Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance for Therapy

Texas A&M University endeavors to support all Aggies to live healthy, fulfilling lives. That’s why they require that all students enroll in a health insurance plan, so they can look after their well-being — both physically and emotionally. They provide students with access to the Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance plan, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas insurance plan.

Does Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance cover therapy?

Yes, the Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance provides coverage for many services, including therapy sessions. This insurance plan has many mental health benefits, and students at Texas A&M University also have access to many other mental health resources around campus.

How do I check if my Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance plan covers therapy?

The easiest way to check if your Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance plan offers you mental health benefits is to locate and read through the Summary of Benefits document. This document is provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and describes your plan’s coverage by service type. When looking over your Summary of Benefits document, find the row called “If you need mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse services.” Within this row, find “Outpatient services.” The coverage for therapy sessions is further broken down into therapy with in-network providers and out-of-network providers. You’ll pay less when you work with a therapist who is in-network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.

How much does therapy cost with my Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance plan?

How much therapy sessions cost when you use your Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance plan depends on whether you work with an in-network or an out-of-network therapist. If your therapist is in-network with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, you’ll pay a $35 copay each session. If your therapist is out-of-network, you’ll still have some mental health benefits through your insurance. For out-of-network therapy sessions, you’ll pay the same $35 copay but also need to pay a 40% coinsurance per session. Coinsurance is based on your therapist’s session fees and will be an out-of-pocket expense.

However, there are several free mental health resources available for Aggies. Through the Texas A&M Student Health Insurance plan, you receive free access to AcademicLiveCare (ALC). ALC is an around-the-clock online platform where you can meet with urgent care, therapy, psychiatry, and nutrition counseling providers. This is a useful resource for those who prefer to take therapy sessions from the comfort of their own living spaces.

Aggies can also work with a counselor through the Counseling & Psychological Services office on campus for free. This is often a short term solution, though, and you may get referred to an off-campus therapist should you need longer term care.

What types of mental health conditions does Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance cover?

Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance provides mental health benefits for a wide range of mental health conditions and life situations. This could include, but is not limited to, the following mental health conditions:

When using your Texas and A&M University Student Health Insurance, your therapist may need to report a diagnosis to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Insurance companies tend to ask for this information, as it enables the billing and reimbursement process. If you prefer not to receive a diagnosis, you may want to consider paying privately or accessing another mental health resource.

What types of therapy does Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance cover?

For those with Texas A&M Student Health Insurance, most types of therapy are eligible for insurance coverage. To be eligible for coverage, you must receive therapy from a credentialed and licensed therapist. They must employ an evidence-based therapy approach, which could include:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness practices

What types of therapy does Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance NOT cover?

Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance does not cover therapy approaches that lack clinical rigor. That means that approaches like life coaching or energy work do not qualify for coverage. While many people find more holistic therapy approaches like acupuncture or reiki healing helpful for their mental health, they may not receive insurance benefits if their therapist solely uses these approaches.

Does Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance cover online therapy?

Yes, Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance covers online therapy. You’ll pay the same amount out-of-pocket whether you work with your therapist in-person or online, including the same copay and coinsurance.

Students at Texas A&M University can access online therapy for free in AcademicLiveCare, a mental health benefit provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, at any time of day.

Does Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance cover couples therapy?

No, the Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance plan does not provide coverage for couples therapy. It’s also highly likely that you will not be able to access couples therapy through AcademicLiveCare or through the Counseling & Psychological Services office on campus. However, you can learn many helpful strategies for working through conflict with your partner or partners when working individually with a therapist. You can also work on communication skills, boundary setting, and attachment with your therapist, all of which can benefit your relationships.

Do I need to see my primary doctor before starting therapy?

Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance plan is a PPO, which means that you do not need a referral from your primary care doctor before you start using your plan’s mental health benefits. Without the need to see your primary care doctor first, you can start your therapy journey as soon as you’re ready, beginning with finding the perfect therapist for you.