Insurance

Your Guide to Oxford Therapy Coverage

Securing mental health services can be a game-changer for many people. One essential step on the path to mental wellness is finding out if your insurance covers the services you need. Thankfully, if you’re a member of Oxford Health Plans, you’re already well on your way.  Part of the UnitedHealthcare family, Oxford offers a variety […]

derek lee grow therapyBy Derek Lee, VP of Insurance Operations

Updated on Feb 22, 2024

x iconlinked-in iconfacebook iconinstagram icon

Securing mental health services can be a game-changer for many people. One essential step on the path to mental wellness is finding out if your insurance covers the services you need. Thankfully, if you’re a member of Oxford Health Plans, you’re already well on your way. 

Part of the UnitedHealthcare family, Oxford offers a variety of plans designed to meet your unique mental health needs. The challenge of understanding your mental health coverage shouldn’t have to be complicated. Read on to learn what mental health services Oxford covers, how to check your benefits, and where to find in-network therapists.

Oxford Health’s Mental Health Coverage

Is mental health care within the orbit of Oxford Health’s insurance offerings? Absolutely! If you’re a member, rest assured that your insurance plan likely covers a range of mental health services. The focus here is not just on treating conditions, but also on the promotion of overall mental well-being—a holistic approach to health that is increasingly gaining recognition.

Oxford Health, a subsidiary of UnitedHealthcare, aligns with the latter’s commitment to mental health. From outpatient therapy sessions to inpatient treatment centers, various options exist depending on the severity of the issue and the kind of intervention required. Whether you’re dealing with emotional challenges like depression or anxiety or grappling with more severe conditions such as substance use disorders, Oxford Health has plans that can offer the assistance you need.

One striking feature of Oxford Health’s coverage is its network of qualified mental health professionals. This network includes psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and behavioral therapists, offering you a spectrum of expertise to address your specific concerns. Many of them work here at Grow Therapy! However, it’s important to note that each plan has its nuances. The extent of your coverage, the costs involved, and whether a referral is required are all determined by the specifics of your plan.

What Does Oxford Health Cover?

Deciding to enter therapy can be a monumental moment in anyone’s life. Good news! Oxford Health offers a robust mental health plan that supports you in this endeavor. They provide coverage for a variety of mental health conditions, making it easier than ever to start or continue your therapeutic journey. Here are some of the conditions covered:

Oxford Health supports a wide range of evidence-based therapy approaches that are tailored to treat specific mental health diagnoses. Here’s a glimpse into some of the types of therapies you can access:

Your therapist will determine the most appropriate treatment approach for you, based on your diagnosis. This ensures that the treatment you receive is not only backed by science but also fine-tuned to your unique needs.

Therapy Not Covered by Oxford Health

When it comes to insurance, it’s equally important to know what isn’t covered as it is to know what is. Oxford Health is dedicated to offering treatments that are grounded in scientific evidence. Consequently, some forms of therapy and treatments don’t make the list. Approaches like life coaching, career counseling, and holistic therapies such as aromatherapy and massage therapy are generally not covered. Furthermore, experimental treatments like ketamine and psychedelic therapies are also left off Oxford Health’s coverage list.

Oxford Health maintains this stance to ensure that you’re getting the most reliable, data-backed treatment for your mental health condition. While these limitations might be disappointing to some, the focus remains on proven, effective care that can help you make meaningful progress in your mental health journey.

Checking Your Oxford Therapy Coverage

With Oxford, confirming your coverage is pretty straightforward. Just head over to the Oxford Health website. Once there, sign in to the ‘Members’ portal and navigate to the behavioral health section. Here you’ll find detailed information about what your plan covers. Therapy sessions fall under the “outpatient services” bracket where you see the “mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse” category.

Reading through these details can give you a clearer idea of the types of therapy available to you and any associated costs. This is a proactive way to avoid any unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and make the most of the mental health benefits your plan offers. So before you make that first therapy appointment, take a few minutes to check your coverage. You’ll be glad you did.

How Much Does Therapy Cost with Oxford Health Insurance?

Understanding the cost of therapy when you’re covered by Oxford Health Insurance can alleviate some of the stress tied to mental health care. As with most health insurance plans, the cost of therapy under Oxford can vary depending on several factors. These include your specific insurance plan, whether your chosen provider is in-network or out-of-network, and the region where you’re seeking treatment.

Therapists and counselors also have their pricing structures based on the services offered and the level of their expertise. That said, Oxford often provides considerable coverage for in-network providers, making your therapy sessions more affordable. The range of your potential out-of-pocket expenses can be gathered from the ‘Members’ portal on the Oxford Health website or directly from your chosen provider.

