How Health Net Mental-Health Coverage Works
Health Net covers therapy and psychiatry across Medi-Cal, Marketplace, employer, and Medicare Advantage plans, with costs that vary by plan type.
If you’re on Health Net Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program), mental health care is fully covered at $0 per visit. This includes unlimited medically necessary sessions, and even Teladoc mental-health video visits are free.
Members on a Marketplace Silver 70 HMO plan typically pay $40 per in-office visit, but Teladoc video therapy is $0, making it an affordable and convenient option. Mental health visits share the same deductible as medical care, and there are no limits on the number of sessions.
For those on an employer-sponsored Platinum PPO, costs are even lower—$0–$15 per visit for therapy or psychiatry. In some cases, urgent-care mental-health visits are just $5, making these plans especially affordable.
If you’re on Health Net Medicare Advantage (such as the Gold Select plan), therapy and psychiatry usually cost $0–$35 per visit for both in-office and virtual sessions. The standard Part B deductible applies unless your plan specifically waives it.
Tip: Health Net’s behavioral health benefits are broad, but always check your Evidence of Coverage or plan summary, since exact copays and telehealth rules can vary.
Coverage fast facts
- Unlimited medically necessary visits—no annual cap.
- No referral required for routine outpatient therapy or medication management.
- Telehealth parity (often $0). Teladoc mental-health appointments run seven days a week, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. PT, and many plans waive the copay altogether.
- Special-authorization rarely needed. Only psychoanalysis, residential, or transcranial-magnetic stimulation require pre-approval.
Health Net Provider Types
Health Net works with a broad network of licensed professionals so you can find the right type of care for your needs.
- Therapists and counselors (LCSW, LMFT, LPC): These providers offer weekly talk therapy, family counseling, and coping skills training. They’re often the best starting point if you want consistent, supportive sessions to manage stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues.
- Psychologists (PhD or PsyD): In addition to therapy, psychologists specialize in psychological testing and advanced modalities such as trauma-focused treatments. They’re often the go-to choice for assessments like ADHD evaluations or more complex therapeutic needs.
- Psychiatrists (MD or DO): As medical doctors, psychiatrists focus on diagnosis and medication management, especially for conditions involving complex symptoms or co-occurring medical issues. Many coordinate with therapists or psychologists to create a full-circle treatment plan.
All of these professionals are available through Health Net’s mental health network, either directly or through MHN (Managed Health Network). You can search your plan’s online provider directory to see who’s available in your area, filter by specialty, and even find providers offering virtual care.
Real-Life Example: How Dana Found a Therapist Through Health Net
Profile: Dana, 32, lives in Sacramento and has a Health Net PPO plan. She’s been feeling overwhelmed and anxious and decides it’s time to seek help.
Step-by-Step Journey to Care
- Day 1 – Search for a Therapist: Dana logs into healthnet.com and clicks “Find a Doctor” → “Behavioral Health.” The directory shows six in-network therapists within 20 miles of her ZIP code. She filters for: Telehealth availability, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Evening hours. Three providers remain—all listed as “Accepting New Patients.”
- Day 2 – Estimate the Cost of Care: Dana uses Health Net’s cost estimator tool: Teladoc virtual therapy: $0 copay. In-person visits: $15 copay. She books a Friday 7:00 PM video session with Avery Kim, LCSW, an in-network therapist offering virtual care.
- Day 10 – Treatment Plan Update: After two sessions, Avery suggests Dana consider medication for anxiety.
- Day 12 – Psychiatry Appointment: Dana logs in to schedule a psychiatry consult through Teladoc, a Health Net partner. She books a 30-minute virtual visit for the next day. Cost: $0 with her plan.
Result: Dana now has both a therapist and psychiatrist supporting her care—all in-network, low-cost, and virtual.
Step-by-Step: Booking Therapy Through Health Net
- Log in or call. Go to healthnet.com (or the CanopyCare/Allwell portal) and choose Find a Doctor → Behavioral Health, or dial the Mental-Health number on your ID card.
- Filter smartly. Narrow by zip code, telehealth, specialty (PTSD, couples, ADHD), language, and evening/weekend hours.
- Check network status. Look for the green “In Network” badge or the MHN logo—your sign you’ve found a covered health net therapist.
- Run the cost estimator. Most plans list the exact copay before you click Book; Teladoc video often shows $0.
