How to Find a Blue Cross Blue Shield Psychiatrist

If you have health insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and you’re looking for a psychiatrist, you can likely use your insurance to help cover the cost. How much BCBS pays and how much you pay depends on your plan.  

Read on to learn how to find a BCBS psychiatrist and what to consider before your first visit.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance cover mental health services?  

Yes, most BCBS plans cover mental health services.  

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act and the Affordable Care Act require most health plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder care comparable to physical health care coverage. That doesn’t mean every service is covered in the same way. What's covered and what you’ll pay depends on your plan.

Psychiatric services that are usually covered include:

• initial psychiatric evaluation
• medication management
• outpatient psychotherapy (talk therapy)
• partial hospitalization
• inpatient or residential treatment
• emergency care

Review your benefits before you book so you know what’s covered and whether there are additional requirements, such as a referral to see a psychiatrist. HMO plans are more likely to require referrals than PPO plans. Because each BCBS company sets its own plan rules, two BCBS plans can work differently.

Your plan documents outline your benefits. You can also call BCBS member services using the number on your insurance ID card to speak directly to a representative. They can answer any specific questions or clarify anything you’re unsure about.  

If you speak to a membership representative, ask which outpatient and inpatient services are covered, and what your copay and coinsurance are for in-network and out-of-network care.  

How to find an in-network Blue Cross Blue Shield psychiatrist

Here are some ways to find a psychiatrist who’s in-network with your plan.

Search your BCBS company’s directory

Because your plan is issued by one of the independent companies that make up BCBS, you’ll need to search the directory on your company’s website or member portal, or use the Find a Doctor tool on bcbs.com. You’ll want to have your insurance card with you because you’ll need to enter some of the codes from your card into the tool.  

These directories may not be fully up to date. You’ll also want to contact the psychiatrist's practice to confirm they accept your plan, even if they’re in the directory.

If you need ongoing specialized care and can’t find an in-network psychiatrist with availability, ask BCBS about case management. Case managers can help coordinate your care and fill gaps. These services are most often offered to people with multiple health conditions.  

Use online directories

Sites like PsychologyToday.com and ZocDoc.com let you search by a range of criteria, including:  

• specialty
• insurance plan
• location
• gender

But remember to always confirm insurance directly with a practice because listings can be out of date.

Ask your doctor for a recommendation

Your primary care doctor or another doctor you see may be able to recommend a psychiatrist. Many hospital systems and practices have psychiatrists they work with, too. If you’re looking for a psychiatrist for a child, you can also ask their guidance counsellor if they have a list of psychiatrists they recommend.  

Again, you’ll want to call ahead to confirm that the practice is covered under your plan.

Choose a virtual Talkiatry psychiatrist

Talkiatry is a national psychiatry practice that treats a range of mental health conditions. We’re in network with major insurers, including many BCBS plans. You can check your coverage with our insurance eligibility checker.  

To get started, complete a quick, free online assessment to get matched with one of our psychiatrists and get care from home.  

Considerations when choosing a psychiatrist

Insurance is only part of the decision. You also want to find a psychiatrist who fits your needs and who you feel comfortable working with.  

Their speciality

Psychiatrists are trained across all mental health conditions, but you may want one who focuses on your specific concerns. Examples of specialties include:

• anxiety disorders
• ADHD
• mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder
• PTSD
• postpartum depression
• substance use disorder

Some psychiatrists also focus on LGBTQIA+ care, veterans, or children and adolescents.

Your personal preferences

Psychiatrists have different styles. Some are more direct and others spend more time listening.  

Reviews from other patients can help give you a sense of a psychiatrist’s style. Keep in mind that preferences vary, and a psychiatrist who wasn’t right for one person may be right for you.  

Some people also feel more at ease with a psychiatrist who shares their gender, race, age, or background. When you search, filter for whatever helps you feel comfortable.

Where they practice

Decide whether you prefer in-person or virtual visits. If you want to go in person, choose a practice within a manageable distance from your home or work.  

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How to schedule your first visit

Once you’ve found a psychiatrist who seems like a good fit, you’ll want to take some additional steps before booking an appointment.

1. Confirm availability: Some in-network psychiatrists book up quickly. Ask whether they’re accepting new patients and, if not, when they will be or whether they have a waitlist.
2. Confirm coverage: Ask the practice whether they accept your specific BCBS plan and then double check with BCBC.
3. Plan for about an hour: First visits are usually the longest. Your psychiatrist will complete a full psychiatric evaluation and talk through treatment options. Expect questions about your symptoms, medical history, family history, and past mental health diagnoses.
4. Prepare for your visit: Ahead of the first appointment, complete any required paperwork. Either submit it electronically or bring it with you, depending on the instructions. You’ll also want to have your insurance card on hand for your first visit.

How much does a psychiatrist cost with Blue Cross Blue Shield?

There’s no set price for a BCBS psychiatrist. What you pay depends on your plan, the type of visit, and the psychiatrist’s rates. Plan-specific factors that affect your costs include:

• Your deductible: The amount you pay each year before your insurance starts paying for covered services. If you haven’t met your deductible, you may pay more per visit than someone who has.
• Your coinsurance: The percentage of costs you pay after meeting your deductible. For example, your plan may pay 80%, and you pay 20%.
• Your copay: A flat fee you pay at each visit. Depending on your plan, you may still owe a copay after meeting your deductible.

In-network vs. out of network coverage

Seeing a psychiatrist who is in-network is usually the least expensive option. For in-network psychiatrists, you’ll typically only pay your copay or coinsurance at the visit.  

Not all plans provide out-of-network coverage. HMO plans generally don’t cover out-or-network care except in an emergency. PPO plans usually offer some out-of-network coverage, often with a separate deductible or higher copay.

With out-of-network care, you’ll often pay the psychiatrist directly and then file a claim with BCBS for reimbursement.  

Getting started with Talkiatry

Talkiatry is a national psychiatry practice that makes it easier to get care from doctors who listen.

Start by answering a few questions online. Then get matched with a psychiatrist based on your needs. From there, you can schedule a visit, often within days, and meet from home.

First visits are 60 minutes, so there's time to talk through what's going on and build a treatment plan together. Talkiatry is in-network with major insurers, and you can check your coverage during the assessment.

Take our free online assessment

Frequently Asked Questions  

‍What mental health services do Blue Cross Blue Shield psychiatrists offer?

BCBS psychiatrists typically offer psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and supportive therapy for conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Some also offer standalone therapy sessions.  

How do I know if a psychiatrist is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Search your BCBS plan directory or the Find a Doctor tool on bcbs.com. You’ll also want to call the psychiatrist’s practice to confirm that they accept your specific plan.  

Medical disclaimer and sources

The information in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.

Sources:

1. Does the affordable care act cover individuals with mental health problems? (2023). https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/does-the-aca-cover-individuals-with-mental-health-problems/index.html  
2. Mental health parity. (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/advocacy/federal-affairs/health-insurance-coverage-access-to-care/mental-health-parity