Finding a therapist is hard. Finding a therapist who takes Medicaid can feel even harder.
You might have tried calling numbers on the back of your insurance card. Maybe no one called you back. Maybe the office said, "We are not taking new Medicaid clients." Maybe the waitlist was months long.
If that is you, you are not alone. This guide walks through simple steps to help you find a Medicaid therapist near you, in plain language.
Why it can be hard to find a Medicaid therapist
Many people on Medicaid run into the same problems:
- Old provider lists that are not up to date
- Offices that say they take Medicaid, but do not take your specific plan
- Long waitlists or no clear start date
- Confusing rules around telehealth
It can feel like the system is telling you, "You do not matter." But you do. Your mental health matters, and your Medicaid plan is supposed to help you get care.
Step 1: Know which Medicaid plan you have
First, look at your Medicaid card. In many states, Medicaid is managed by different health plans. Your card may have a name like:
- AmeriHealth Caritas
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
- WellCare
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicaid
- Other local plan names
Write down:
- The name of your plan
- Your member ID
- The customer service phone number
This information will help you when you call or search online.
Step 2: Call your plan and ask clear questions
Turn the card over and call the number on the back. When a person answers, you can say something like:
"Hi, I have your Medicaid plan. I would like to see a therapist for my mental health. Can you help me find an in-network therapist near me?"
You can also ask:
- "Do I have mental health coverage for therapy?"
- "How much will I pay per visit?"
- "Do you cover online video therapy?"
- "Do I need a referral from my doctor?"
Ask them to send you a list of in-network therapists or show you how to search online. If they give you a list, write down the names of a few providers and their locations.
If some of the words they use are confusing, it is okay to say, "Can you explain that in simple words?" You are allowed to understand what you are signing up for.
Step 3: Use online search tools the right way
Most Medicaid plans let you search online for in-network therapists. Here are a few tips:
- Use your exact plan name, not just "Medicaid".
- Filter for "mental health" or "behavioral health".
- Filter by "Licensed Clinical Social Worker," "Licensed Professional Counselor," "Psychologist," or similar licenses if the tool allows it.
- Filter by telehealth or online visits if you want video therapy.
When you see a list of names, look for:
- Address or "telehealth only"
- Phone number
- Notes that say "accepting new patients" if the site shows this
Keep a small list of 3–5 therapists you might want to call. It is normal if not everyone has space.
Step 4: Call offices with a simple script
Calling offices can feel scary. It helps to have simple words ready. You can say:
"Hi, my name is ____. I have [your plan name] Medicaid. I am looking for a therapist. Are you taking new clients with this plan?"
If they say yes, you can ask:
- "Do you offer online video visits?"
- "How soon could I have a first appointment?"
- "What would I likely pay per visit?"
If they say no, it is not about you. It usually means they are full or not set up with that plan. You can say "Thank you" and call the next office on your list.
Step 5: Think about what kind of therapist you want
You are allowed to have preferences. You might want a therapist who:
- Has experience with trauma, grief, or anxiety
- Understands your culture or community
- Is a certain gender
- Has experience with teens, kids, couples, or families
You do not have to get all of these at once. But it helps to think about what matters most to you.
When you talk with an office, you can ask:
- "Does this therapist have experience with [trauma, depression, anger, etc.]?"
- "Do they have experience working with people in [your community]?"
- "Do they see teens, adults, or both?"
How Lavni helps you find a Medicaid therapist
Lavni is built as a Medicaid-first platform. We focus on helping people use their Medicaid, Medicare, or other plans to get real therapy, not just quick chats.
When you use Lavni:
- You tell us your state, your plan, and what you want help with.
- We show you therapists who are in-network with your plan and licensed in your state.
- Most visits happen online by secure video, so you can meet from home or another private place.
If you are ready to look for options, you can start by searching for a Medicaid therapist near me. You will see therapists who work with your plan in North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, and we are adding more states over time.
Using Medicaid and insurance to pay for care
Once you find a therapist, the next question is usually "How will I pay for this?"
Your Medicaid plan often covers most or all of the visit cost. Sometimes there is a small copay. If you have questions about words like copay, deductible, or prior authorization, you can read more in our post called Using Medicaid and insurance for therapy. It explains these terms in simple language.
On Lavni, our team helps check your benefits and send many of the claims in the background. That way, you can spend your energy on the sessions, not on billing codes.
What happens after you find a therapist
Once you pick a therapist and book a visit, you might feel nervous. This is very normal.
Before the first session, you may:
- Fill out some basic forms online
- Share your contact information and emergency contact
- Sign consent and privacy forms
During the first visit, your therapist will want to know what brings you in and what you hope will change. If you want to know more about this, you can read What to expect in your first therapy session. It walks through what usually happens before, during, and after that first visit.
Staying with a therapist or changing if it is not a good fit
It may take a few sessions to know if a therapist feels right for you. Some good signs are:
- You feel heard and respected.
- You feel safe sharing your real thoughts and feelings.
- Your therapist explains things in a clear way.
- Together, you start to have small goals.
If you feel like therapy is not helping after a while, that does not mean you are "too broken" or "hopeless." It may mean the fit is not right, or the plan needs to change.
You are allowed to:
- Tell your therapist what is not working.
- Ask to focus on different goals.
- Ask your plan or Lavni to help you find a different therapist.
If you want ideas on how to notice progress, you can read How to tell if therapy is working. It shares simple signs to look for, like changes in sleep, mood, and daily life.
You do not have to do this alone
Finding a Medicaid therapist near you takes effort, but you do not have to do it alone.
You can:
- Use your plan's tools and phone support.
- Ask trusted people, like your doctor or school, if they know Medicaid therapists.
- Use Lavni to see in-network therapists in your state who are ready to work with you.
With the right support, Medicaid can be more than just a card in your wallet. It can be a real path to care that helps you feel safer, calmer, and more supported in your daily life.