Harvard Student Health Insurance for Therapy
Students at Harvard University have a heightened pressure to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom — this success includes physical and mental wellness. This is one reason why Harvard University University requires all students to have health insurance while enrolled. Because of this requirement, they offer a health insurance plan through Blue Cross Blue Shield, a major health insurance company that provides coverage for millions of people across the country. This student health plan offers students many benefits for mental health services, including therapy.
Does the Harvard University student health insurance cover therapy?
Yes, the Harvard University University student health plan provides coverage for therapy services. Harvard University values the health and wellbeing of its students and therefore emphasizes accessibility to care, including mental health services. The Harvard University student health plan includes coverage for seeing both in-network and out-of-network therapists. This plan uses the Blue Cross Blue Shield provider network, as Harvard University partners with Blue Cross Blue Shield for its healthcare insurance policy.
How do I check if my Harvard University student health insurance plan covers therapy?
To check if your Harvard University student health plan covers therapy services, head over to your Summary and Benefits document. Within the policy documents section, you’ll find the Summary and Benefits document. This document shows the different rates of coverage — including copayment amounts — for each type of service available. Look for the line that includes “mental health” for outpatient services to see your coverage for therapy.
If your Summary and Benefits document does not share this information with you, give the phone number on the back of your insurance card a call. The Harvard University student health plan customer service department will share with you the coverage available to you through your specific university’s plan.
How much does therapy cost with the Harvard University student health insurance?
Therapy with the Harvard University student health plan will cost $35 each session with in-network therapists. This is your copay (or copayment) amount. For therapy with out-of-network therapists, you’ll be responsible for a 30% coinsurance. This means that if your therapist charges $100 per session, you’ll pay $30. If they charge $250 per session, you’ll pay $75.
There is a 52 session limit for therapy services for visits with both in-network and out-of-network providers.
This cost may change across school years. To find the most accurate information on therapy costs, refer to your specific plan’s Summary and Benefits document.
What types of mental health conditions does the Harvard University student health insurance cover?
The Harvard University student health plan covers many mental health conditions, including those that are common in the student population. Blue Cross Blue Shield requires that each client receives a diagnosis from their therapist for reimbursement purposes. This diagnosis guides treatment and insurance coverage.
Examples of eligible mental health conditions include:
There are many more diagnosable — and reimbursable — mental health conditions, all of which the Harvard University student health plan covers.
What types of therapy does the Harvard University student health insurance cover?
The Harvard University student health insurance covers many different types of therapy provided by credentialed professional therapists. As long as your therapist provides an evidence-based, clinically rigorous therapy modality that is appropriate for the given diagnosis, you’ll receive coverage.
These evidence-based therapy modalities include, but are not limited to:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness practices
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Often therapists blend their therapy approaches. As long as they meet Blue Cross Blue Shield’s requirements, their services are eligible for reimbursement.
What types of therapy does the Harvard University student health insurance NOT cover?
The Harvard University student health insurance only provides coverage for therapy costs associated with services that are evidence-based. This means that all treatment modality needs to have empirical research backing its efficacy.
The Harvard University student health plan does not cover life coaching and career coaching, as these disciplines are less based on evidence and are more reliant on goal-setting and achievement outcomes. There is also no coverage for holistic approaches to treatment like aromatherapy, massage therapy, acupuncture, reiki healing, or nutritional therapy. They also do not cover ketamine, psychedelic, or hypnosis treatments, even if the purpose of this treatment is for a mental health condition.
Does the Harvard University student health insurance cover online therapy?
Yes, the Harvard University student health plan offers coverage for online therapy. This opens the doors for many clients who aren’t able to physically attend therapy sessions each week, whether for a physical limitation or because of the constraints of a busy student schedule.
Your coverage for therapy costs will remain the same, whether you visit your therapy in-person or online. This includes the same copayment rates.
Does the Harvard University student health insurance cover couples therapy?
No, the Harvard University student health plan does not provide coverage for couples therapy. Often, health insurance companies do not have mental health benefits for couples because of the lack of a reimbursable diagnosis, so it is not uncommon for this health insurance plan to deem couples therapy ineligible.
However, you can find couples therapy services through the Harvard University Counseling and Mental Health Services office.
Do I need to see my primary doctor before starting therapy?
No, you do not need to see your primary care physician before starting your search for an excellent therapist. This is because the Harvard University student health plan is a PPO, meaning you do not need a referral for specialist services.
So when you’re ready to start your mental health journey, you’re all set with therapy coverage!