Does Insurance Cover Psychiatrists?

Thanks to federal law, the answer is generally yes. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurers to cover mental health services comparably to physical health. Here's what Gwinnett County residents should know about mental health coverage.

What's Typically Covered

• Initial psychiatric evaluation
• Medication management visits
• Outpatient psychotherapy
• Emergency care
• Intensive outpatient programs
• Prescription medications

Online Psychiatry Coverage

Most insurers now cover telehealth psychiatric visits the same as in-person visits. This makes accessing care more convenient—you can see a psychiatrist from your home in Lawrenceville, Duluth, or anywhere in metro Atlanta.

Understanding Your Costs

• Copay: A flat fee you pay at each visit
• Deductible: Amount you pay before insurance kicks in
• Coinsurance: Percentage you pay after meeting deductible

In-network providers typically cost less than out-of-network. Always verify a provider's network status before your appointment.

Do I Need a Referral?

Some plans (especially HMOs) require a referral from your primary care doctor. PPO plans typically don't. Check your specific policy or call your insurer.