Health Insurances University of Houston Student Health Insurance For Therapy

University of Houston Student Health Insurance For Therapy

The University of Houston believes that students can benefit most from their academic experiences when they’re taking care of their well-being. They require all students to have active health insurance. Many students continue their enrollment in their families’ health insurance plans, while others enroll in the University of Houston Student Health Insurance plan, which is managed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Having health insurance means easier, less expensive access to mental health care, including therapy sessions.

Does the University of Houston Student Health Insurance cover therapy?

Yes, the University of Houston Student Health Insurance plan offers students coverage for therapy and other mental health services. Students can use this insurance plan to work with in-network or out-of-network therapists, which can be found on campus and in the wider Houston community. Students also have access to the University of Houston Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office, which offers students various mental health programs with which to engage.

Through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, students can utilize the Academic Student Assistance Program (ASAP), a program that houses counselors, well-being resources, and educational tools. Students can also speak with mental health professionals through AcademicLiveCare, an online platform for urgent care, therapy, psychiatric consultations, and nutrition consultations.

How do I check if my University of Houston Student Health Insurance plan covers therapy?

To check the therapy coverage of your University of Houston Student Health Insurance plan, find your Summary of Benefits document. The Summary of Benefits document lists out each service that receives coverage from the health insurance plan, as well as the cost that the member will need to pay out-of-pocket, if any. Here, you can find information on copay and coinsurance rates. Look under the category of “If you need mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse services,” then under “Outpatient services” for information on coverage for therapy sessions.

You might be able to find this document through your student portal account. If not, contact the University of Houston’s student services office or call the number on the back of your insurance card to learn more about your mental health benefits.

How much does therapy cost with University of Houston Student Health Insurance?

When you use your University of Houston Student Health Insurance for therapy sessions, you’ll pay a $35 copay per session with an in-network therapist — that is, a therapist that is on the insurance panel of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. When seeing an out-of-network therapist, you’ll still have some coverage. For each session with an out-of-network therapist, you’ll be responsible for paying a 40% coinsurance, which means that you’ll pay 40% of the session fee. For example, if the session fee is $200, you’ll pay $80 per session.

What types of mental health conditions does the University of Houston Student Health Insurance cover?

The University of Houston Student Health Insurance plan covers many mental health conditions, including many of the more prevalent mental health conditions found in student populations or academic settings. As with most insurance plans, the University of Houston Student Health Insurance requires that each individual receive a diagnosis from their therapist. This is for reimbursement purposes and to monitor your progress towards your goals, as well as to ensure that you’re receiving effective treatment.

There are many more diagnosable — and reimbursable — mental health conditions, including the following:

What types of therapy does the University of Houston Student Health Insurance cover?

The University of Houston Student Health Insurance covers many different types of therapy provided by licensed therapists, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and others. Your therapist must use any of the evidence-based, clinically rigorous therapy approaches to qualify your sessions for coverage through insurance. This could be any of the following therapy approaches and many more

What types of therapy does the University of Houston Student Health Insurance NOT cover?

The University of Houston Student Health Insurance only provides coverage for mental health services that are evidence-based. This means that all treatment modalities need to have empirical research backing their efficacy, which excludes solely receiving life coaching and career coaching. There is also no coverage for holistic approaches to treatment like aromatherapy, massage therapy, 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 Houston Student Health Insurance cover online therapy?

Yes, the University of Houston Student Health Insurance covers online therapy, making therapy sessions more accessible for those 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.

The amount that you’ll pay out-of-pocket when seeing your therapist online will match the amount you would pay if you saw them in-person, meaning you’ll have the same copay or coinsurance.

Does the University of Houston Student Health Insurance cover couples therapy?

No, you will not be able to use your University of Houston Student Health Insurance to pay for couples therapy. Often, health insurance companies do not have mental health benefits for couples because of the lack of a reimbursable diagnosis.

However, you might be able to find couples therapy services through the campus Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office. There are also ways to access affordable couples therapy that doesn’t require health insurance coverage.

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 the right therapist for you. The University of Houston Student Health Insurance is a PPO plan, which means you do not need a referral for specialist services like therapy.

When you’re ready, you can start your search for a great therapist and move forward in your mental health journey.

Find vetted therapists who are in-network with University of Houston Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas)