We’ve all been there. You’ve decided you’re interested in finding a counselor in your area. You may even know what type of therapist is right for you. But first, do they take your insurance? Insurance networks can be really confusing, especially with therapy and counseling. Here’s how to find a therapist in your insurance network:
Call your chosen therapist and ask them.
Ok this seems obvious, but I have definitely had first-time consultations with clients who take the time to come into my office and have never asked me whether I take their insurance or not. Most therapists list on their website which insurances they take, but if it doesn’t be sure to call and ask.
Understand the Difference between In-Network and Out-Of-Network Benefits
It’s crucial to understand in-network vs. out-of-network benefits when you are looking for a therapist. In-Network means that a therapist has a contract with your insurance company and has agreed to see the plan’s members for a fixed price. You, as the insured person, are only responsible for a co-pay to your therapist. You can go see any therapist that is in-network and only pay the co-pay each time you see them.
Out-of-network means that a therapist has not agreed to join the insurance plan’s network and does not have a contract with them. So you, as the insurance holder, as responsible to pay the therapist. Some plans will reimburse you for your costs, and any therapist can give you the correct receipt (usually called a Superbill), which you then mail into your insurance company to be reimbursed. Some plans don’t have this benefit. So be sure you call your insurance company and ask. You can call as say “I want to see a therapist that’s out-of-network, can I be reimbursed for those expenses?”
Use an Online Listing to Find a Therapist that’s In-Network for You
There are a few online listings for therapists. Therapists pay a fee each mont to put their profile on the website, and you can search by zip code, specialty, and (importantly) by insurance company. The two biggest ones are Psychology Today and GoodTherapy.
When All Else Fails, Call Your Insurance Company for a List
You can call Member Services for your insurance company and ask for a list of all the in-network therapists in your area. Why is this a last-ditch effort? Well, lately insurance companies have come under fire for not having updated lists (meaning the list includes therapists that have moved, closed their practices, etc). This is the problem of Narrow Networks. But if you’re still trying to find a therapist that’s in-network for your insurance company, it’s worth calling the insurance company directly.