Sutter Health Plan is excited to announce a transition to a new behavioral health partner, Carelon Behavioral Health of California, Inc. (Carelon), effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Carelon brings more than 40 years of experience in behavioral health, offering comprehensive care for mental health and substance use disorder needs. Carelon’s approach centers on:

• Personalized care solutions, available both in-person and via telehealth
• Industry-leading, evidence-based treatments
• Integrated and coordinated behavioral health care
• A strong support network of doctors, nurses, therapists and other professionals, including Sutter Health providers

“At Sutter Health Plan, our priority is ensuring members have access to high-quality, compassionate care, which includes behavioral health care,” said Dr. Robert Bixler, Medical Director at Sutter Health Plan. “Partnering with Carelon allows us to offer access to innovative, evidence-based solutions and a seamless experience for those seeking support for mental health and substance use disorder needs. We’re confident this transition will support our members on their mental health journey.”

Carelon is committed to providing dependable service and thoughtful support, helping members navigate their behavioral health benefits with ease.

What Members Need to Know

• All active subscribers were sent a letter in November 2025 detailing the transition, Carelon’s role, and what to expect next.
• Members will receive updated ID cards starting in January 2026.
• Members can search for in-network providers using Carelon’s provider search tool at carelonbh.com/sutterhealthplan or call Carelon Member Services at 844-398-0314, available 24/7.

Continuity of Care

Sutter Health Plan and Carelon are working together to ensure a seamless transition. Members currently seeing a USBHPC provider who is not in the Carelon network will be notified and can continue seeing their provider until May 1, 2026, without interruption. Standard cost shares apply during this period.

For those needing ongoing care on or after May 2, 2026, continuity of care options are available for qualifying conditions, including acute and chronic illnesses, pregnancy and scheduled procedures. Members can request continuity of care by calling Carelon Member Services.