pick up where you left off and continue supporting you.
If therapy is what I want/need, will the Mindful Advocate be able to refer me to in-network therapists?
Yes, a Mindful Advocate can help you get connected to therapy and guide you to the right type of care.
The Mindful Advocate will talk with you about what’s going on. If you are likely to benefit from short-term counseling, they may refer you to three complimentary virtual counseling sessions. When possible, the Mindful Advocate will also ensure the provider is in the Blue KC network, so you have the option to continue therapy through your insurance if needed.
What if I need more than three complimentary counseling sessions?
If your needs are longer term or require ongoing therapy, the Mindful Advocate will help connect you to the right team to find in-network therapists through your Blue KC insurance benefits. This may also include a warm handoff to another specialist who can assist with those referrals.
Is it OK to call for help narrowing down and deciding on a therapist?
Yes, this is a common reason people call, and Mindful Advocates are happy to help. While Mindful Advocates don’t choose a therapist for you, they can help you think through what you’re looking for and offer guidance on how to make a decision that feels right for you.
A Mindful Advocate is here for you
Call 833-302-MIND (6463)
