Whether you’re looking for a therapist or counselor for the first time, you have recently moved, or you need to schedule a few sessions after taking time off, it’s always an uphill battle to find a specialist who accepts your insurance. When calling your insurance company, you can expect to be on hold for a long time and even be shifted from department to department, all to ask the simple question: Does insurance cover therapy?
Here, we’ll discuss important steps to take prior to contacting your insurance company, questions to ask your insurance company before therapy, and how SOL Mental Health can help.
Finding a Therapist for the Right Kind of Care
The good news is, you’re ready to start looking for someone who can help you navigate life with better mental wellness. First, you want to ensure you’re seeking help from a mental health professional who is qualified to assist you, as it’s important to seek help from an expert who specializes in your specific struggles. Finding a therapist will take a bit of effort on your part, but will pay off once you find the right fit.
Think about what has been troubling you. Is it anxiety, depression, anger management, or are you unsure at this time? Any answer is acceptable, and navigating through different options is encouraged and normal. Taking a Psychological Test is also an excellent way to determine the root of the issue.
Oftentimes, after taking a Psychological Test, you will have more in-depth answers and will be directed toward the person or group who can help you. If you aren’t able to take one, no worries. All you have to do is think about how you’d like to seek treatment. From here, you can look into the services that align with your life and values.
For example, do you need to speak to a doctor to regulate medication, or do you need a holistic approach in a group therapy setting? Or, do you need a place who can offer both? Finding a therapist is more than just Googling names and offices; it’s about finding the right group or individual, which takes time. You want to be surrounded by people who can understand and empathize, but also push you in the right direction toward better mental health.
So, Does Insurance Cover Therapy?
The short answer is, yes, many if not most providers do cover some sort of mental health care. However, it’s important to check the specifics of your coverage and what costs you may be responsible for.
If you already know what your insurance covers, you can look for the right therapist or group from another angle. If you don’t know, check your policy or call the insurance company to ask. Questions may include:
- Does my policy cover therapy?
- What kind of therapy is covered? (eg individual therapy, group therapy, inpatient or outpatient services, etc)
- Is there a limit on how many sessions I can have per year?
- What would my out-of-pocket/co-pay cost be?
- Do you cover [clinic or therapist name]?
- What is my deductible?
- Is pre-authorization required?
Once you have these answers, you can conduct a more educated search for qualified mental health professionals. View what services a facility, therapist, or doctor offers, and check to ensure they accept your insurance. If they don’t offer exactly what you need, it’s imperative to find someone who does. The last thing you want to deal with when you’re already struggling with mental health is another reason to worry about how you’re going to pay your bills. Don’t let medical bills pile up, especially when you have insurance that can cover mental health services.
A Helping Hand in the Search Process
Achieving better mental health is not a short-term mission. It is a lifelong journey, but it can be easier to manage and more fulfilling when you have someone to keep you on track. When you find yourself asking, “Does insurance cover therapy?” look no further for help than SOL Mental Health. We offer easy online tools to understand what insurances we accept and what services we offer, ensuring you get optimal care without adding anxiety to your financial situation.
Visit our homepage and click on Get Started, and then Verify Insurance to immediately see that we accept all major insurance companies, plus some.