Health Tips / Mental Health / Alternative Care

Alternative Care

Alternative care refers to healing practices that you can do along with your normal health care. These practices may be linked to your culture, customs, values and preferences. Some examples of alternative care are yoga, meditation, acupuncture, tai chi and massage therapy. You can add these types of care to the health care you already get from your provider. Before you start any type of alternative care, talk to your doctor to make sure it is safe for you.

While HPSM covers some types of alternative care programs (such as acupuncture), they are not free. For more information on what is covered by your plan, check your member handbook or call HPSM:

CareAdvantage members

Call 1-866-880-0606 or 650-616-2174 Monday–Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

TTY: 1-800-735-2929 or dial 7-1-1

Medi-Cal members

Call 1-800-750-4776 or 650-616-2133 Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

TTY: 1-800-735-2929 or dial 7-1-1


Find out how to get mental health care, learn about common mental health issues and find self-help resources