Therapist near me that takes Medicaid, and how state programs differ
Medicaid covers mental health services for millions of people across the United States, but each state runs its own program with its own names, plans and provider networks. This page explains the basics, describes several state programs in general terms and shows how to find a therapist who accepts Medicaid near you. Searching NearbyTherapy is free for patients and no account is needed.
Look for Medicaid providers near you
Enter your city or ZIP code and choose Medicaid in the Insurance field. Claimed profiles that accept Medicaid appear first, and other licensed providers in your area follow below.
How Medicaid works for therapy
Medicaid is a public health coverage program funded jointly by the federal government and each state. Federal law sets a framework, and states decide many of the details within it, including who qualifies, which services are covered and how care is organized. That is why two people on Medicaid in different states can have very different experiences finding a therapist.
In many states, most Medicaid members are enrolled in a managed care plan, a private health plan that contracts with the state to deliver Medicaid benefits. If you are in one, the therapist usually needs to be in network with your specific managed care plan, not only enrolled with Medicaid in general. Your member card names the plan and gives a phone number for member services.
Medicaid is different from Medicare. Medicare is the federal program mainly for people 65 and older and some people with disabilities. Some people qualify for both, and providers may accept one but not the other.
What to check with your plan
- Which managed care plan am I enrolled in, if any?
- Do I need a referral or prior authorization for outpatient therapy?
- Is there a list of in network behavioral health providers near me?
- Are online therapy sessions covered under my plan?
- Is there any copay for therapy visits?
Children and teens may be covered through Medicaid or through CHIP, the Children's Health Insurance Program, depending on the state and family income.
Medicaid programs in some of the states we cover
Each state has its own program name. Here are several that appear on our city pages, described in general terms.
| State | Program | What to know in general |
|---|---|---|
| California | Medi-Cal | Many members are in Medi-Cal managed care plans, and more intensive specialty mental health services are generally arranged through county mental health plans |
| Arizona | AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) | Most members are enrolled in AHCCCS health plans that include behavioral health services |
| Texas | Texas Medicaid and CHIP | Most members receive care through managed care programs such as STAR, STAR Kids and STAR+PLUS |
| New York | New York Medicaid | Many members are enrolled in Medicaid managed care plans offered by private insurers |
| Illinois | Illinois Medicaid | Many members are enrolled in HealthChoice Illinois managed care plans |
Rules and plan options change over time. Your state Medicaid agency and your plan's member services are the reliable sources for current details.
Which therapists accept Medicaid
Psychologists, licensed professional counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists can all enroll as Medicaid providers, depending on state rules. Community mental health centers, federally qualified health centers and many group practices also see Medicaid members. In private practice, participation varies a lot from one clinician to the next, so asking directly matters.
To accept Medicaid, a provider generally must be enrolled with the state program and, where managed care applies, contracted with your plan. Providers also need an NPI, which is why every listing on NearbyTherapy shows one. You can give the NPI to your plan when you call to confirm.
How the Medicaid filter works here
The insurance filter, including Medicaid, matches claimed profiles only. Therapists who claim their profile enter the plans they accept themselves.
Listings from the NPPES NPI Registry appear below under "More licensed providers in" your city. The registry does not include insurance information, so for these listings, call the practice and ask whether they accept Medicaid and your specific plan. Then confirm with your plan as well.
What to ask a practice on the phone
- Do you accept Medicaid, and which managed care plans are you in network with?
- Are you taking new Medicaid clients right now?
- Do I need a referral before the first appointment?
- Do you offer sessions online, and are they covered by my plan?
- Is there anything I need to bring to the first session?
Does Medicaid cover therapy?
State Medicaid programs cover mental health services, including outpatient therapy, but the details vary by state and plan. Call your plan's member services to confirm what your coverage includes.
Why does a therapist accept Medicaid but not my plan?
In many states Medicaid is delivered through several managed care plans, and a therapist may be contracted with some of them and not others. Ask which plans the therapist participates in.
Can I see a therapist online with Medicaid?
Many state programs cover telehealth therapy, but rules vary. Ask your plan and the provider, and remember the therapist generally must be licensed in your state.
Is Medicaid the same as Medicare?
No. Medicaid is run by states for people who meet income and other criteria, while Medicare is a federal program mainly for people 65 and older. Some people have both.
Help is available now
NearbyTherapy is a directory, not a crisis or emergency service. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline), available regardless of insurance. Call 911 in an emergency. Our crisis page has more options.
Search therapists who take Medicaid
Enter your city or ZIP code, choose Medicaid and contact licensed providers near you. Free for patients, no account needed.