Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover mental health insurance?

Asked by: Jarod Flatley  |  Last update: September 18, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (46 votes)

Mental health conditions are treated just like any other condition. Blue Cross Blue Shield cannot deny you coverage because you have a mental health condition, and they cannot refuse to cover care for any diagnosed condition. Blue Cross Blue Shield will cover mental health care, as long as your treatment is in-network.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover mental health therapy?

Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) generally covers mental health psychiatric therapy and counseling services. This encompasses access to various therapeutic approaches and counseling sessions designed to address diverse mental health needs, ensuring you receive the comprehensive support required for your well-being.

Does insurance cover therapy 100%?

Yes by law therapy is covered by insurance as along as the person has a diagnosed mental health condition.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal cover mental health?

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (BCBS FEP) does cover mental health services, and we stand ready to determine if you can apply these benefits at MCAW. We work with BCBS FEP insurance holders individually to explore possible coverage opportunities for our services.

Does NJ have free mental health services?

Open Counseling provides a directory of New Jersey's Mental Health Clinics and Access Numbers by County. Providers offer publicly-funded mental health services at low or no cost.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Mental Health Therapy? - Psychological Clarity

19 related questions found

How much does a mental hospital cost without insurance?

Without private health insurance, your medical bills for treatment at a residential mental health facility can be quite high. On average, you might pay between $500 and $2,000 per day for inpatient treatment. For a typical 30-day program, this could amount to $15,000 to $60,000.

Why is mental health not covered by insurance?

The parity law does not require insurers to provide mental health benefits—rather, the law states that if mental health benefits are offered, they can't have more restrictive requirements than those that apply to physical health benefits.

How many physical therapy sessions does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover?

Note: Benefits are limited to 75 visits per person, per calendar year for physical, occupational, or speech therapy, or a combination of all three. Note: Visits that you pay for while meeting your calendar year deductible count toward the limit cited above.

What happens if you can't afford therapy?

Explore resources like NAMI HelpLine, school services, and Employee Assistance Programs. Prioritize mental health with self-care tips like staying active, building a healthy sleep routine, staying socially connected, and adding mindfulness to your life.

How much do I pay for therapy with insurance?

If you have insurance with mental health coverage, the cost of a therapy session with an in-network therapist is usually the same as your co-pay to see a medical specialist. On average, specialist co-pays are about $30 to $50 per session.

How to find out if your therapist is covered by insurance?

If it is still unclear if your therapist takes your insurance, here are some actions to take:
  1. Ask your insurance provider in person or via phone call or contact form. The answer may also be on their website.
  2. Ask the therapist's practice in person, over the phone, or via email. The answer may also be on their website.

What insurance has the best mental health coverage?

UnitedHealthcare takes our spot for the best overall mental health coverage primarily because of its comprehensive approach. With UnitedHealthcare, you have access to 24/7 treatment and support through a wide range of online, virtual and mobile tools.

How much does therapy cost with Blue Cross Blue Shield?

If you choose a therapist who is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, your therapy sessions likely cost between $15 - $50 per session, after you meet your deductible. The $15 - $50 amount is your copay, or the fixed amount that you owe at each therapy visit.

How much does it cost to see a physical therapist with insurance?

How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost With Insurance? Physical therapy costs $20-55 per session. Most insurance providers can cover at least 50 percent of the costs. But coverage is only accessible after you've paid your yearly deductible, which could range from $250 to $1250 or higher.

Why is my physical therapy not covered by insurance?

For example, a patient may have reached their maximum benefits for the year, or their policy may not cover certain services, such as physical or occupational therapy. Other eligibility issues include: Inactive or terminated insurance policies. Insufficient coverage for the service provided.

What is the hardest mental illness to live with?

Borderline personality disorder is one of the most painful mental illnesses since individuals struggling with this disorder are constantly trying to cope with volatile and overwhelming emotions.

Can I go to a mental hospital without insurance?

Each state has public psychiatric hospitals that provide acute (short-term) and long-term care to people without means to pay, those requiring long-term care, and forensic patients.

Why do insurance companies deny mental health claims?

Unlike physical conditions, which can be supported by diagnostic tools like MRIs or lab results, mental health issues often rely on subjective assessments and patient reports. Insurers may exploit this lack of “hard evidence” to deny claims.

How do I see a therapist when I have no money?

Search for Low-Fee Providers

Open Path focuses on having diverse and inclusive therapists, making it a great option for many who are uninsured or underinsured or who cannot afford a typical therapist's fee out-of-pocket. You may also want to look into nearby colleges and social service agencies.

How to get therapy when insurance doesn t cover it?

10 Affordable Therapy Options Without Insurance
  1. Medicaid. ...
  2. Sliding Scale Therapists. ...
  3. Online Therapy. ...
  4. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) ...
  5. College Healthcare Centers. ...
  6. Disability Benefits. ...
  7. Group Therapy. ...
  8. Support Groups.

How much is a 60 minute therapy session?

Even if you don't have benefits that cover mental health services, Talkspace is still more affordable than most in-person therapy. The average cost of a traditional in-person therapy session is $175 - $500 per session — a big departure from our plans!

Can I check myself into a mental hospital for free?

You can be admitted without medical insurance, but you have to go to the Emergency Department and be assessed first. Call the emergency services number in your country (such as 911/112) if you or someone you know is about to harm themselves or someone else.

Is there free mental health care in the US?

Community Mental Health Centers offer low-cost or free care on a sliding scale to the public. Typical services include emergency services, therapy and psychiatric care for adults and for children. You can expect to go through an intake interview that determines the kind of care you will receive.