Reflections Mental Health Services

By Alphonso Gaita, LCSW · Reflections Mental Health Services · Telehealth across New York State

Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest insurers in New York, but “BCBS” actually covers many different products — Anthem BCBS, Empire BCBS, Excellus, BlueShield of Northeastern New York, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, and others. They all share a logo and a network philosophy, but each plan has its own coverage rules.

If you have a BCBS card and you’re looking for Blue Cross Blue Shield therapy in New York, here’s how to use those benefits without the runaround.

What BCBS typically covers for mental health

• Outpatient psychotherapy — individual therapy sessions
• Telehealth therapy — covered at the same rate as in-person on most current plans
• Initial intake / diagnostic evaluation — billed at a different code than ongoing sessions
• Psychiatric medication management — separate from therapy
• Some couples therapy — case-by-case, depending on diagnosis
• Group therapy — usually covered if clinically indicated

Find your specific BCBS plan name

The single most important piece of information for using your BCBS benefits is your specific plan name — not just “Blue Cross Blue Shield.” Common ones in NY:

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Empire BlueCross BlueShield
• Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
• BlueShield of Northeastern New York
• HealthNow / BCBS of Western New York
• BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program (FEP)

When you call a therapist’s office, give the exact name. “I have BCBS” isn’t enough — they’ll need the specific product to verify in-network status.

3 questions to ask BCBS before booking

1. What is my copay or coinsurance for outpatient mental-health visits?
2. What is my deductible, and how much have I met this year?
3. Are telehealth mental-health sessions covered the same as in-person?

Ask for a written verification of benefits (VOB) by email. The phone rep is required to send you one if you ask.

What an in-network BCBS therapy session costs in NY

• Copay-based plan: $20–$60 per session after deductible
• Coinsurance-based plan: 20-30% of the contracted rate, typically $30–$80 per session
• High-deductible plan (HDHP): Full session rate ($100-$200) until deductible is met, then copay/coinsurance kicks in

HSA and FSA funds can be used for therapy copays and deductibles.

In-network vs out-of-network with BCBS

• In-network: Pay copay/coinsurance at session. Done.
• Out-of-network: Pay full rate up front. Submit superbill. Wait weeks for partial reimbursement (often 50-60% after a separate deductible).

Reflections is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (including Anthem BCBS and Anthem Blue Cross). Full insurance details here.

Finding an in-network BCBS therapist in NY

1. Use BCBS’s online directory. Log into your member portal — search “behavioral health” or “mental health” providers in your zip.
2. The directory is incomplete. Many in-network therapists aren’t listed; many listed therapists aren’t accepting clients. Cross-check.
3. Filter for telehealth. Most BCBS plans now treat telehealth like in-person.
4. Verify acceptance directly. When you contact a candidate, give them your full plan name and ask: “Are you in-network with [exact plan] and accepting new clients?”

Or just contact us — we’ll verify your specific BCBS plan and confirm benefits before your first session.

If your BCBS plan isn’t accepted by a therapist you like

• Ask if they’ll see you out-of-network and provide a superbill
• Ask if they offer a sliding-scale rate
• Check whether you have out-of-network benefits — many BCBS plans do, especially PPOs
• Self-pay rates with us start at $100 (45-min individual session)

Don’t let confusion be the reason you wait

Insurance is the most common reason people delay therapy in NY, and the least good reason. If you have BCBS, your benefits exist. Use them. No waitlist therapy in New York with same- and next-day appointments often available. Call our Billing Department at (718) 255‑5120 for verification.

References

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. (2024). Behavioral Health Coverage Standards.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2024). Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act.
• New York State Department of Financial Services. (2024). Mental Health Insurance Coverage in New York.
• Kaiser Family Foundation. (2024). Mental Health Coverage and Access in Commercial Insurance.