Find a WellCare Therapist

How Wellcare Mental-Health Coverage Works

Wellcare provides mental health benefits across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Marketplace plans, with costs that depend on your coverage type and state.

If you’re on a Wellcare Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO plan (like the Wellcare Simple Open PPO), therapy and psychiatry visits usually cost $0–$35 per session, whether it’s an individual or group appointment. There are no visit limits, and the same copay applies to both therapy and medication-management visits.

For members in a Dual Eligible “Dual Access” plan (HMO D-SNP), outpatient mental health care is always $0. That’s because both Medicare and Medicaid share the cost, leaving you with no bill.

If you’re covered under Wellcare Medicaid managed-care in states where it’s offered, therapy and psychiatry are also $0 per visit, with unlimited medically necessary sessions.

For those on a Wellcare Marketplace plan (sold as Ambetter from Wellcare), therapy and psychiatry visits generally cost $20–$40 after your deductible is met. Mental health is covered on the same terms as medical visits, and there’s no cap on the number of sessions.

Tip: Because Wellcare benefits vary by state and plan, always check your Summary of Benefits or Medicaid handbook for the most accurate numbers in your ZIP code.

Plan Hilights 

• Unlimited sessions when your clinician says they’re medically needed.
  
• No referrals—you can self-schedule with a mental-health specialist.
  
• Telehealth parity. Video visits cost the same—or less—than in-office care; many plans waive the copay completely.
  
• Teladoc access. Most Medicare and Dual plans include $0 Teladoc therapy and psychiatry seven days a week, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.

Wellcare’s in Network Mental-Health Provider Types 

Wellcare contracts with a broad network of licensed professionals so you can choose the right type of support for your needs.

• Therapists and counselors (LCSW, LMFT, LPC): These clinicians provide weekly talk therapy, teach coping skills, and often work with families to navigate stress, anxiety, or relationship challenges.
• Psychologists (PhD or PsyD): In addition to therapy, psychologists can perform psychological testing and offer trauma-focused treatments like CBT or EMDR. They’re a strong option if you need a formal evaluation or specialized care.
• Psychiatrists (MD/DO): As medical doctors, psychiatrists focus on diagnosis and medication management, making them especially valuable for complex or medication-dependent conditions.

All three provider types are listed in Wellcare’s Find a Provider tool and available through the Teladoc platform. They’re covered under the same mental-health benefit tier, so your copay or coinsurance won’t change based on which license type you choose.

Real-Life Use Case: How Sharon Found a Therapist That Takes Wellcare

Day 1
Sharon (67, Tampa) logs into wellcare.com → clicks Find a Provider → selects Behavioral Health. She sees 8 therapists within 15 miles who accept her Wellcare Open PPO plan. She applies filters: Telehealth, CBT, and Evening Hours. Now 3 therapists remain—all listed as Accepting New Patients.

Day 2
The cost estimator shows:

• $0 for Teladoc video therapy
• $25 for in-person sessions

Day 3
Sharon books a Thursday 7 p.m. video session with Angela Ruiz, LCSW—an in-network Wellcare therapist. Copay: $0

Day 10
After two sessions, Angela recommends exploring medication (an SSRI).

Day 12
Sharon schedules a 30-minute Teladoc consultation with a Wellcare psychiatrist for the following morning. Copay: $0

From search to first session: 3 days
Total out-of-pocket to date: $0

Step-by-Step: How to book therapy with Wellcare

1. Sign In or Call: Visit wellcare.com (or your state-specific Wellcare site), or call the Member Services number on your ID card.
   
   
2. Find a Provider: Select “Find a Provider” → choose Behavioral Health → enter your ZIP code.
   
   
3. Apply Filters
   Narrow your search by preferences such as:
4. • Telehealth or in-person sessions
   • Specialties like PTSD, ADHD, or couples therapy
   • Languages spoken or weekend/evening hours
     
     
4. Confirm In-Network Status: Look for the green “In Network” label to ensure the provider is covered under your plan.
   
   
5. Check Your Costs: Use the “Estimate Cost” tool or review your plan documents. Most members pay between $0–$40 per session depending on the plan and visit type.
   
   
6. Book Your Session: For Teladoc: Schedule directly through the Wellcare portal. For in-person visits: Call the provider’s office to book and complete any required intake paperwork

Telehealth Options

Wellcare makes it easy to access mental health care from home through its partnership with Teladoc. Members can schedule video visits with licensed therapists and psychiatrists between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., giving you flexibility outside traditional office hours. Depending on your plan, sessions typically cost $0–$35, and many plans now cover them at no cost.

If video isn’t an option, phone-only sessions are also allowed and billed at the same copay or coinsurance as a video visit.

Tip: Just like in-person appointments, telehealth sessions count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Choosing virtual care won’t increase your costs—it just gives you more flexibility and faster access to providers.

Cost overview 

What you’ll pay for mental health care through Wellcare depends on your plan type, but most options make therapy and psychiatry affordable.

If you’re on a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan, therapy sessions typically cost $0–$35 per visit, and Teladoc video therapy is often even lower at $0–$25. Psychiatric evaluations follow the same copay rules as therapy, so you won’t face a higher charge for your first visit.

Members in a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) pay $0 out of pocket for all mental health care, since both Medicare and Medicaid cover the costs together.

If you’re enrolled in Wellcare Medicaid, therapy, psychiatry, and telehealth sessions are also $0, with unlimited medically necessary visits.

On a Wellcare Marketplace Silver plan, costs are a bit higher: in-office therapy usually runs $25–$40 after your deductible, while Teladoc video sessions may be $0–$25 depending on the plan design. Psychiatric evaluations cost the same as therapy visits.

Tip: Many Wellcare members choose Teladoc when available, since it’s often the fastest and most affordable way to see a licensed therapist or psychiatrist.

What to Do if Wait Times Drag

• Log every call. Note date, staff name, and “next available” slot.
  
• Ask for Care Management. Wellcare’s behavioral-health team can search cancellations or neighboring ZIP codes.
  
• Request a network-adequacy waiver. If no appointment within 10 business days, Wellcare can ok an outside clinician at in-network rates.
  
• File a grievance online. Plans must respond within 30 days.

FAQ’s

Does Wellcare cover therapy?
Yes. Every Wellcare Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Marketplace plan pays for outpatient talk therapy and medication-management visits. Copays range from $0 (Medicaid, many Teladoc slots) to $40 (some Marketplace office visits).

Does Wellcare cover mental health beyond therapy?
Absolutely—benefits include psychiatric evaluations, group therapy, psychological testing, and intensive outpatient programs.

How do I find a Wellcare therapist near me?
Log in → Find a Provider → Behavioral Health, enter your ZIP, and filter by “Accepting patients” or “Telehealth.”

What’s the difference between a Wellcare therapist and a Wellcare psychologist?
Therapists (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) provide counseling; psychologists (PhD/PsyD) can also conduct testing. Both bill at the same copay tier.

Are Wellcare psychiatrists accepting new patients?
Many are—especially via Teladoc. Use the telehealth filter and “Accepting patients” tag.

Will my virtual session count toward my deductible?
Yes. Telehealth visits apply to the same deductible and out-of-pocket maximum as office visits.