How Humana Mental-Health Coverage Works
Humana offers mental health benefits across Medicare, Medicaid, and some legacy employer plans. Your exact cost depends on the type of plan you have.
If you’re on a Humana Medicare Advantage HMO or PPO, in-office therapy or psychiatry visits usually cost $0–$35 per session, while many plans cover virtual visits at no cost ($0 copay). Mental health care shares the same deductible rules as your medical coverage, and there are no limits on the number of visits if care is medically necessary.
With Humana Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plus Original Medicare, you’ll typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $257 Part B deductible (2025 rate). However, most Medigap policies pay that 20% for you, meaning many members have little or no out-of-pocket cost.
For those enrolled in Humana Medicaid (in select states), therapy and psychiatry visits generally carry a $0 copay, with unlimited medically necessary sessions included.
Finally, if you’re still on a legacy employer PPO or HMO plan (a shrinking segment), costs are usually $0–$40 per in-network visit or 20% after deductible if you’re on a high-deductible plan. Always check your Evidence of Coverage or state handbook for the most accurate details.
Coverage fast facts
- Unlimited visits. Humana sets no cap on outpatient therapy or psychiatry as long as it’s medically necessary.
- Newly expanded provider types. Since 2024, licensed professional counselors (LPCs) and marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) can bill Medicare Advantage directly, expanding your in-network options.
- Telehealth parity. Many Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans waive the copay for video therapy and psychiatry when delivered through Humana’s preferred platforms.
- Referrals. PPO and most HMO-POS plans don’t require a referral, though some Medicaid programs may ask you to see a primary care provider first.
Meet the Mental-Health Providers in Humana’s Network
Humana contracts with a full range of mental health professionals, including:
- Therapists and counselors (LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCs) who provide weekly talk therapy, coping skills, and family counseling.
- Psychologists (PhD or PsyD) who can offer therapy and also specialize in psychological testing and advanced treatment modalities, such as trauma-focused care.
- Psychiatrists (MD/DO) who handle diagnosis and medication management, particularly for complex or medical-heavy mental health conditions.
Real-Life Use Case: How Anita Found a Therapist That Takes Humana
Anita, 67, retired nurse in Tampa, carries a Humana Gold Plus Medicare Advantage HMO. She’s been struggling with grief after losing a sibling. Here’s her 12-day path from symptoms to care:
- Day 1 — Portal Login
MyHumana .com → “Find a Doctor” → “Behavioral Health.”
- Day 1 — Smart Filters
She selects “Telehealth,” “grief,” and “Accepting new patients,” showing her four therapists that take Humana.
- Day 2 — Cost Check
The cost estimator shows $0 for video therapy, $35 in office.
- Day 3 — First Video Visit
Anita schedules a Friday session with Carlos Moreno, LCSW—an in-network Humana therapist experienced in grief care.
- Day 10 — Medication Consult
Carlos suggests a low-dose SSRI. Anita books a 30-minute tele-psychiatry slot with a Humana psychiatrist for the next afternoon (also $0).
Total out-of-pocket cost: $0. Total time from search to first appointment: 3 days.
Step-by-Step: How to find in-network care:
- Log in to MyHumana or the Humana mobile app. Tap Find a Doctor → Behavioral Health.
- Filter Smartly. Choose in-person or virtual, specialty (trauma, couples, ADHD), language, evening hours.
- Confirm Cost. Click “Estimate Cost” under each listing—numbers are pulled from your exact plan.
- Book. For platform-based telehealth (often powered by Teladoc), scheduling happens inside the portal; office visits require a quick call.
- Complete Intake Forms. Many clinicians email HIPAA-secure questionnaires; finish them early to avoid delays.
- Use Digital Bridges. While you wait, explore the free mindfulness and CBT modules Humana highlights in its mental-wellness hub.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network:
With Humana, it almost always pays to stay in-network. You’ll have predictable copays or coinsurance, your provider will file claims automatically, and your care stays connected with Humana’s case-management tools. This makes the process smoother, cheaper, and better coordinated.
