Mental Health Parity
Federal law requires most insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services at the same level as medical/surgical care. This guide helps you access those benefits.Understanding Your Insurance
Premium: monthly payment for coverage. Deductible: amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Copay: fixed amount per visit. Coinsurance: percentage you pay after deductible. Out-of-pocket maximum: most you'll pay in a year. In-network vs out-of-network: providers contracted with your insurance vs. not.Finding Your Mental Health Benefits
Call the member services number on your insurance card. Ask: What is my mental health copay/coinsurance? How many therapy sessions are covered? Do I need preauthorization? What is my deductible? Is there a session limit?Finding In-Network Providers
Use your insurance company's online directory. Call member services for a list. Ask providers directly if they accept your insurance. Verify they're still in-network before scheduling — directories can be outdated.Verifying Coverage
Before your first appointment, call your insurance to verify: Is this provider in-network? Do I need prior authorization? What will my out-of-pocket cost be? Get a reference number for the call.Out-of-Network Options
Some plans offer out-of-network benefits with higher costs. You may be able to submit claims for reimbursement. Ask about single-case agreements if your plan lacks in-network providers for your needs.Appealing Denials
If a claim is denied: Request a written explanation. Ask your provider to submit a letter of medical necessity. File an internal appeal with your insurance. If denied again, request an external review. Contact your state insurance commissioner if needed.Options Without Insurance
Community mental health centers offer sliding-scale fees. University counseling clinics often have low-cost therapy. Open Path Collective offers therapy $30-$80/session. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees. Consider teletherapy platforms for lower costs.