Anger management therapy that accepts Medicaid
Last week it was dishes in the sink. Before that it was a late text, a missed call, kids arguing in the next room. You hear yourself saying things you do not fully mean, slamming a door harder than you meant to, or going completely silent and walking out. Later, when your body finally calms down, you think, "Why did I go that far?"
Most people who come to us for anger are not "angry people." They are tired parents, stressed workers, partners who care deeply and hate how they sound when they are triggered. Many are also on Medicaid or Medicare and have no idea where to find real help that their plan will actually pay for. That is where Lavni comes in. Many people first find Lavni while searching for an anger management therapist that accepts Medicaid near them.
First question: will Medicaid even pay for anger therapy?
Short answer: in many cases, yes. North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia all cover mental health therapy through their Medicaid programs. They rarely use the phrase "anger management." Instead, they talk about depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and "behavioral health." Anger often lives inside those categories.
Medicaid is more likely to cover anger work when:
A licensed therapist is treating a real mental health concern, not just giving a one-time class.
Your anger is clearly affecting your daily life, relationships, or work.
The therapist is enrolled with your Medicaid plan and documents sessions as treatment.
Lavni focuses on this exact problem. We work with therapists who are credentialed with Medicaid and Medicare in North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, and we help you understand how your coverage applies before you get deep into therapy.
A quick look at anger management with Lavni
Who we help
Adults and teens whose anger is hurting their relationships, work, or peace of mind
Where
North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia (online therapy)
Typical cost
Many clients pay between $0 and $3 per session, depending on their plan
Coverage
Medicaid and Medicare plans in these states
If you are looking for a therapist specifically for a teenager, you can also read about working with a teenage therapist.
Lavni is co-founded by Laura Valentine, LCMHC, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and has helped over 2,000 people with Medicaid find therapy they could actually use. You can learn more about Lavni here. If your anger shows up most in your relationship, you can also explore our relationship wellness page.
If you already know you want anger management therapy and just need someone who takes your plan, you can skip ahead and see Medicaid therapists near you.
A day when anger goes too far
One client we worked with in Georgia (we will call him Marcus, not his real name) never thought of himself as someone with "anger issues." He worked hard, showed up for family, and cared deeply. But when he felt disrespected, especially after long shifts, something in him snapped. Yelling, slamming doors, saying things he would never say when calm.
The turning point was not a huge fight. It was his daughter quietly saying, "I knew you'd get mad," before he had even raised his voice. He realized his reactions were predictable - and his family had built their lives around not setting him off. That is when he reached out for therapy.
Your story will be different. Maybe people are afraid of your outbursts. Maybe nobody sees your anger because you aim it inward and tear yourself apart. Either way, the fact that you are reading this means something in you is ready for a different way.
What anger management therapy actually looks like
Despite the name, most anger management therapy is not about sitting in a circle and confessing what you did last week. It is more like detective work on your own reactions.
In a one-on-one session, your therapist may help you:
Over time, sessions start to feel less like "fixing your personality" and more like learning a new set of tools. Anger does not disappear. It just stops driving every decision.
If you are not ready for therapy yet, you can start with our self-help articles and blog to learn more about anger, relationships, and coping with stress.
Therapy versus anger management classes
Some people come to us because a judge, probation officer, or employer told them they need "anger management." Others come on their own. Classes can be helpful, especially for legal requirements, but they are often:
- Cash-based with a flat fee
- Focused on attendance more than real change
- Not built to work with Medicaid at all
Therapy is different. It focuses on your patterns, your relationships, your history. In many cases, Medicaid is more willing to cover ongoing therapy sessions than a separate class that charges a one-time fee. If you have legal requirements, you can talk with your therapist about what will count and what paperwork is needed.
Can I do anger management therapy online with Medicaid?
Often, yes. Many Medicaid plans now cover video therapy sessions. That means you can work on anger from your home, your car on a lunch break, or another private spot, as long as:
- You are physically in the state where your therapist is licensed (NC, GA, or VA).
- Your therapist is enrolled with your Medicaid or Medicare plan.
- The sessions are focused on real mental health needs, not just a generic "class."
When you register with Lavni, we confirm your state and plan, then match you with therapists who can see you online.
Why Lavni focuses on anger and Medicaid
A common story we hear: someone Googles "anger management near me," finds a few programs, and then realizes none of them take Medicaid. The ones that do have a waiting list so long that by the time a spot opens, the person has either given up or gotten into more trouble. Some people also discover that their anger is tied to trauma, and choose to work with a therapist using EMDR.
Lavni was built to change that pattern for people on Medicaid and Medicare. We:
Work only with licensed therapists who are credentialed with Medicaid and/or Medicare in your state.
Flag clinicians who have experience with anger, conflict, and emotional regulation.
Help you check your benefits so you know if your cost will be $0, a small copay, or something else.
Handle claims and billing behind the scenes, so you are not stuck on hold with your plan every week.
Offer resources focused on men's mental wellness and anger for those who want a space tailored to men.
So far, more than 2,000 people with Medicaid have used Lavni to find a therapist. Some come in for anger and end up working on grief, trauma, or burnout too. All of that is welcome in therapy.
Questions people often ask about anger and Medicaid
Does Medicaid cover anger management therapy?
Many times, yes. Medicaid typically covers therapy when a licensed clinician is treating a mental health condition that affects your life. Anger often shows up with stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression. If your therapist documents this clearly and is enrolled with your plan, sessions focused on anger are often covered like any other therapy visit.
How much does anger management therapy cost with Medicaid?
It depends on your state and plan. Many Lavni clients with Medicaid pay between $0 and $3 per session. There is no subscription fee to use Lavni. Before you commit to ongoing therapy, we help you check your benefits so you know what to expect.
Can therapy help if my anger never comes out loud, only in my head?
Yes. Not everyone yells. Some people turn anger inward as self-criticism, constant irritation, or feeling on edge all the time. Therapy can help you make sense of that, learn to respond differently, and separate what belongs to anger from what belongs to other emotions like hurt or fear.
How do I find a therapist who helps with anger and takes my Medicaid plan?
You can call offices one by one and ask about anger and insurance - or you can let us do some of that legwork. When you sign up with Lavni, you tell us:
- Your state and Medicaid or Medicare plan.
- That anger, conflict, or outbursts are a big reason you are seeking help.
- Whether you prefer video or phone sessions.
We use that information to match you with therapists who accept your plan and work with anger. You can then see Medicaid therapists near you and choose who feels like a good fit.
A small step toward calmer reactions
If you are reading this and thinking, "I am not proud of how I act when I am mad," that already tells us something important: you care. You do not have to fix years of patterns overnight. You can start with one small, concrete action.
If you have Medicaid in North Carolina, Georgia, or Virginia and you want help changing how you respond to anger, Lavni can connect you with a therapist who understands both emotional work and insurance.
Share a bit about what has been going on, upload your insurance card, and we will help you see what your options look like before you commit to anything long term.