Fargo, N.D. – Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) is leading the way in making sure mental health care is just as accessible and important as physical health care. This spring, URAC awarded BCBSND the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (MH/SUD) Parity Accreditation.
BCBSND is one of the first in the country to receive this recognition.
URAC’s accreditation helps health plans meet national standards and build stronger systems for mental health equity.
"This accomplishment reflects our entire team’s dedication to providing members with access to important mental health services," said Lacey Bergh, senior vice president of health delivery. "It is a tremendous achievement to be one of the first health plans to achieve full URAC accreditation for Mental Health Parity. This accreditation reinforces our commitment to improving health outcomes, ensuring balanced treatment and fostering the well-being of the communities we serve.”
At BCBSND, that means members have access to more mental health providers like counselors, marriage and family therapists and other professionals. Ninety-five percent of North Dakota’s mental health professionals have a contract with BCBSND. The mental health services are available in-person and virtually, supporting rural areas of the state.
In addition, BCBSND is developing ways to aid the whole person – including social drivers of health like housing, food, education and transportation. The BCBSND Caring Foundation supports mental health in North Dakota through initiatives like Strike Out the Stigma, training on Trauma-Informed Care approaches and Rural Health Grants — initiatives that reduce stigma and increase mental health awareness, better address trauma and fund rural wellness efforts.
What the data shows:
- #1: Mental health was the top chronic condition by BCBSND claimants in 2024.
- 12.5%: In 2021, one out of every eight adults in North Dakota reported at least two weeks of mentally unhealthy days in the past month (13%), which is up five points from 8% in 2013.
- 46%: Nearly half of North Dakotans live in an area experiencing a shortage of mental health care providers. This ranks ND 38th when compared to other states (i.e., 37 states had better access).
URAC created this program to help members reduce barriers and receive the very best care available. To receive it, BCBSND demonstrated that it treats mental health and drug or alcohol conditions the same way it treats other health problems. This means getting help for mental health should be as easy as going to the doctor for a sore throat or a broken arm.
“URAC made this program to help health plans exceed expectations,” said Dr. Shawn Griffin, president and CEO of URAC. “Right now, rules about mental health care aren’t always clear or the same everywhere. This 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 2025, URAC also accredited Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
To access mental health services and therapies, visit behavioral and mental health services.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
BCBSND was founded in 1940 with the mission to provide members with affordable access to health care across the state. As an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), BCBSND is committed to transforming care and health across the state to improve outcomes, lower cost trends and make it easier to shop, buy and use health care coverage. Members have access to unmatched local service and to a comprehensive network of health care providers across the state, the nation and more than 190 countries.
