How to Find Therapists Who Take Insurance in Chicago and Illinois: A Simple Guide
Therapy is a great way to improve your mental health and starting is a brave step toward feeling better, but the cost can often feel like a barrier. If you have health insurance, you might be wondering how to use your benefits to make therapy more affordable. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or just trying to navigate life’s ups and downs, therapy can help.
The good news is, using your insurance to cover therapy is possible, and we’re here to guide you through how it works so you can focus on what really matters—your mental health. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use your insurance for therapy, so you can start your healing journey without the added stress of worrying about the cost.
1. How to Find Therapists Who Accept Insurance in Chicago and Illinois
Finding a therapist who accepts your insurance can be a little tricky, but we’re here to make it easier for you. Here's how to get started:
Use Your Insurance Provider’s Directory
Most insurance companies offer online directories where you can search for in-network and out-of-network therapists in your area. You can filter by location, therapy specialty, and the types of insurance coverage. For example, at Mindful Healing Counseling, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Aetna. Both have online search tools for therapists near you:
Aetna: Use their online search tool to find Aetna-approved therapists in Chicago or Illinois.
Blue Cross Blue Shield: A similar online search tool allow you to filter providers by location and insurance coverage.
Ask the Therapist Directly
Sometimes, therapists may not be listed in the directory or may be out-of-network. Always contact the therapist directly to confirm if they accept your insurance. You can also ask them if they provide superbills (basically, the receipt for services) for insurance claims, which are required to get reimbursed.
Search for Local Therapy Practices That Accept Insurance
Many therapy practices in Chicago and Illinois, like us at Mindful Healing Counseling, accept multiple insurance plans. Look for therapists who work with various insurance providers to get more options for your therapy needs.
2. What Type of Insurance Can Be Used for Therapy?
It’s helpful to know which types of insurance cover therapy. Here are the most common types:
In-Network Insurance
When a therapist is in-network, they’ve signed an agreement with your insurance company to offer services at a discounted rate. This typically means you’ll pay less for therapy since the therapist has a direct contract with your insurance. But keep in mind that your options may be limited to the providers listed in your insurance directory.
Out-of-Network Insurance
Out-of-network benefits allow you to see therapists who don’t have a contract with your insurance company. You may need to pay for the session in full up front, but your insurance can reimburse you a portion of the cost afterward. Many therapists accept out-of-network benefits, so you may have more flexibility in choosing a therapist that’s the best fit for you.
Medicare and Medicaid
If you are on Medicare or Medicaid, you can usually access therapy, but the number of therapists who accept these plans may be smaller. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for a list of approved therapists in your area.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Some employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that cover a limited number of therapy sessions. If your employer offers this benefit, it can help you get therapy at no cost to you.
4. How to Use Your Insurance for Therapy
Now that you know how insurance works for therapy, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to using your insurance benefits for therapy:
Check Your Insurance Plan
Start by reviewing your insurance plan to see what mental health coverage it provides. You can call your insurance company (using the number on the back of your card) or look at your benefits booklet. Ask about:
Whether your insurance mental health therapy
How much of the session cost will be covered by them and by you
Whether you need to meet a deductible
2. Find a Therapist Who Accepts Your Insurance
Look for a therapist who accepts in-network or out-of-network insurance. You can use your insurance company’s online directory or ask the therapist directly. For out-of-network be sure to ask if they provide superbills for insurance claims.
3. Pay for the Session Copays or Coinsurance
If your therapist is in-network, you’ll pay for the session copays or co-insurance. The cost depends on your insurance plan and benefits.
5. Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance and Therapy
Can I Use My Insurance for Therapy?
Yes! Most major insurance covers mental health therapy, where you would pay a copay (like seeing your medical doctor or other medical professional), coinsurance (a portion of the session), and sometimes a deductible (full cost of the sessions until the insurance begins to cover the cost).
How Do I Know If a Therapist Takes My Insurance?
Always call or email the therapist or practice directly to confirm if they accept your insurance. It’s also a good idea to ask if they provide superbills for insurance claims, if you plan to use out-of-network benefits.
How Much Will Therapy Cost with Insurance?
The cost of therapy depends on your insurance plan. You’ll likely pay a co-pay or a percentage of the session cost. If you’re using out-of-network benefits, you may pay the full session fee upfront and get reimbursed.
Can I Use Insurance for Online Therapy?
Yes! Many insurance providers cover online therapy or telehealth services, especially after the pandemic. Check with your insurance to see if they cover virtual sessions.
6. What About Out-of-Network Benefits?
While this blog focuses on in-network therapy options, it’s important to mention out-of-network benefits for clients whose preferred therapist may not be in their insurance network. If you're working with a therapist who doesn’t accept your insurance, you may still be able to use your out-of-network benefits to help cover the cost.
You’ll typically pay for your sessions upfront and submit a superbill for reimbursement from your insurance provider. If you're interested in learning more about how out-of-network benefits work, check out our detailed guide on using out-of-network benefits for therapy.
7. Why You Should Consider Therapy, Even if You Have to Use Insurance
Even though using insurance for therapy can feel like a lot of work, the benefits of therapy are worth it. Therapy can help you manage anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and much more. With the right insurance coverage, therapy can be affordable and accessible.
At Mindful Healing Counseling, we offer therapy services that work with both in-network (with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Aetna) and out-of-network benefits. We provide superbills for clients using their insurance, so you can easily get reimbursed for therapy sessions.
Ready to Start Therapy?
If you're ready to take the first step toward feeling better, book a free 15-minute consultation today! We’re here to help you navigate your insurance options and find the right therapist for you.
