University of Rhode Island (URI) Student Health Insurance for Therapy

The University of Rhode Island requires all students to have health insurance while enrolled so they have access to the medical and mental care they need to stay healthy. They offer a health insurance plan through UnitedHealthcare, 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 University of Rhode Island student health insurance cover therapy?

Yes, the University of Rhode Island University student health plan provides coverage for therapy services. The University of Rhode Island values the health and wellbeing of its students and therefore emphasizes accessibility to care, including mental health services. The University of Rhode Island student health plan includes coverage for seeing both in-network and out-of-network therapists. This plan uses the UnitedHealthcare provider network, as The University of Rhode Island partners with UnitedHealthcare for its healthcare insurance policy.

How do I check if my University of Rhode Island student health insurance plan covers therapy?

To check if your University of Rhode Island student health plan covers therapy services, head over to your Summary and Benefits document. You can find your specific school’s policy information through the University Health Plans website. 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 “outpatient mental illness/substance use disorder” 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 University of Rhode Island 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 University of Rhode Island student health insurance?

Therapy with The University of Rhode Island student health plan will cost $20 each session with in-network therapists and $30 each session with out-of-network therapists. This is your copay (or copayment) amount. After you meet your deductible, you’ll be responsible for the entirety of the session fee with your out-of-network therapist.

It’s most cost-effective to meet with a therapist that is in the UnitedHealthcare network. The UnitedHealthcare network includes thousands of great providers, which means you have the opportunity to find the therapist that’s right for you.

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 University of Rhode Island student health insurance cover?

The University of Rhode Island student health plan covers many mental health conditions, including those that are common in the student population. UnitedHealthcare 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:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Alcohol abuse
• Insomnia
• Grief and loss
• Eating disorders
• Learning disabilities

There are many more diagnosable — and reimbursable — mental health conditions, all of which the University of Rhode Island student health plan covers.

What types of therapy does the University of Rhode Island student health insurance cover?

The University of Rhode Island 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 UnitedHealthcare’s requirements, their services are eligible for reimbursement.

What types of therapy does the University of Rhode Island student health insurance NOT cover?

The University of Rhode Island 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 University of Rhode Island 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 University of Rhode Island student health insurance cover online therapy?

Yes, the University of Rhode Island 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.

Students at The University of Rhode Island also have access to UnitedHealthcare’s HealthiestYou program, an online resource with mental health information and access to therapists.

Does the University of Rhode Island student health insurance cover couples therapy?

No, the University of Rhode Island 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, many couples still benefit from seeing a therapist together. If your health insurance plan does not include a couples counseling benefit, there may be ways to decrease the cost of couples counseling, such as sliding scale. You might also find this service through The University of Rhode Island Counseling Center with an on-campus therapist.

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 University of Rhode Island 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!