How many therapy sessions does Medicaid cover?

Asked by: Pete Ullrich  |  Last update: June 12, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (22 votes)

The number of therapy sessions Medicaid covers varies by state and individual plan. Some states may offer unlimited sessions, while others may have limits. For example: Some states cover up to 30 sessions per year.

How many therapy sessions does Medicare cover?

Yes, Medicare does limit the number of counseling sessions, specifically under Medicare Part B. Initially, you're allowed up to 20 outpatient individual or group therapy sessions per year. However, it's important to note that further sessions may be authorized if deemed medically necessary by your healthcare provider.

What does Medicaid not cover?

Though Medicaid covers a wide range of services, there are limitations on certain types of care, such as infertility treatments, elective abortions, and some types of alternative medicine. For example, the federal government lists family planning as a mandatory service benefit, but states interpret this differently.

Does MO Medicaid cover mental health services?

Medically necessary behavioral health services are available to MO HealthNet eligible individuals. Behavioral health services include outpatient facilities, psychiatry, psychology, and counseling services.

How much does therapy cost a month with insurance?

Therapy costs an average of $21 per session for an adult who has insurance and uses an in-network therapist. If the same adult goes to an out-of-network therapist, the average cost is $60 per session. Insurance reduces the cost of therapy between 60% and 75%.

Does Medicaid Cover Mental Health Care?

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How many therapy sessions can you have?

Many people will reach their goals in around 12 to 20 sessions. And many others benefit from longer-term work over several years. We're flexible to work with you as long as you need and will support you as long as it helps. At the start, it will help to see your therapist either weekly or fortnightly.

Does Medicaid pay for therapy?

Medicaid is the single largest payer for mental health services in the United States. 2 While it didn't always include therapy as a benefit and limitations do still exist, Medicaid now covers this and a myriad of other substance use, mental health, and behavioral health services.

Will Medicaid pay for anxiety?

Yes, Medicaid health insurance plans cover behavioral health services and mental health treatment for therapy and other mental health services.

What are the downsides of Medicaid?

Disadvantages of Medicaid

One of the primary reasons for this is that Medicaid reimbursements are lower than those of commercial insurers for most procedures and treatments.

What is exempt from Medicaid?

Certain types of income, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veteran's benefits, and some forms of child support, are exempted from the spend down calculation. These exemptions ensure that individuals with limited income sources can still qualify for Medicaid.

What happens if you make too much money while on Medicaid?

If you're over the Medicaid income limit, some states let you spend down extra income or place it in a trust to help you qualify for Medicaid. If you receive long-term care but your spouse doesn't, Medicaid will allow your spouse to keep enough income to avoid living in poverty.

How many weeks of therapy will Medicare pay for?

There's no limit on how much Medicare pays for your medically necessary outpatient therapy services in one calendar year.

How are therapy sessions billed?

You'll want to use your typical 90837 CPT code. Then you'll also want to use the Add On CPT code 99354 which declares an additional 30 to 74 minutes of therapy. So any time you do 90 to 2 hours and 14 minutes of therapy, make sure to use the combination of CPT Codes 90837 and +99354.

How many therapy sessions do you need per month?

Recommended Average Frequency for Therapy

Many people in therapy see great results from weekly therapy sessions. A once-per-week cadence gives you enough time between regular therapy sessions so that you can process what you discussed and learned and then apply any insights or coping mechanisms in a real-world setting.

What percentage of therapists accept Medicaid?

Comment: Roughly 40 percent of practicing psychologists do not accept Medicare and 55 percent don't accept Medicaid, a fact that may make it difficult for many poor or elderly people to receive mental health care.

How much is a disability check for anxiety?

The average disability check for anxiety and other mental disorders was $1,343.88 in 2022. If you qualify for benefits with anxiety, the maximum disability payment for SSDI is $3,822 per month, and the most you can get from SSI is $943 per month in 2024.

Does Medicaid pay for antidepressants?

Does Medicaid pay for antidepressants medication? Antidepressant drugs are sometimes covered by Medicaid but there are prescribing restrictions in place in New York that can have an impact on coverage. States vary in terms of how they attempt to contain the cost of antidepressants through policy.

Is therapy every 2 weeks enough?

Some people might see their therapist every two weeks depending on their therapeutic needs. This can also be beneficial if you are paying out of pocket, or just need a check-in every couple of weeks. You'll get similar benefits to weekly sessions, but with a little more time in-between to process.

What is the best type of therapy for anxiety?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of psychotherapy for anxiety disorders. Generally a short-term treatment, CBT focuses on teaching you specific skills to improve your symptoms and gradually return to the activities you've avoided because of anxiety.

What can you tell a therapist?

Because therapy is such a personal thing, what you tell a therapist must remain confidential. This includes things like affairs, past crimes, and "bad behavior" that isn't necessarily criminal behavior. You can talk to a therapist about how you were abused in the past, and they will not share that information.

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 often should I go to therapy?

Weekly sessions: Weekly therapy sessions allow for a consistent, supportive environment where you can dive deep into personal issues, establish a strong rapport with your therapist, and steadily work toward your mental health goals.