Mental Health Treatment Via Telehealth with PPO Insurance
Introduction to Telehealth for Mental Health
If you’re new to telehealth, it can sound intimidating, but once you try it, you’ll see that, and in many cases, it makes sense. In short, telehealth is using live videoconferencing or the telephone to provide important mental health services. It’s an effective way to treat different mental health disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and depression, giving patients easier access to evidence-based treatment, even if they can’t leave their homes or don’t live close to an appropriate care provider. Telehealth’s use exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving patients a way to get the help they need while social distancing, and in today’s technology-abundant world, it’s a more convenient way to get therapy.Â
Some common benefits people find when choosing PPO telehealth mental health treatment are convenience, low cost, and lower barriers to getting care. While not everybody has the same access to and familiarity with technology, it is still an excellent option for many people. It may also be covered by insurance in many cases.
Understanding PPO Insurance Coverage for Telehealth Services
Preferred provider organization (PPO) insurance is a type of medical insurance plan that provides members with a list of doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, hospitals, and care facilities. When you have PPO insurance for drug Rehab, you’ll be encouraged to select from this list of preferred providers because they’re contracted with the insurance company to offer their services at lower rates to those with the PPO policy.Â
PPO Plans for Telehealth Mental Health Treatment in Florida
PPO plans cover all medical and psychological care and may cover telehealth services, in-person treatments, and prescription medications, depending on your plan. If enrolled in a PPO, you can use any in-network service without needing a referral from your primary care physician.
 Your insurance will often cover behavioral health services like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, family therapy, psychotherapy, and more, whether in-person or not. If you’re unsure, checking with your provider before moving forward is always best. If you belong to a PPO plan, you’ll have to pay the copayment at the time of your appointment, and you will likely also have to meet a deductible, which is a certain amount you must pay out of pocket each year before your insurance kicks in. Some treatments may not be covered by all insurance plans, while others may be partially or fully covered.
Advantages of Using Telehealth for Mental Health Treatment
Some of the biggest advantages of using telemedicine for your mental health treatment are:
- It is convenient, has a flexible schedule, and has easy access that can work for almost anybody.
- It’s a good option for those who can’t always get away, like single parents, and people who may lose scholarships or job opportunities if they need to go away.
- You can talk to high-quality doctors and therapists who are board-certified
- Most psychiatrists can prescribe medications online as they would in person.
- It can be a good option for immunocompromised individuals or those with disabilities that make leaving the house difficult.
- People who live in rural areas can have the same access to care as those in urban centers.
- It can save time and money, as it’s less expensive, and you don’t have to commute to and from the treatment center.
- Your continuity of care is improved, as you can continue speaking to the same therapists you saw in your inpatient or outpatient program long after completing the program.
Navigating PPO Coverage for Telehealth Mental Health Services
Navigating PPO telehealth mental health treatment doesn’t need to be difficult or stressful. At WhiteSands, we understand that terms like coinsurance, copayments, deductibles, and out-of-network can be intimidating and confusing. You may want to call your insurance company to get started, or you can log on to your insurance website and read about your coverage yourself. This will tell you what treatments are covered and what percentage insurance will pay.Â
You can also check whether the treatment centers and therapists you’re considering talking to are in-network or ask your insurance representative to provide you with a list of approved providers. Because you don’t need to get a referral when you have PPO insurance, you can also call us directly, and we can let you know what levels of care and therapy are covered by your plan. We’re happy to help.Â
Telehealth Mental Health Services Covered by PPO Plans
While every insurance plan is unique in what they will cover and to what degree the services will need to be paid for out-of-pocket, some common phone or video call services covered by PPO plans include:Â
- Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavioral therapy
- Crisis intervention
- PsychotherapyÂ
- Psychiatrist appointments
- Prescription psychiatric medicationsÂ
- Counseling
Tips for Accessing Telehealth Mental Health Services with PPO Insurance
The following are some helpful tips for getting online or telephone mental health care:
- To avoid any financial surprises, check with your insurance provider first or have the treatment center or therapist verify your coverage.
- Choose the device you will use beforehand, and test it if possible to ensure it works with your provider’s platform. Make sure it’s plugged in or charged before your appointment.
- Decide where you will have your appointment, preferably in a private, quiet location.
- Think about what issues you want to discuss, and make a list or take notes so you don’t forget anything.
Overcoming Challenges in Telehealth Mental Health Treatment with PPO
Some of the biggest challenges you may face when using telehealth services for your mental health treatments include:
- Showing up on time for all your appointments. An online meeting can sometimes be easier to brush off or cancel, and it can be challenging for people living with mental illness to follow a treatment plan and attend every therapy session
- Technical difficulties or a lack of technology in the home can make it impossible to get the care you need
- It can be difficult to keep regular professional boundaries, including privacy when speaking to one another from home
- Insurance concerns and laws haven’t kept up with the demand for online services. In some states, psychiatrists and therapists aren’t receiving enough reimbursement from insurance companies, making them less likely to want to participate.
- No two states have the same definition or regulation of telehealth, making insurance coverage and accessibility difficult in some areas of the country.
When considering telehealth treatment, you may need to ask yourself whether it’s a good idea for you and be honest with yourself. Do you think you can commit to an online appointment schedule? Is your home configuration a good fit for telehealth meetings, or will you have to do therapy in the living room with your family nearby? Does your insurance cover treatment? Knowing the answer to these questions will help you decide if it’s your right treatment style.
WhiteSands Treatment’s Approach to Telehealth Mental Health Services
At WhiteSands, we offer all levels of care, including inpatient services, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, and ongoing aftercare that can take place in person or through telemedicine appointments with a psychiatrist or primary care physician. You can stay connected to the help and support you need for as long as you need it. We also offer flexible outpatient treatment plans that can be customized to suit your unique needs and lifestyle.Â
Call us today to discuss your options for mental health treatments. At WhiteSands, we’re happy to work with you to ensure your plan is tailored to fit your needs while keeping financial considerations and insurance in mind. If you want to know more or Co-Insurance for Addiction Treatment, you can phone us confidentially at 877-855-3470. We can help you, and we’re available now.Â
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
