Please help me understand how my mental health coverage works?
I reached a very low point recently in terms of mental health and realized I very much needed help asap. I made the soonest appointment I could find to see a local psychiatrist via video call, and while they're in network, while I was reading up on my insurance info I realized I need prior authorization for mental health outpatient services. I guess in this case it would mean a referral from my primary care physician? Unfortunately I moved not too long ago and I dont have a primary provider in this state/under this insurance plan. I understand I'll likely be paying for my upcoming appointment out of pocket, but once I've been seen/accepted as a patient by this psychiatrist, would they be able to put in prior authorization for continuing treatment? Would I have to find and make an appointment with a primary care physician and vent all my troubles on them and then have them get me approval to continue seeking care for my mental health? Would I just be stuck paying out of pocket indefinitely? I dont have anyone reliable to ask irl and I'm really scared about the financial impact this will have.
submitted by /u/chanikife
[comments]
