Finding the right therapist is hard enough without worrying about whether your insurance will cover your care.
If you're asking yourself, "Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover therapy?" or “How will I ever find a therapist that takes Blue Cross”– you're not alone. We're here to help you navigate this journey, from understanding your insurance coverage to finding the right in-network therapist.
Good news: most Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans include mental health coverage.
Your therapy sessions are typically covered under BCBS's behavioral health benefits, which often include services like individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatry.
Couples therapy is more complicated. While some Blue Cross plans cover couples counseling, many do not. You will need to check your member portal or call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if you’re covered.
Let us break down what these terms mean, because it is essential to understanding your benefits:
Real example: An in-network therapy session might cost you a $30 copay, while the same session with an out-of-network provider could cost you $150 or more, depending on your plan's out-of-network benefits and the provider's rates.
A deductible is the amount you need to pay for healthcare services before your insurance starts paying its share. Think of it like the entrance fee to your benefits.
Your deductible resets each year, usually on January 1st or your plan renewal date.
Pro tip: If you start therapy late in the year, consider how much of your deductible you've already met through other healthcare expenses. You might be closer to coverage than you think!
BCBS offers various plan types, each with its own approach to mental health coverage:
I remember spending hours searching for a therapist who took my insurance, calling office after office only to hear "We're not taking new patients" or "We don't accept your plan."
Here's what I wish I'd known:
While your insurance company's website has a provider search tool, these directories are often outdated. Many listed therapists might not actually be taking new patients or may have changed their insurance acceptance policy.
Always ask specifically if a therapist is "in-network" with your exact BCBS plan.
Plans vary by state and type (HMO, PPO), so general BCBS acceptance doesn't guarantee in-network status.
Before scheduling, always verify that the therapist accepts your specific BCBS plan and confirm what you'll owe per session.
Many BCBS plans now cover telehealth services equally to in-person sessions. This can greatly expand your options, especially if you live in a rural area or have limited transportation.
If you are looking for specific types of therapy (like EMDR or DBT), verify that these specialties are covered and that the provider is certified in these techniques.
Instead of spending weeks searching, let MyWellbeing do the work for you. Our free matching service connects you with vetted therapists who accept your BCBS insurance.
Here's how we simplify the process:
Not sure whether your therapist accepts your specific plan? When you connect with them, ask:
Most BCBS plans include:
Some plans also offer additional resources like:
Here are some tips to get the most from your coverage:
Telehealth services often have the same coverage as in-person visits, and they can be easier to fit around your schedule.
Document improvements to advocate for continued coverage if needed.
Know how many sessions your plan covers per year.
Some therapists offer group therapy at lower rates than individual care.
Your plan might include mindfulness apps or wellness programs to support your wellbeing.
If you're seeing multiple healthcare providers, like a primary care provider, a therapist, and a psychiatrist or medication manager, ensure they communicate to optimize your care
You deserve mental health support that fits both your needs and your insurance coverage. Stop searching endlessly for "therapists that take Blue Cross Blue Shield" – let us make the connection for you.
Ready to find your therapist match? Take our free questionnaire now. It takes just a few minutes.
Remember, taking care of your mental health is one of the most important investments you can make. With your BCBS coverage, therapy is more accessible than ever. Let's help you take the next step.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.
At MyWellbeing, we understand that the perfect therapist for you goes beyond just accepting your insurance. Here's why thousands of people have trusted us to help them find their therapist:
Personalized matching: We use a comprehensive questionnaire to understand not just your insurance needs, but your therapeutic goals, personality, and preferences. We've found that the best therapeutic relationships happen when there's a genuine connection between therapist and client.
We do the heavy lifting: Instead of spending hours researching therapists, calling offices, and verifying insurance, you can focus on starting care. We take care of all the legwork–for free.
Ongoing support: Our commitment doesn't end once you're matched. We're here to support your entire mental health journey. If your first therapist isn't the right fit, we'll help you find another without starting from scratch.
Time is precious: We know that when you're ready to start therapy, you don't want to wait weeks for an appointment. Our matching process typically connects you with available therapists within days, not months.
Your mental health journey starts with a single step – let us make it easier.
Take our free questionnaire today and let us match you with a Blue Cross Blue Shield therapist who's right for you.
MyWellbeing matches you to the right provider that specializes in what matters most to you. Our match form takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and you'll immediately receive 3 provider recommendations that fit your needs. All of the providers on MyWellbeing offer a free phone consultation to assess fit and see if you two should work together. Click below to get matched!
Ryan is former Head of Growth. At MyWellbeing, he helps providers get matched with clients through their unique matchmaking directory. Prior to MyWellbeing, he was the founder of Kontess, an edtech solution for universities, which was acquired in 2021. He has worked with small businesses and startups alike to help them increase revenue and reach more potential customers through the use of sales and marketing at his agency, Rex Marketing & CX.