When you go see a therapist or a psychiatrist does health insurance cover any of the cost?

Question

Serious answers only.

Typical HMO's like Tufts, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, etc.

Answer 1

Yes, typically at least part of the cost is covered by insurance. However, the number of sessions covered as well as the dollar amount covered depends on a few factors, including which insurance company you have, the type of therapist (social worker vs. masters-level therapist vs. psychologist vs. psychiatrist) you're seeing, and, unfortunately, what type of problem you're being treated for.

If your insurance stops covering your treatment, or if you can't afford treatment even with insurance coverage, remember that there are a lot of therapists who work on a sliding-scale basis so that you pay what you can.

Answer 2

It depends entirely on your insurance program. I have had plans that covered 52 visits a year, and I have had plans that didn't cover anything for mental health.

If you have an HMO, my guess is it will cover something. Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask them about your coverage. Then, be sure to see a doctor or therapist who is allowed in your program.

The amount covered varies by company and by plan, so be sure to ask about that, as well, when you talk to your insurance carrier. Some plans pay a percentage of each visit, and some plans pay a flat amount toward your charges each time you visit.

Good luck! Seeking a therapist when you need help is one of the best decisions in the world. I wish you the best.

Answer 3

Yes, it should although there are issues with health care coverage when it comes to mental health. Many times there is a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage or the total amount of lifetime hospital stays for mental illness. The problem is that nine times out of ten mental illness is actually a physical problem. For example they have found out that the reason it takes weeks for antidepressents to start working is that they literally are causing new nerve cells to grow in the brain. Do check though, to make sure that you don't need a physician referral prior to seeing a specialist. I would simply call the company and check. Good luck.

Answer 4

more than likely...I know Kaiser does. Its just that the therapy sessions are more limited being that there is such a large population of patients to give therapy to etc. as opposed to a private practice place. you may not get seen once a week maybe every two weeks...or ??? but the services are there and covered when u use them.

Answer 5

If you go to one that is in your inpatient care network. Call the 800 number to your insurance. They have a list of onces in your area that they help pay for if not pay for it all.

Answer 6

Heck yeah! I have BCBS, the PPO, and my cost of seeing my psychiatrist is a $15 copay as well as a counselor.

Answer 7

I'm a nurse. Yes but make sure the clinic you choose will be able to while making the appointment. You shouldn't have any problem, most clinics do.

Answer 8

Usually, it covers at least 20 appts. per year. Do it. It is great!

Answer 9

You gotta show them you are really whacked out. a little anxiety won't do you a bit of good. gotta kick and scream to get the shrink interested. never let them look in your eyes. they look for demons in the dyes. it shows. you talk to anyone about your demons? you should. but not a shrink. look for someone with old clothes pushing a grocery cart full of stuff. not groceries. talk to them about those demons.

Answer 10

alot of that depends on the type of insurance you have. call your insurance provider and ask them if and what kind of coverage they provide for those areas.