Find an Independence Blue Cross Therapist
Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Independence Blue Cross (IBX) covers outpatient mental health care across a wide range of plans—including Personal Choice PPO, Keystone HMO, Keystone 65 and Personal Choice 65 Medicare Advantage, CHIP for kids, and many self-funded employer plans. Most plans have no limit on therapy sessions, but your exact copay, deductible, and how you book an appointment can vary. This guide breaks down what you need to know—step by step—so you can quickly and confidently schedule an appointment with an in-network IBX therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Whether your plan uses Teladoc, Well360 Virtual Health (Amwell), or another partner, we’ll show you how to navigate the process and get connected to care—often within just a few days.
Cost estimates
| IBX plan | Typical in-network cost for therapy and medication visits* |
|---|---|
| Keystone 65 / Personal Choice 65 (Medicare Advantage) | About $40 per visit |
| Personal Choice and Keystone employer PPO/HMO | $20–$40 copay (most designs) |
| Marketplace Silver Classic | $30–$40 after deductible |
| High-deductible HSA plans | 20 % after deductible, then $0 |
| CHIP and Medicaid (PA HealthChoices) | $0 copay |
*Always check your own Evidence of Coverage or Summary of Benefits for exact numbers.
Plan highlights:
- No referral is required for routine outpatient therapy or psychiatry.
- There is no yearly limit on sessions when care is medically necessary.
- Video visits cost the same as in-office visits—and many plans waive the telehealth copay completely.
- IBX uses the national BlueCard network, so you can see in-network clinicians anywhere in the United States.
In-network IBX Therapist Types
| License | What they do | When members typically choose them |
|---|---|---|
| Therapist / Counselor (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) | Weekly talk therapy, family or couples work, coping skills | First-line care for anxiety, depression, life transitions |
| Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | Psychological testing, specialized therapies such as EMDR, DBT | Complex trauma, ADHD testing, health psychology |
| Psychiatrist (MD or DO) | Medical diagnosis, medication management, complex co-morbidities | Medication starts, medication adjustments, treatment-resistant conditions |
All three license types are billed under the same outpatient mental-health benefit, so your out-of-pocket cost is identical regardless of which professional you choose.
Real-Life Example: How Dana Found Care with Independence Blue Cross
Dana, 34, enrolled in a Personal Choice Silver PPO plan
- Day 1 – Dana logs into ibx.com and navigates to Find Care & Costs › Behavioral Health. She sees seven in-network therapists within five miles.
- Day 1 – She applies filters for Telehealth, CBT, and Evening Hours. Three therapists remain, all currently accepting new patients.
- Day 2 – The cost estimator shows $0 for MDLIVE video sessions and $30 for in-person visits.
- Day 3 – Dana books a Thursday 7 p.m. telehealth session with Aliyah Nguyen, LCSW—an in-network IBX therapist. Her copay: $0.
- Day 10 – After two sessions, Aliyah recommends a low-dose SSRI. Dana schedules a 30-minute MDLIVE psychiatry consult for the next morning—also with a $0 copay.
From search to first therapy session: 3 days Total out-of-pocket cost so far: $0
How to Schedule An Appointment with an IBX Therapist
- Sign in or call the Member Services number on your card.
- Choose Find Care & Costs and select Behavioral Health.
- Filter by ZIP code, specialty (trauma, postpartum, ADHD), language, telehealth, evening/weekend hours.
- Confirm “In Network.” Look for the green check mark or the MDLIVE logo next to the clinician’s name.
- Preview your cost with the on-screen estimator.
- Book directly inside the portal for MDLIVE video or by phoning the office for in-person visits, then complete any emailed intake forms before session day.
Telehealth Options with Independence Blue Cross (IBX)
- MDLIVE for IBX – Offers video therapy and psychiatry appointments from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. Most employer-sponsored, Marketplace, and Medicare Advantage plans cover these visits at no cost. If you’re on a high-deductible plan, you'll pay the negotiated rate until your deductible is met—then pay $0.
- Phone-Only Sessions – Available when video isn’t an option. These are covered at the same rate as video visits.
- Coverage and Costs – Telehealth sessions apply to your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum just like in-person care, so every visit counts toward meeting your plan limits.
IBX Therapy Cost Breakdown
| Setting | Medicare Advantage | Employer PPO/HMO | Marketplace Silver | CHIP / Medicaid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45-minute therapy session, office | ~$40 | $20–$40 | $30–$40 | $0 |
| MDLIVE video therapy | $0–$40 | $0–$40 (often $0) | $0–$30 | $0 |
| Initial psychiatry evaluation | Same as therapy | Same | Same | Same |
What to do if you cant get an appointment within 10 days:
- Document Everything – Keep a log of each outreach attempt, including dates, staff names, and the next available appointment offered.
- Call Member Services – Ask to speak with the Behavioral Health Navigation Team. They may have access to cancellations or openings not visible online.
- Request a Network Adequacy Exception – If no in-network appointment is available within 10 business days, you can ask IBX to approve an out-of-network provider at in-network rates.
- File a Grievance – If delays continue, submit a grievance through the IBX website. The plan is required to respond within 30 days.
Being persistent—and keeping thorough records—can often lead to a faster appointment.
FAQs
Does Independence Blue Cross cover therapy? Yes. All Keystone HMO, Personal Choice PPO, CHIP, and Medicare Advantage plans pay for outpatient therapy and psychiatry. Copays range from $0 to about $65, depending on plan design.
How do I find therapists that take Independence Blue Cross near me? Log in at ibx.com, use the Behavioral Health search tool, enter your ZIP code, and apply the “Accepting patients” or “Telehealth” filter.
Are psychiatrists that take Independence Blue Cross accepting new patients? Many are, especially through MDLIVE. Use the telehealth filter and the “Accepting patients” tag to see real-time availability.
Will my virtual visit count toward my deductible? Yes. Telehealth sessions apply to the same deductible and out-of-pocket maximum as office visits.
Find care for Independence Blue Cross
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Independence Blue Cross and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