Going out-of-network is only an option with Medicare Supplement plans and some PPO designs. In that case, you’ll need to pay the full fee up front and then submit a claim for partial reimbursement. While it’s less convenient, it can be useful if you’re looking for a niche specialty or if local in-network options are limited.
Tip: If you can’t get an in-network appointment within 10 business days, request a network-adequacy exception. By law, Humana must either connect you with an available provider faster or cover out-of-network care at the in-network rate.
Digital & Telehealth Options
Humana makes it easy to get mental health care from home, whether you need live sessions or self-guided support.
Humana Virtual Therapy (powered by Teladoc) offers video visits with licensed therapists and psychiatrists. For most Medicare Advantage members, these sessions are $0 per visit. Commercial PPO members typically pay $0–$30, depending on their plan.
If you’re enrolled in Humana Medicaid, you can usually access video or audio-only therapy at no cost ($0 copay). Coverage details vary by state, but this option helps bridge access gaps where local providers are limited.
For everyday wellness, Humana also includes self-guided tools such as on-demand CBT programs and mindfulness tracks, available for free to all members through the MyHumana Wellness hub. These are especially useful to supplement therapy or provide stress relief between visits.
Tip: Just like office visits, all telehealth sessions count toward your out-of-pocket maximum. That means you won’t pay extra for choosing virtual care—it simply adds more flexibility to how and where you receive support.
Cost & Coverage
What you’ll pay for therapy or psychiatry under Humana depends on your plan type, but most members find the costs straightforward and affordable.
If you’re on a Humana Medicare Advantage plan, therapy sessions usually run $0–$35, with many plans offering $0 copays for virtual visits. Initial psychiatric evaluations are slightly higher, typically $0–$50.
With Medigap plus Original Medicare, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved rate after the Part B deductible. In practice, most Medigap policies cover that 20% for you, meaning little or no out-of-pocket cost.
For Humana Medicaid members in participating states, both therapy and psychiatry are generally covered at $0 per visit, with unlimited medically necessary sessions.
If you’re still on a legacy employer plan, in-office therapy usually costs $0–$40, and an initial psychiatry evaluation runs about $40–$60. Some high-deductible versions require you to pay the contracted rate until your deductible is met, after which normal copays apply.
Tip: If your first provider doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can switch. Simply reopen Humana’s provider directory and book another in-network therapist. It’s penalty-free and quick—because finding the right match is part of the process.
What to Do if wait times exceed 10 days
1. Keep a Record Write down every provider you contact. Include:
- Date of the call
- Name of the staff member
- Next available appointment offered
This documentation will help if you need to escalate.
2. Contact Humana Care Management: Call the number on your Humana insurance card and ask to speak with a Behavioral Health Care Manager. They can help you search for cancellations or providers with sooner availability—even across different ZIP codes.
3. Request a Network Adequacy Exception: If no in-network provider is available within 10 business days, you have the right to request a network adequacy exception.
Humana may approve care with an out-of-network provider at in-network rates to meet timely access standards.
4. File a Grievance Through MyHumana: If you're still facing delays, submit a formal grievance via your MyHumana account. Humana must respond within 30 days, and many members report faster resolution after filing.
Bottom line: Be polite, persistent, and organized. Members who keep good notes and ask the right questions often secure faster access to in-network Humana psychologists or psychiatrists.
FAQ’s
Does Humana cover therapy?
Yes. Outpatient therapy with enrolled, in-network clinicians is a core medical benefit across Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and remaining employer plans. Typical cost: $0–$35 per session or 20 % coinsurance for Original Medicare.
How do I find therapists that take Humana near me?
Log in to MyHumana → Find a Doctor → Behavioral Health and filter by ZIP, specialty, and availability.
What’s the difference between a Humana therapist and a Humana psychologist?
“Therapist” (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) is a broad counseling designation. “Psychologist” (PhD/PsyD) can also conduct testing. Both are covered if in network.
Are Humana psychiatrists accepting new patients?
Many are—especially via virtual visits. Use the “Accepting new patients” filter and consider tele-slots.
Will my virtual session count toward my deductible?
Yes. Telehealth visits apply to the same deductible and out-of-pocket max as office visits.