What does "in-network" mean for my costs?
When you see a therapist who is in-network with your insurance plan, your insurance company has a pre-negotiated rate for services. Rather than paying the full session fee out of pocket, you'll typically pay a copay (a flat fee per session) or coinsurance (a percentage of the session cost) depending on your plan. In-network care also counts toward your in-network deductible, which is usually lower than your out-of-network deductible. If you've been paying out of pocket or submitting superbills for reimbursement, seeing an in-network provider generally means lower and more predictable costs.

Which Blue Shield plans do you accept?
We are in-network with select Blue Shield of California plans. We recommend calling the member services number on the back of your insurance card to confirm whether your specific plan is covered before scheduling.

Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor to see you?
In most cases, no. PPO plans typically do not require a referral to see a mental health provider. If you have an HMO plan, a referral from your primary care physician may be required. We recommend checking your plan documents or calling the member services number on the back of your card to confirm.

How do I find out what my specific benefits are before my first appointment?
The best way is to call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically about your outpatient mental health benefits. Key questions to ask: What is my copay or coinsurance for outpatient therapy? Have I met my deductible? Is there a limit on the number of sessions covered per year? You can also log into your Blue Shield member portal at bcbs.com to review your benefits summary.

Does my deductible apply before coverage kicks in?
It depends on your specific plan. Some Blue Shield plans cover therapy visits with just a copay regardless of whether your deductible has been met; others require you to meet your deductible first, after which you pay coinsurance until you hit your out-of-pocket maximum. To find out how your plan works, call member services or check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage document in your member portal.

Will all of your therapists accept my Blue Shield insurance, or only some?
Not all of our therapists are currently paneled with Blue Shield, but many are. When you reach out to schedule, our intake team will confirm which clinicians are in-network with your plan and help match you with someone who is a good fit.

Do you accept Blue Shield for all services?
We currently accept Blue Shield of California insurance for individual therapy for children, teens, and adults. Other services, including skills groups and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP), are not covered by insurance and are offered on a self-pay basis. Please contact our intake team with any questions about a specific service.

What if I've already met my deductible with another provider this year?
Deductibles reset annually, but if you've already met yours for the current plan year, you should be able to see us with just your copay or coinsurance right away, without having to meet the deductible again. We recommend confirming this with Blue Shield member services, as benefits can vary by plan.