Why is it so hard to find a therapist that takes my insurance?
Asked by: Mrs. Alverta Raynor | Last update: April 16, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (43 votes)
How to find a therapist that uses your insurance?
Generally you go to your insurance company's website, find the ``find a doctor'' feature that should be there somewhere, select the type of doctor you want, and go from there. It should give you a list of therapists, or psychiatrists, or podiatrists, etc in your area.
Why is it so hard to find a therapist right now?
Biggest reason--there are not enough mental health providers to treat all the people seeking therapy. Tons of people are looking for therapy as many, many people experienced huge levels of stress during the pandemic.
What does it mean when a therapist accepts your insurance?
When a therapist accepts insurance, they agree to accept a standard fee in exchange for steady referrals by being listed in the insurance's directory.
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.
Why It’s So Hard to Find a Therapist Who Takes Insurance
Is online therapy cheaper than in person?
Online therapy can be cheaper than in-person therapy due to reduced overhead costs. In some cases, insurance may cover some or all the cost of a therapy session. However, there may be a limit to the number of sessions a person can access with insurance.
Why is it so hard to find a therapist who takes insurance?
Many therapists choose not to take health insurance – aka be in-network with health insurances – due to low reimbursement rates from health insurance companies, logistical issues, and privacy concerns.
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.
How do most people find their therapist?
Many people start searching for a provider by scrolling through their insurance company's list of providers, then cross-referencing those against another database like Psychology Today to learn more about each practitioner.
Why are people still reluctant to go to therapy?
Individuals fear judgment, change, the unknown, and what they might discover in therapy; additionally, they're too prideful to admit they need help. Additionally, some people doubt the efficacy of mental health treatment: They're uncertain it will work or misunderstand how it works.
What to do when you can't see your therapist?
- Contact your workplace, insurance company or Medicaid managed care plan to find out which therapists and services are covered and available to you.
- If you don't have insurance, use community services and resources for accessible mental health care.
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 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.
Is it worth it to pay out of pocket for therapy?
For most people, though, the biggest decision is whether to use insurance or to pay out of pocket. Using insurance can save you a lot of money—though not always—while paying out of pocket usually gives you more options and increases your chances of finding a therapist who meets your criteria.
Why is it so hard to find a therapist now?
Limited Availability. In many regions, there is a shortage of mental health professionals. This scarcity is more pronounced in rural or underprivileged areas. Even in urban centers, high demand can lead to long waiting lists, making immediate access to therapy difficult.
How do I know if my therapist takes insurance?
If it is still unclear if your therapist takes your insurance, here are some actions to take: 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.
Can you see two therapists at once with insurance?
Yes you can. The challenge (and the reason most people don't do it) comes from two aspects: Some insurance have limits on how often you can use the behavioral health benefits, which could limit people's ability to see more than one therapist. Psychologically, it could be confusing and/or overwhelming.
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.
Which type of therapy is most cost-effective?
The most cost-effective type of therapy is group therapy.
Why is it so hard to find a therapist that takes insurance?
Many struggle to find a psychiatrist or a therapist who takes insurance. NPR and ProPublica have been investigating the reasons behind this. And they found that therapists who join insurance networks often leave over time. That's because they face a mountain of hurdles from insurers to get reimbursed.
What is a disadvantage of having insurance pay for mental health treatment?
While insurance can provide financial assistance, it's important to weigh the potential downsides, such as loss of confidentiality, documentation of mental illness, higher out-of-pocket costs, and restricted treatment options.
Does going to therapy go on your record?
In the same manner as medical records at a doctors office, they are strictly confidential and can only be accessed by an outside party with the permission of the client and in most cases a written consent. There is no worry that anyone will find out by your information being "public".
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.