Therapists accepting Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York

Seeing a Therapist Who Accepts Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield therapists, psychologists, and counselors are available for in-person appointments and video therapy sessions. 

Therapy with an in-network Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield counselor may cost you nothing or no more than your copay, which typically ranges from $0 to $50. Some Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield plans may require you to pay coinsurance instead of a copay, which means you’ll cover a certain percentage of the therapist’s fees out-of-pocket. 

You may have to pay the therapist’s full rate if you haven’t met your annual deductible with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, even if the therapist is an in-network provider.

Depending on your Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan, there may be restrictions on the types of therapy services covered (e.g. couples counseling, grief counseling, psychological testing). Additionally, some plans may require you to get a referral from your primary care physician.

To check the specific costs and coverage details associated with your Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan, give them a call at (800) 331-1476 or visit the Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield website to review your behavioral health benefits online. 

Finding Psychologists, Therapists, and Counselors in New York

Finding a therapist in New York is easier in New York City. Online therapy may be a good option if you live in more rural areas or if a therapist with a particular specialty is not located near you. 

Out of pocket costs for therapy in New York will be between $100 - $200+ per session. For couples counseling and family therapy, costs might start at $150 - $250+ per session. First appointments with a therapist tend to be a little longer and may cost a little more. Also, it’s important to note that specialized services can cost more.

There are over 66,000+ therapists in the State of New York with licenses, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCAT), Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), Psychoanalysts (PA), and Psychologists (Ph.D. and Psy.D.). 

If you think you might qualify for free or reduced-cost services from the state, take a look at the NYOMH website and/or see if you qualify for Medicaid.

Licensed clinicians (and even interns) are held to strict practice guidelines to protect clients. If you’d like to learn more about identifying and reporting misconduct, learn more here.