- Schedule. Teladoc slots book inside the portal; office visits require one quick phone call.
- Complete intake forms. Many clinicians email HIPAA-secure questionnaires—fill them out early to avoid delays.
Follow these six steps and you’ll secure an appointment with a therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist—usually within a week.
Telehealth Options
Health Net makes it simple to see a mental health professional from home with several telehealth choices.
Through Teladoc partnered with Health Net, you can schedule video visits for therapy or psychiatry, available daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Depending on your plan, these sessions typically cost $0–$35, and many plans cover them at no cost at all.
Health Net also offers MHN E-Therapy, which connects you with in-network clinicians for secure video sessions. Costs are the same as an in-office copay, giving you flexibility without extra expense.
If video isn’t available, audio-only sessions are also allowed and billed at the same cost share as a regular visit.
Tip: Just like in-person appointments, all telehealth sessions count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, so you’re never paying more simply for choosing virtual care.
Cost & Coverage
What you’ll pay for mental health care under Health Net depends on your plan type, but most members find the costs manageable.
If you’re on Medi-Cal, therapy and psychiatry are covered at $0 per visit, whether you see someone in person or through Teladoc video sessions.
For Marketplace Silver 70 HMO members, in-office therapy and initial psychiatry evaluations usually carry a $40 copay. The good news? Teladoc video therapy is $0, giving you an affordable and convenient alternative.
With an Employer Platinum PPO, costs are lower: therapy sessions typically run $0–$15 per visit, and psychiatry evaluations may be $15–$55, depending on the exact plan design. Teladoc visits are billed at the same rate as office care.
If you’re on a Health Net Medicare Advantage plan, therapy visits are generally $0–$35, with psychiatry evaluations around $0–$50. Many Advantage designs also waive or lower copays for virtual care.
Tip: If the first provider you meet isn’t the right fit, you’re free to switch. Health Net allows you to choose another in-network therapist or psychiatrist without penalty, so you can find the provider who feels right for you.
What to Do If You Can’t Get a Mental Health Appointment Within 10 Days
If you’re facing delays, here’s how to advocate for timely access to care through Health Net and MHN (Managed Health Network), their behavioral health provider network:
1. Keep a Record of Every Call: Track each provider you contact. Write down: 1) The date, 2) name of the staff you spoke with, and 3) the next available appointment they offered. You’ll need this if you escalate your request.
2. Contact MHN Care Coordination: Call the number on your Health Net or MHN member card and ask for Care Coordination. A licensed MHN clinician may be able to help you find sooner openings, including cancellations with in-network providers.
3. Request a Network Adequacy Waiver: If no in-network provider can see you within 10 business days, you're entitled to request a network adequacy exception. Under California law, Health Net must:
- Help you find a faster in-network option or
- Approve an out-of-network provider at in-network rates
4. File a Grievance: If delays persist, file a formal grievance through your Health Net online portal or by calling Member Services. Plans must respond within 30 calendar days.
Tip:California law protects your right to timely mental health care. Stay organized, be polite but firm, and don’t hesitate to escalate—many members find faster appointments within days after involving Care Coordination or filing a grievance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Health Net cover therapy?
Yes. Outpatient therapy with licensed, in-network clinicians is a core benefit in every Health Net Medi-Cal, Marketplace, employer, and Medicare Advantage plan. Copays range from $0 (Medi-Cal, Teladoc) to $40 (some Marketplace office visits).
How do I find a Health Net therapist near me?
Log in → Find a Doctor → Behavioral Health, enter your ZIP, and filter by “Accepting patients” or “Telehealth.”
What’s the difference between a Health Net psychologist and a therapist?
Therapists (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) focus on talk therapy. Psychologists (PhD/PsyD) can add psychological testing and advanced modalities. Both are covered when in network.
Are Health Net 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. Tele-visits apply to the same deductible and out-of-pocket maximum as office visits.
Can I keep seeing my current therapist if they don’t take Health Net?
You’ll pay the full fee unless you receive a network-adequacy approval. Otherwise, switch to an in-network provider to avoid high out-of-pocket costs
Are visits for children or couples covered?
Yes—if the focus is a diagnosable mental-health condition for a covered member. Family/couples sessions bill under that member’s benefit.
Where can I go if I am in crisis?
Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text “Home” to 741-741, or visit the nearest ER. Health Net covers emergency mental-health care anywhere in the U.S.