How to Check If Your Insurance Covers Mental Health and Behavioral Health Services

Reaching out for mental health support is an important step toward healing—but understanding your insurance coverage can feel confusing or overwhelming. If you're unsure whether therapy, counseling, or behavioral health services are covered under your plan, you're not alone. This post will walk you through how to contact your insurance company and what specific questions to ask so you can confidently access the care you need.

Many people hesitate to begin therapy because they’re unsure if it's affordable or covered by their insurance. Even with mental health parity laws that require insurance companies to treat mental health conditions like physical health conditions, coverage can still vary widely. Taking the time to clarify your benefits can help avoid unexpected bills and make the process of starting therapy smoother.

As a therapist, I often hear from clients who are surprised to learn that their plan does offer mental health coverage—but the process of finding out can be confusing. Knowing what to ask and who to talk to at your insurance company is key. Whether you're planning to work with an in-network provider or want to submit claims for out-of-network services, getting this information ahead of time empowers you to make informed decisions about your care.

Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Mental Health Coverage

Find Your Insurance Card
Your card has a customer service or member services phone number—this is the best place to start.

1. Call the Customer Service Number
   Use the number on the back of your card and follow the prompts for “benefits” or “mental/behavioral health services.”

2. Ask the Right Questions
   Have a pen and paper ready. Here are key questions to ask:

   • Are outpatient mental health or behavioral health services covered?

   • Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?

   • What is my copay or coinsurance for therapy visits?

   • Is there a deductible I need to meet before coverage begins?

   • How many sessions are covered per year?

   • Do I have coverage for both in-network and out-of-network providers?

   • How do I submit a claim if I use an out-of-network therapist?

   • Are telehealth (online therapy) sessions covered?

3. Get Confirmation in Writing
   If possible, ask for a summary of your benefits to be emailed or mailed to you. This helps prevent misunderstandings later.

4. Double-Check With Your Therapist
   Share what you’ve learned with your current or potential therapist. They can help verify coverage or provide a superbill for out-of-network claims if needed. The therapist can also contact their end to determine if therapy will be covered and to check if they are under the plan. Each plan and insurance is different, so it is best to call first.

Conclusion

Getting clear on your mental health coverage is an empowering first step toward getting the support you need. By knowing what questions to ask and how to navigate your benefits, you can take the guesswork out of accessing therapy and lift some of the burden by not having to pay for therapy. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or continuing ongoing care, understanding your insurance options helps you focus on what truly matters—your healing and well-being.