Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover mental health therapy?
Asked by: Prof. Carole Mueller | Last update: April 8, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (24 votes)
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 Blue Cross Blue Shield cover mental health insurance?
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.
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 to find out if your therapist is covered by insurance?
- Ask your insurance provider in person or via phone call or contact form. The answer may also be on their website.
- Ask the therapist's practice in person, over the phone, or via email. The answer may also be on their website.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Mental Health Therapy? - Psychological Clarity
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.
Will insurance pay for therapy without a diagnosis?
If you use your insurance for therapy, you will have to be diagnosed. Insurance companies only pay for services that are deemed “medically necessary.” In therapy, medical necessity is established by diagnosing a client.
Why won t insurance cover therapy?
Insurance companies create quotas for how many therapists they will work with in a certain geographic area and types of therapists. They may decide that they need more bilingual therapists or specialists in addiction, so they reject those without a specialty area.
What is the copay for therapy?
A copay is the set fee you pay at every medical session, including therapy. When you see a therapist who is in-network with your insurance plan, you pay them a copay at each therapy session. Then, your therapist sends a claim to the insurance company to receive the remainder of the fee they're owed.
Does seeing a therapist go on your record?
Typically, no. Diagnosed mental illnesses are a part of a person's medical record and, as such, are protected under law. Doctors are sworn to confidentiality and could risk losing their jobs if they expose any information without a person's explicit consent.
How to pay for mental health treatment?
Most mental health plans have either a copay or a deductible. If you have a copay plan, this means you pay a set amount each time you have an appointment. For example, if your plan's copay is $40, you will pay $40 per session, and your insurance will cover the remainder of your balance.
How much does a mental hospital cost with insurance?
With health insurance coverage, the cost of inpatient mental health psychiatric services typically involves paying a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible. On average, you might pay between $100 and $500 per day, depending on your insurance plan and the specific services provided.
How much does it cost to see a therapist 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.
Are mental health issues covered by insurance?
California law provides added security by requiring every health plan in the state to cover certain mental health conditions, including the following: Major depressive disorders. Autism or pervasive developmental disorder. Bipolar disorder.
How long is an inpatient mental health stay?
Inpatient mental health stays can vary in duration depending on the individual's needs and progress. Short-term stays typically last from a few days to a couple of weeks, focusing on crisis stabilization and immediate support for acute symptoms.
Can I check myself into a mental hospital?
The answer to that is, yes you can… but should you? It may seem that the psych ward at a local hospital is the best option when you are in crisis mode. For some, yes, that may be the safest setting if you are a danger to yourself or others.
How to find a therapist covered by insurance?
You can access an online directory of insurance companies or see a list of all the providers in your network on your insurance's website. You can also call your insurance company to determine if a therapist is in-network. It's important to consider your needs before deciding who you want to work with.
Where do people go when they have bad mental health?
Specialist mental health services
Often these different services are coordinated by a community mental health team (CMHT), which is usually based either at a hospital or a local community mental health centre. Some teams provide 24-hour services so that you can contact them in a crisis.
Do you pay before or after therapy?
Many therapists prefer to take care of payment up front, or to have clients pay for several sessions in advance; that way, both therapist and client avoid the awkward experience of having to discuss payment after a particularly difficult session. When should I ask about insurance coverage?
Can a therapist tell on you?
There are some situations where a therapist legally must disclose information to the police under California law. Counselors are required to tell the police or the potential victim what a patient has told them if they believe their client may hurt someone else in the future.
Is trauma therapy covered by insurance?
Trauma therapy is covered under most insurance. A major factor in coverage is the type of trauma therapy you are receiving. It is important to check with your insurance and see your options. Often, insurance will cover more than you think.
Can you get therapy without a diagnosis?
If a person is diagnosed with a mental, developmental, or psychiatric health condition, a referral to meet with a psychiatrist is often the next step. However, you don't have to be diagnosed with any specific condition to see a therapist.
How much is the copay for therapy 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.