Using your medical insurance

Insurance benefits vary widely depending on your policy. If you plan to use insurance for your therapy fees, be sure to check with your health plan in advance so you know what is covered, what your benefits are, and whether you can see the therapist of your choice.  In some cases, your services may require pre-authorization before you can schedule an appointment.

Typical Questions to ask your Health Plan Provider:

1. Do I have mental health benefits under my insurance plan?
   
2. Do I need pre-authorization to start psychotherapy or can I self-refer? 
   
3. Must I choose a therapist from my health plan provider list or will my plan cover my sessions with the “out of network” therapist of my choice?
   
4. What is the difference in cost (my co-payment) for me to work with a therapist on my insurance panel, or to work with an “out of network” psychotherapist?
   
5. What and how much is my deductible? Is there an annual or lifetime cap on reimbursement for in network and out of network psychotherapy services?
   
6. Can I receive reimbursement from my insurance company for the cost of my psychotherapy sessions paid directly to my therapist? How is this amount determined and what is required to request and receive reimbursement?
   
7. How many sessions per calendar year will my plan cover?
   
8. Does my plan have restrictions regarding the type of therapy I receive? (eg. family, couples, group, etc.)