How do I find an in-network therapist?
In part four of our Navigating Insurance for Mental Health Services series, we discuss how to find a therapist that is in-network with your insurance plan. Watch the video or see the transcript below!
Our team at Forward Together Counseling offers in network services for BCBS/Carefirst, Cigna, United, GEHA, Lyra, and Modern Health. Contact us to learn more!
Video transcript:
Aside from the cost, one of the other most important aspects of receiving mental health services is finding a therapist or counselor who is in network with your insurance plan. There are a few methods to finding a provider who is in-network, but the first option is to call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask for assistance with finding a provider. Insurance companies have dedicated staff, such as care coordinators and care navigators, who work closely with members to help them find providers. These employees are live agents that will help you find a therapist or counselor who is in network with your benefits plan.
The second option is to use your health insurance’s website. Many health insurance companies provide their members with an online database of in-network providers, as well as cost estimator tools. The third option is to use a therapy directory. These tools are quick and easy to use. Many websites like Therapy Den and Psychology Today have therapy directories where you can filter fields for what you are looking for in a therapist. There are also more niche directories, such as Therapy for Black Girls or Asian Mental Health Collective, and Inclusive Therapists to name a few.
The final option is to ask your primary care provider for a referral or seek recommendations from friends and family with the same health insurance options as you. Sometimes, you can even send an inquiry to a prospective provider and ask them directly if they accept your insurance plan. If they do not accept your plan, they may be able to provide you with a referral for another provider who does.
We hope that these examples and resources have helped you to better understand how to use your health insurance to pay for mental health services. This information is also available on healthcare.gov, which features a lot of great resources as well as a health insurance glossary. If you would like to understand your plan better, we implore you to call your health insurance company for further support. We hope that this has helped alleviate some stress around seeking support for your mental health, and we look forward to seeing you soon at Forward Together Counseling.