Therapists who accept Blue Cross Blue Shield

Using Blue Cross Blue Shield for therapy

Blue Cross Blue Shield is a federation of regional plans, not a single national carrier, which means the experience of using BCBS for therapy varies meaningfully by state. In New Jersey it's Horizon BCBS; in New York it's Empire or Excellus depending on region; in Pennsylvania it's Independence or Highmark; in California it's Anthem Blue Cross. The therapist's in-network status applies to their state's BCBS — a therapist in-network with Horizon BCBS isn't automatically in-network with Anthem if you're using a California plan.

Across the BCBS plans, federal parity rules require outpatient mental-health coverage at terms comparable to medical. In practice that means most BCBS plans cover individual therapy sessions with an in-network therapist for a copay (typically $20-$50) or coinsurance after deductible. Session limits are uncommon on commercial plans but exist on some Medicare Advantage and Medicaid BCBS products. Telehealth is reimbursed at the same rate as in-person on essentially all BCBS plans now.

BCBS plans generally do not require a primary-care referral for outpatient mental-health care, though some HMO products do. The fastest way to verify is to call the member services number on the back of your card and ask three questions: is outpatient mental-health therapy covered, what's my copay or coinsurance for in-network sessions, and has my deductible been met. If you'd rather skip the call, our intake coordinator can verify with the therapist's billing team on your behalf.

For out-of-network BCBS coverage: most BCBS plans provide partial out-of-network reimbursement, typically 50 to 70 percent of the session fee after an out-of-network deductible. You'd pay the therapist directly and submit a superbill for reimbursement. For some plans the math works out close to even with in-network; for others, in-network is meaningfully cheaper.

To find a BCBS-accepting therapist, browse the profiles below or submit the matching form.