By understanding these variables, you’ll get a clearer picture of how much you can expect to pay for therapy with your Oxford Health Insurance. It’s always best to check the details of your specific plan and consult with your chosen mental health provider to get the most accurate information.

Find out how much therapy costs with Oxford Health Insurance

Check my cost now

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

If you choose an in-network provider, which means a therapist who has a contract with Oxford Health, you’ll generally pay less out-of-pocket. These providers have negotiated rates with Oxford, ensuring that your insurance will cover a significant part of the therapy costs.

On the flip side, opting for an out-of-network provider gives you a broader range of therapists to choose from but typically comes at a higher cost. Oxford may still offer partial coverage for these services, but you’ll be responsible for a larger share of the fees. It’s worth noting that some Oxford plans may not provide any out-of-network coverage at all.

Regardless of which option you choose, your costs will also be affected by other factors like your deductible, copay, or coinsurance rates. So it’s crucial to understand the details of your specific Oxford Health Insurance plan. Consult your plan’s documentation or speak with a representative for tailored advice. 

Deductibles

Oxford offers a range of plans that cater to different needs and budgets. Some plans have lower monthly premiums but come with a higher deductible, requiring you to pay more upfront before insurance coverage starts. Other plans feature higher monthly premiums but lower deductibles, offering quicker access to insurance coverage but at a higher regular cost.

Being savvy about your deductible can help you manage your overall healthcare costs, including those for mental health services. Make sure to consult your Oxford plan details or contact a customer service representative to find out your exact deductible amount. Knowing these details in advance can help you plan your mental health care more efficiently.

Copays

Copays can vary depending on your specific Oxford Health Insurance plan. For instance, some plans might have copays ranging from $20 to $30 per therapy session, while others may not require a copay at all. It’s important to note that copays do not count toward meeting your deductible, but they do contribute to your out-of-pocket maximums for the year.

Your out-of-pocket maximum is essentially the financial safety net in your health insurance plan. It’s the most you’ll have to spend in a single policy year for covered medical services, after which your insurance will cover 100% of covered benefits for the remainder of that policy year. Like other aspects of your health insurance, both copays and out-of-pocket maximums will vary by plan. Generally speaking, plans with lower monthly premiums often have higher copays and out-of-pocket maximums, and vice versa.

Finding a Therapist Who Takes Oxford Health Insurance

Now that you know the details of Oxford’s therapy coverage, it’s time to find your therapist! One way to do this is by calling the customer service number on your Oxford insurance card – they can provide you with a list of in-network therapists in your area. Another approach is to visit the Oxford Health Insurance website and use their search tool, which allows you to filter therapists by various criteria like location and areas of expertise.

Of course, you could also consider using Grow Therapy’s online platform. It offers you the ability to find an in-network Oxford provider nearby and even allows you to narrow down options based on specialties. Finding the right therapist for you shouldn’t be the hard part of this journey, and with your Oxford Health Insurance, you have several resources at your fingertips to make this process as smooth as possible.

FAQs

  • No, Oxford and UnitedHealthcare are not the same, but they are closely related. Oxford Health Plans is a part of UnitedHealthcare, functioning as one of its subsidiaries. They often share networks and benefits but are distinct entities with their own range of insurance products.

  • The quality of a UnitedHealthcare Oxford plan can depend on individual needs and what you're looking for in terms of coverage, cost, and network of providers. Generally, these plans are well-regarded for offering a wide range of options and flexibility, especially if you're looking for comprehensive coverage that includes mental health services.

  • Oxford Health Plans didn't disappear – it became a part of UnitedHealthcare in 2004. By merging with one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, Oxford expanded its reach and now operates as a subsidiary. Existing as a part of this larger network allows Oxford to offer a broader range of services and a more extensive provider network to its members.

About the author
derek lee grow therapyDerek Lee, VP of Insurance Operations

Derek Lee is Grow Therapy's Vice President of Insurance Operations, overseeing payor relations and success, credentialing and enrollment, new payor launch, revenue cycle management and billing, and insurance operations data analytics.

This article is not meant to be a replacement for medical advice. We recommend speaking with a therapist for personalized information about your mental health. If you don’t currently have a therapist, we can connect you with one who can offer support and address any questions or concerns. If you or your child is experiencing a medical emergency, is considering harming themselves or others, or is otherwise in imminent danger, you should dial 9-1-1 and/or go to the nearest emergency room.

x iconlinked-in iconfacebook iconinstagram icon
../../../domain/content/transformers