Health Insurances Oxford Health for Therapy

Oxford Health for Therapy

Oxford Health is a health insurance subsidiary that falls under the UnitedHealthcare insurance umbrella and is one of the largest insurers in the United States. Oxford Health is also known as UnitedHealthcare Oxford, with most of the Oxford Health network located in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Oxford Health provides coverage for physical and mental health services. So, if you have an Oxford Health plan, you should be able to find a local therapist who accepts your health insurance benefits. Below is information regarding Oxford Health's mental health coverage to help you start your search for compassionate care.

Does Oxford Health Cover Therapy?

Yes, Oxford Health covers behavioral and mental health services within its provider network. This group includes an expansive network of qualified mental health professionals, including behavioral therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers with an array of expertise and specialties.

Oxford Health does not cover mental health services with therapists or counselors outside of their network, as there are no out-of-network benefits.

As a member of Oxford Health, you have access to a behavioral health program called Live and Work Well. This program provides additional services and resources for Oxford Health participants, including information on the cost of therapy based on your plan.

How Do I Check if My Oxford Health Plan Covers Therapy?

Read through your Summary of Benefits document to check if your Oxford Health plan covers therapy. Look for the line that includes “outpatient therapy” under the “mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse” category.

If you've lost your Summary of Benefits document, you should be able to find it in your online health insurance portal. Still can't find it? Check the back of your insurance card for the customer service number. The agent who helps you can either assist you in finding your mental health benefits or explain the coverage you have under your plan.

Example Oxford Summary of Benefits, with Outpatient Mental Health section highlighted.

How Much Does Therapy Cost With the Oxford Health Plan?

How much of your therapy costs Oxford Health covers depends on your plan. Your Oxford Health plan may cover a portion of the therapy session fee, but not the entire amount.

Many Oxford Health plans require members to pay a copayment for each session with a therapist — usually around $50 per therapy session for in-network providers. This means each therapy session will cost you about $50 out-of-pocket.

Oxford Health offers many different plan options, including their Freedom, Liberty, and Metro insurance plans. They also provide multiple plan types, such as their Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO). Because Oxford Health insurance covers more than one state, coverage can vary by location. All of these factors contribute to your overall therapy cost.

If you see a therapist who is not a member of the Oxford Health provider network, you will not have coverage and should expect to pay the full session cost out-of-pocket. This could range from $50 to $250 or more. Thankfully, many mental health professionals offer sliding scale options that could lower your fee per session. If you're concerned about costs, ask your therapist if they offer this.

What Types of Mental Health Conditions Does Oxford Health Cover?

Oxford Health's mental health benefits include treatment and therapy for numerous mental health conditions, including:

Therapy with an Oxford Health in-network provider usually starts with a diagnosis, designating your specific mental health condition and treatment goals. They'll submit the diagnosis to Oxford Health to begin the pre-authorization process, which is essential to ensure coverage of your therapy sessions.

What Types of Therapy Does Oxford Health Cover?

If you want your Oxford Health plan to cover treatment, your therapist must provide evidence-based therapy appropriate for your mental health diagnosis. This means they must use interventions and modalities that are recognized as effective by the mental health community, including but not limited to:

Does Oxford Health Cover Online Therapy?

Yes, Oxford Health covers online therapy. As more therapists offer both in-person and virtual options, Oxford Health recognizes the importance of accessible mental health treatment. Your therapist may be required to follow strict guidelines, such as using a secure video platform.

If you prefer the privacy and convenience of seeing your in-network therapists online instead of in the office, you can do so without a change in the cost of treatment.

What Types of Therapy Does Oxford Health NOT Cover?

What happens if the therapy you're using is not evidence-based? In these instances, Oxford Health will not cover therapy costs. This includes disciplines less based on the mental health literature and more on goal-setting, achievement, and other therapies not widely accepted by the mainstream medical community. Examples include:

  • Life and career coaching
  • Nutritional therapy
  • Aromatherapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Acupuncture

Oxford Health also does not cover ketamine therapy and other psychedelic treatments, even if used to treat a diagnosed mental health condition, like depression.

Does Oxford Health Cover Couples therapy?

No, Oxford Health does not cover couples counseling. While it depends on your specific plan, most health insurance plans do not cover relationship services because these sessions do not include a diagnosed condition with a specified treatment plan.

If you feel like you and your partner would benefit from couples counseling, here are five ways to make this type of therapy more affordable.

Do I Need to See My Primary Care Doctor Before Starting Therapy?

No, you will not need to see your primary care doctor before seeing a therapist. The Oxford Health insurance plans are PPO and EPO plans, so you won't need a referral to see a mental health professional. This makes it easier to start your search for the perfect therapist, allowing you to seamlessly begin your therapy journey.

That being said, there may be pre-authorization requirements based on your plan. This means that you or your therapist may need to request therapy coverage from Oxford Health before you begin treatment. To determine if you need pre-authorization, check your Summary and Benefits document or call the Oxford Health customer service contact number.

Let Zencare Help You Find an In-Network Oxford Health Therapist

More and more people recognize mental health as a crucial component of a person's overall well-being. If you struggle with anxiety or feelings of sadness invade your day, you don't have to ignore these feelings. As an Oxford Health plan member, you deserve to use your benefits to find high-quality treatment.

Zencare understands that grasping the ins and outs of mental health insurance coverage can be confusing. Our service streamlines the process, connecting you with qualified therapists near you.

If you're ready to be matched with a therapist, here are just a few reasons to choose Zencare:

  • Simple and intuitive search filters
  • Thoroughly vetted therapists
  • Video introductions from your therapist
  • Secure searching that shields your data

Find a Therapist Within the Oxford Health Network

With Zencare, you can get the mental health care you need, on your terms. Take our matching quiz for a personalized recommendation based on your therapy needs. Or, select your state below to browse therapists who are in-network with Oxford Health.

Find vetted therapists who are in-network with Oxford Health Plans