Find a Medicaid Psychiatrist

1. Therapy Is an Essential Benefit. All states must cover outpatient mental-health services—including individual, family, and group therapy—under federal regulations and parity law. KFF’s 2024 survey shows every state now lists behavioral-health therapy as a core benefit, usually at $0 copay.
2. Managed-Care Plans Rule. About 73% of enrollees belong to state-contracted HMOs (e.g., Sunshine Health in Florida, Molina in Utah). Each plan builds its own provider directory and call center.
3. Telehealth Is Here to Stay. Since 2020, all 50 states and DC have expanded Medicaid telehealth; most now reimburse video or audio-only mental-health visits delivered to the patient’s home.
4. Minimal Out-of-Pocket Costs. Adult copays, where they exist, run $1–$5 per outpatient visit and are waived for many members such as pregnant people or those under 21.

If you’re wondering whether a specific therapist covered by Medicaid is free or has a token | copay, open your plan’s member portal—or call the number on your card—and ask for the behavioral-health benefit grid.

Most managed-care plans contract with thousands of mental health providers that accept Medicaid, but supply does vary by county—one reason wait times can be longer in rural areas.

Alisha, a 27-year-old barista in Richmond, Virginia, started feeling postpartum depression three months after giving birth. Here’s her 14-day timeline:

1. Day 1 — Eligibility Check She confirms she’s still active on Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care) in the state portal.
2. Day 1 — Plan Hotline She calls the behavioral-health number on her Aetna Better Health card and completes a 10-minute screening.
3. Day 2 — Choices Presented The care navigator offers a Teladoc video slot in four days or an in-person therapist that accepts Medicaid in 12.
4. Day 3 — Directory Deep Dive Filtering for Spanish-speaking clinicians, Alisha finds two medicaid therapists near me within five miles.
5. Day 14 — First Session Cost: $0 under postpartum eligibility rules.
6. Day 15 — Medication Consult A virtual visit with a medicaid psychiatrist is scheduled for the following week.

Alisha’s story shows that once you know the hotline number and directory filters, finding therapists that take Medicaid can move quickly—even in states with limited supply.

1. Verify Your Plan and ID. Log into your state’s Medicaid portal or app. If you just qualified, wait for your managed-care assignment letter.
2. Call the Behavioral-Health Hotline. Every plan has a 24/7 line staffed by licensed clinicians. Say, “I’d like to start therapy.”
3. Use the Online Directory. Search keywords like “CBT,” “trauma,” or “child psychology,” then filter for zip code. Look for green check marks or “accepting patients” under each therapist covered by Medicaid.
4. Ask About Telehealth. Many psychologists Medicaid lists now offer secure video—this is a great option if transportation is a limiting factor.
5. Confirm the Cost. Copays are usually $0. If you are quoted a different price, ask, “Is that correct under my eligibility category?”
6. Book and Add to Calendar. If the first available is too far out, request the plan’s “Rapid Access” list or ask for community-mental-health center referrals.

Unlike commercial insurance, Medicaid rarely reimburses out-of-network care. Stick to the plan directory or approved referrals. Exceptions:

• Emergency Care (e.g., suicidal crisis in an ER)
• Network-Adequacy Gaps (no provider within 30 miles or 15 days)
  • Ask for a single-case agreement so a specialist can bill your plan.

Document every call; parity rules require adequate access to mental health providers that accept Medicaid.

Many states waive copays for telehealth mental-health visits delivered to the home. Check your plan booklet for the words “$0 telehealth behavioral-health copay.”

*Some states charge no copays at all; others waive them if income <150% FPL. Always check your state handbook.

1. Specialty Match. Trauma, OCD, ADHD—use the directory filters.
2. Cultural Fit. Language, background, LGBTQ+ competency.
3. Modality. CBT, EMDR, DBT—ask what’s offered.
4. Telehealth vs. Office. Confirm availability and tech platform.
5. Logistics. Evening slots, public-transit access, or virtual only.

Remember: you can switch providers anytime. Call your plan and say, “I’d like a different therapist that accepts Medicaid.”