How do I find a psychiatrist in my network?

Call the insurance-list practitioners whom your doctor recognizes and recommends highly, starting with those most conveniently located. On each call, confirm that the doctor is still in-network, has openings for new patients and can address the specific issues for which you need help.

Does Blue Shield cover mental health?

Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S., providing coverage for one in three Americans — including mental health, behavioral health, and therapy services.

Does psychiatrist take insurance?

Though not all medical providers take insurance, psychiatrists are the least likely to do so. About 55% of psychiatrists take insurance, according to a 2014 study published in JAMA Psychiatry; the average for all health care professionals is around 89%.

What percentage of psychiatrists do not take insurance?

Though the number of therapists who accept insurance isn’t tracked by a single organization, one estimate suggests 42 percent of therapists in California don’t accept insurance at all. Without the financial help of insurance, clients pay an average of $130 out of pocket per session.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover psychiatry?

Blue Cross and Blue Plus health plans typically cover behavioral and mental health services. The services covered for inpatient or outpatient care, the copays or coinsurance amounts, and the network of providers may be different for each plan.

Is counseling expensive?

Unlike a $10 to $30 insurance co-pay, many therapists charge between $65 and $150 per session. In most areas, the cost of therapy is about $100 to $200. In expensive cities, like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York, however, therapy can cost as much as $200 per session or more.

Does a psychiatrist count as a specialist?

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has done extra training to become a specialist in mental health. Many people get confused by the differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Both are health professionals who can care for people with mental health problems. Both have had years of education and training.

Why is there a shortage of psychiatrists?

Reasons for the Psychiatrist Shortage Many of the same things that drive the general physician shortage contribute to the lack of psychiatrists. An aging workforce and physician burnout are problems across the board. There is also a problem with the distribution of psychiatrists across the United States.