Find an Anthem Therapist
Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (now part of Elevance Health) manages one of the country’s largest behavioral-health networks—more than 300,000 in-person clinicians and another 160,000+ virtual professionals, all connected through the LiveHealth Online platform and partner groups.
This guide will reach you how to find therapists that take Anthem, understand Anthems mental-health coverage, and book an appointment—virtual or in office—without guesswork.
How Anthem Mental-Health Coverage Works
| Plan Type | In-Network Therapy & Medication-Mgmt Cost* | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|
| Employer or Marketplace PPO/HMO | $0–$40 copay per visit; no separate mental-health deductible | Mental-health benefits are fully integrated with medical. |
| High-Deductible (HSA-eligible) | 20 % after deductible, then $0–$40 | Same coverage, different timing of cost-share. |
| Anthem Medicare Advantage | $0 LiveHealth Online video; $15–$40 in-office | Most plans waive copays for virtual visits. |
*Always confirm your own Evidence of Coverage (EOC); employer carve-outs can vary.
Types of Anthem Mental-Health Providers
| Provider Type | Typical Role |
|---|---|
| Therapist / Counselor (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) | Weekly talk therapy, stress, life transitions |
| Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | Psychological testing, EMDR, DBT |
| Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | Diagnosis, medication management |
Real-Life Use Case: How Luis Found a Therapist That Takes Anthem
Luis, a 38-year-old firefighter in Denver, felt creeping anxiety after a string of high-stress shifts. Here’s his 12-day timeline:
- Day 1 – Portal Login Luis opens Anthem.com → Find Care & Cost → Behavioral Health.
- Day 1 – SmartMatch Filters He chooses “CBT,” “evening hours,” and “virtual.” Five therapists that take Anthem pop up, all with the green “accepting patients” badge.
- Day 2 – Cost Check The estimator shows his PPO charges $25 for office visits—or $0 for LiveHealth Online video.
- Day 3 – First Video Session He schedules a Friday evening slot with Dana Gupta, LCSW—an in-network Anthem therapist focused on first-responder stress.
- Day 11 – Medication Consult Dana suggests an SSRI. Luis books a 30-minute LiveHealth Online session with an Anthem psychiatrist for the next morning (also $0).
Total time from search to therapy: 3 days. Out-of-pocket: $0 so far.
Step-by-Step: Booking Therapy Through Anthem
- Log in to Anthem.com or the Sydney Health app. Tap Find Care → Behavioral Health.
- Filter by preferences. Choose in-person vs. virtual, specialty (trauma, couples, ADHD), language, evening hours.
- Check Costs. Click “Estimate Cost” under each listing; numbers are plan-specific.
- Book the Appointment. LiveHealth Online slots can be scheduled inside the portal; office visits require a quick phone call.
- Fill Digital Intake Forms. Many clinicians email HIPAA-secure questionnaires—finish them early to avoid delays.
- Use Digital Bridges. Until your first visit, explore free Calm or Happify subscriptions included with many Anthem plans.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network:
| Stay In-Network (recommended) | Go Out-of-Network (PPO only) |
| Predictable copay/coinsurance | Pay full fee, submit for partial reimbursement |
| Claims filed automatically | You handle paperwork |
| Integrated with Anthem’s Care Management | Useful for niche specialties when network is thin |
If you can’t secure an in-network visit within 10 business days, request a “network-deficiency exception.” Anthem may cover an outside clinician at in-network rates under parity law.
Digital & Telehealth Options
| Platform | Services | Typical Cost | Who’s Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| LiveHealth Online Therapy | Video visits with licensed therapists & psychologists | $0–$40; many plans → $0 | Employer, Marketplace, Medicare Advantage |
| LiveHealth Online Psychiatry | Medication evaluations & follow-ups | $0–$40; many plans → $0 | Employer, Marketplace, Medicare Advantage |
| Happify / iPrevail | On-demand CBT, coaching modules | $0 | Many employer plans |
Virtual visits count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket max just like office visits.
Cost & Coverage
| Setting | Employer & Marketplace Plans | High-Deductible Plan | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-office therapy (45 min) | $0–$40 copay | 20 % after deductible | $15–$40 copay |
| LiveHealth Online therapy | Often $0 | Deductible, then $0 | $0 |
| Initial psychiatry eval | $40–$60 copay | 20 % after deductible | $20–$50 copay |
If chemistry is off, reopen the directory—switching therapists that take Anthem is quick and penalty-free.
Advocating for Yourself if Wait Times Drag
- Document Calls. Note date, staff name, and “next available” slot.
- Request Care Coordination. Anthem’s Behavioral Health Concierge can hunt for cancellations.
- Ask for a Network-Deficiency Waiver. Anthem must ensure timely access under parity law.
- File a Grievance in the Portal. Plans usually respond within 30 days.
Remeber, polite persistence—with notes—often unlocks faster access to care.
Additional Low-Cost Resources
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — many Anthem plans add 3–5 free sessions per condition (ie. depression, anxiety, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Anthem cover therapy? Yes. Outpatient therapy with in-network licensed clinicians is a core medical benefit; typical copay $0–$40 or 20 % coinsurance after deductible.
Does Anthem cover mental health beyond therapy? Absolutely—benefits include psychiatric medication management, psychological testing, intensive outpatient, and partial-hospital programs.
How do I find therapists that take Anthem near me? Log in → Find Care & Cost → Behavioral Health, then filter by ZIP, specialty, and availability.
What’s the difference between an Anthem therapist and an Anthem psychologist? “Therapist” is an umbrella term (LCSW, LMFT, LPC). “Psychologist” means a PhD/PsyD who can also perform testing. Both are covered if in network.
Are Anthem psychiatrists accepting new patients? Many are—especially via LiveHealth Online. Use the “Accepting new patients” filter and consider virtual slots.
Find care for Anthem
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Anthem and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
