Therapists Accepting Medicaid
16,548 in-network mental health providers across 52 states
Updated
Medicaid, the joint federal-state insurance program for low-income individuals and families, covers mental health services through each state's unique plan. With over 16,500 in-network therapists across all 50 states, Medicaid provides essential access to therapy for millions of Americans. However, Medicaid coverage varies dramatically by state - your benefits in one state may differ significantly from another.
To understand your specific Medicaid benefits, visit your state's Medicaid website or contact your state's Medicaid managed care organization. Your state's Medicaid Member Handbook outlines coverage for behavioral health services, including copays, prior authorization requirements, and limits on therapy sessions. Many states have simplified Medicaid mental health benefits to remove session limits and reduce prior authorization.
A crucial advantage of Medicaid is that most plans cover mental health services with low or no copays - therapy is often free or costs just $1-$3 per visit. If you're receiving Medicaid, don't delay treatment due to cost concerns. Most states also offer crisis services, substance abuse treatment, and psychiatric hospitalization with minimal or no out-of-pocket expense.
Medicaid Coverage at a Glance
16,548
In-Network Providers
52
States Covered
$143
Avg Session Fee
$20-$620
Fee Range
Top Specialties Among Medicaid Therapists
Number of Medicaid-accepting therapists specializing in each area (from 87K+ therapist profiles)
Understanding Your Medicaid Therapy Benefits
Medicaid's behavioral health coverage falls under federal parity requirements, meaning mental health coverage must be comparable to physical health coverage. However, implementation varies by state. Some states mandate coverage of unlimited therapy sessions, while others allow therapists to determine medical necessity. Understanding your specific state's Medicaid rules is essential.
Many states contract with Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) to administer behavioral health benefits. These MCOs may require prior authorization before beginning therapy, though recent state reforms have reduced pre-authorization requirements in many regions. Your state Medicaid office can tell you which MCO manages behavioral health in your area.
Telehealth coverage through Medicaid expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic and has become permanent in most states. Medicaid-covered therapy via telehealth is reimbursed at the same rate as in-person visits, making remote care widely accessible. This is particularly valuable for rural Medicaid members who may have limited local provider access.
Medicaid covers a spectrum of behavioral health services beyond individual therapy, including psychiatric evaluation and management, counseling, case management, and rehabilitation services. Many states also cover intensive outpatient programs (IOP), substance abuse treatment, and crisis services with the same low copays as routine therapy.
What Medicaid Covers for Mental Health
State Medicaid plans cover evidence-based therapy modalities when clinically necessary, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed therapy, and motivational interviewing. However, some specialized treatments like EMDR or intensive DBT programs may require prior authorization or may only be available through specific providers.
Substance abuse treatment is a major Medicaid strength. Federal law mandates that Medicaid covers Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) including methadone and buprenorphine, intensive outpatient programs, and individual counseling for addiction. Many states have expanded MAT access specifically in response to the opioid crisis.
Family and couples therapy coverage under Medicaid varies by state but is generally available. Some states explicitly cover family systems therapy, while others require that at least one family member have a diagnosable mental illness. Contact your state Medicaid office to understand the rules for family or couples therapy in your state.
Psychological and neuropsychological testing is covered by most Medicaid plans when medically necessary for conditions like ADHD, autism, or learning disabilities. Prior authorization is often required, particularly for comprehensive testing. Children on Medicaid have particularly strong coverage for developmental and educational assessments through Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit.
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Browse TherapistsFrequently Asked Questions About Medicaid Therapy Coverage
How many therapists accept Medicaid?
Based on our data covering 87,000+ therapist profiles, approximately 16,548 therapists accept Medicaid across 52 states. This makes Medicaid one of the more widely accepted insurance plans for mental health services in the United States.
What specialties can I find with Medicaid coverage?
Therapists accepting Medicaid cover a wide range of specialties including Anxiety (9,899 providers), Depression (7,768 providers), Trauma and PTSD (7,529 providers), Relationship Issues (4,074 providers), Expertise (3,611 providers). This breadth of coverage means you can find specialized care for most mental health concerns.
How much does therapy cost with Medicaid?
Among therapists who accept Medicaid, listed session fees average around $143, ranging from $20 to $620. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your specific plan's copay, coinsurance, and deductible. Many in-network visits have a copay of $20-$60. Contact your plan for exact benefit details.
Can I see a Medicaid therapist online?
Yes. Most Medicaid plans now cover telehealth therapy at the same rate as in-person visits. Many therapists in our directory who accept Medicaid offer virtual sessions, giving you access to in-network care from anywhere in your plan's service area.
How do I verify my Medicaid therapy benefits?
Call the member services number on the back of your Medicaid card and ask about your behavioral health benefits. Key questions: What is my copay for outpatient therapy? Do I need a referral? What is my deductible for behavioral health? Is there a session limit? You can also check the Medicaid member portal online.
Are there Medicaid therapists who speak languages other than English?
Yes. Therapists accepting Medicaid include providers who speak Spanish (846), French (90), Portuguese (56), American Sign Language (ASL) (44), Hindi (44) and more. Multilingual therapists can provide more effective treatment when you're working through complex emotions in your primary language.