Essential Plan Mental Health Resources

Mental health coverage is available to all MetroPlusHealth members who have the Essential Plan. It includes a wide range of treatment, including inpatient psychiatric services, crisis intervention, outpatient treatment and rehabilitation, inpatient detoxification, opioid treatment, continuing day treatment, and more.

If you decide to see a therapist, you should know how to find a therapist covered by insurance. As a MetroPlusHealth member, you can use our Find A Doctor tool, which allows you to search for provider types or specialties within your plan network and by zip code. That way, you won’t have to wonder, “Will my insurance cover a therapist?” This tool will help make sure that it does.

Teletherapy services work a lot like in-person services when it comes to mental health care – except you can do it from your couch on a smartphone or tablet. If meeting with a therapist virtually is easier for you, there are many options. You can use the Find A Doctor tool to find an in-network therapist and then check their website or call the office to inquire about teletherapy options. Teletherapy will allow you to connect with your provider for sessions via a secure video link.

What is the key benefit of telehealth? Convenience and increased access to healthcare. Meeting virtually eliminates travel time and costs, and is especially useful for those with mobility issues or chronic illnesses. It may also expand your options regarding providers, as you won’t be limited by distance. As far as actual service goes, your experience will essentially be the same as in-person therapy covered by insurance.

Psychologists, therapists and counselors typically cannot prescribe medication. If you or your therapist believes you need mental health medication, you’ll have to arrange an appointment with your primary care provider or a psychiatrist. Primary care providers often handle medications for diagnoses like anxiety and depression If you have more complicated or severe conditions, they may refer you to a psychiatric office. There, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and psychiatric physician assistants can all diagnose, treat and prescribe medications for mental health conditions.

First, check your insurance plan to determine if a referral is required. The Essential Plan does not require a referral for outpatient mental health care. However, if you do need one, you’ll have to meet with your primary care doctor. You’ll discuss your symptoms and concerns with them and ask them to provide you with a referral for a specialist.

There are many resources available for mental health care, including emergency services, as well as inpatient and outpatient services. The Essential Plan does not place limits on the number of services per year.

The Essential Plan does not cover out-of-network providers except for emergency services, but there are many in-network mental health providers available in New York City. Use our Find A Doctor tool to find the right one for you.

Community mental health services are local care options that support individuals with mental health challenges outside of the hospital system. This can include things like therapy, crisis intervention, case management, residential services, and more. The goal is to provide a path forward without a hospital stay, which may be disruptive for some.