How do therapists bill insurance companies for couples counseling?
Armored Polar Bear asked:
My boyfriend and I have been together for 8 years. We are interested in going to couples counseling in order to work on any issues we have before moving forward. We both have health insurance but with two separate insurance companies. Do therapists typically bill both insurances (meaning we need to find someone that accepts both)? Is the therapy billed differently because its more than one person being serviced, meaning that couples therapy has to be specifically covered by our insurance companies? Any information would be great, thanks!
My boyfriend and I have been together for 8 years. We are interested in going to couples counseling in order to work on any issues we have before moving forward. We both have health insurance but with two separate insurance companies. Do therapists typically bill both insurances (meaning we need to find someone that accepts both)? Is the therapy billed differently because its more than one person being serviced, meaning that couples therapy has to be specifically covered by our insurance companies? Any information would be great, thanks!
June 25th, 2011 at 2:22 am
Not all insurance covers mental health (yes that is what it would be classified under) especially if you guys are not married. You both need to call your insurance companies and find out what they cover before using either one. The one that has the best plan (if it covers it) should be the one you choose. You might also want to look into the co-payment to see which one benefits you most. Don’t assume it will be covered. You would only use one insurance, not both because you’re getting help together, not separately. If the center tries to use both insurance companies, that is fraudulent because they should not be getting paid twice for a single session.
June 25th, 2011 at 4:05 am
They would most likely bill your insurance companies separately. I love the screen name btw.
They may even do separate sessions for both of you and then do a joint session. You should call the therapists office where you plan to go to therapy and ask them or call your insurance company and ask them.
June 26th, 2011 at 3:11 am
Almost all insurance companies exclude couples counseling from their mental health benefits. Most shrinks will bill one insurance company and fake the billing to say they are treating you for depression.