Mental health insurance is offered in a variety of ways. It can be part of a comprehensive health insurance plan, while other employers offer it as a separate benefit. It is often coupled with substance abuse programs.

The coverage you receive will depend on your plan, employer and state. Be sure to check your policy for details. Some states require employers to provide a minimal level of health insurance coverage.

Selecting a Policy

If having access to mental health practitioners is important to you, be sure to compare the health insurance plans your employer offers. A policy with a higher premium and additional coverage could be worth the investment.

If seeing a particular practitioner is crucial, be sure your benefits will provide coverage, or be prepared to pay on your own. Likewise, if you'd like a child to be able to utilize services, find out if coverage can be extended to include them. The amount you pay for medications will depend on the type of plan you have, but expect to pay a $10 to $25 dollar co-payment for covered prescriptions.

HMO and PPO. Most managed care providers will cover between 20 to 30 sessions per year. Generally speaking, mental health services require higher levels of co-payments than other medical services, ranging from 20 to 50 percent of the total bill. If you work with an HMO, you may need a referral from your Primary Care Physician (PCP).

Indemnity (FFS). Coverage levels will depend on the plan you select, but you'll have greater freedom to select the psychiatrist or therapist of your choice.

Other Sources of Mental Healthcare

Medicare and Medicaid. If you are eligible for Medicare, it will cover 50 percent of outpatient services, with no limit on the number of visits. If you are eligible for Medicaid, you can receive mental health benefits, but coverage varies by state.

Public Mental Health Services. If you don't have insurance, there are usually local, state or county mental health services provided in most areas. These services may be free, or available with a small sliding-scale payment. To find more information, check with your local Department of Health and Human Services.