Find a WellCare Therapist
Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Wellcare, a Centene company, offers mental health coverage through Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Marketplace plans like “Ambetter from Wellcare.” While benefits vary by plan and state, most Wellcare members have access to outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and counseling services. This guide will walk you through exactly how to find an in-network Wellcare therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist—and how to book a covered session, often within days.
How Wellcare Mental-Health Coverage Works
| Plan Type | In-Network Cost for Therapy & Psychiatry* | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage HMO/PPO (e.g., Wellcare Simple Open PPO) | $0–$35 copay per individual or group session | No visit limit; same copay for therapy & medication-management |
| Dual Eligible “Dual Access” (HMO D-SNP) | $0 copay for all outpatient mental-health visits | Medicare & Medicaid share the bill, so you pay nothing |
| Medicaid Managed-Care (various states) | $0 copay | Unlimited medically necessary visits |
| Marketplace Bronze/Silver (“Ambetter from Wellcare”) | $20–$40 copay after deductible | Parity with medical visits; no visit cap |
*Always open your own Summary of Benefits or Medicaid handbook to confirm numbers in your ZIP code.
Plan Hilights
- Unlimited sessions when your clinician says they’re medically needed.
- No referrals—you can self-schedule with a mental-health specialist.
- Telehealth parity. Video visits cost the same—or less—than in-office care; many plans waive the copay completely.
- Teladoc access. Most Medicare and Dual plans include $0 Teladoc therapy and psychiatry seven days a week, 7 a.m.–9 p.m.
Wellcare’s in Network Mental-Health Provider Types
| Provider Type | What They Do |
|---|---|
| Therapist / Counselor (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) | Weekly talk therapy, coping skills, family sessions |
| Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | Psychological testing, trauma-focused therapies (CBT, EMDR) |
| Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | Diagnosis, medication management |
All three license types appear in Wellcare’s “Find a Provider” tool and the Teladoc portal—and they bill under the same mental-health benefit tier.
Real-Life Use Case: How Sharon Found a Therapist That Takes Wellcare
Day 1 Sharon (67, Tampa) logs into wellcare.com → clicks Find a Provider → selects Behavioral Health. She sees 8 therapists within 15 miles who accept her Wellcare Open PPO plan. She applies filters: Telehealth, CBT, and Evening Hours. Now 3 therapists remain—all listed as Accepting New Patients.
Day 2 The cost estimator shows:
- $0 for Teladoc video therapy
- $25 for in-person sessions
Day 3 Sharon books a Thursday 7 p.m. video session with Angela Ruiz, LCSW—an in-network Wellcare therapist. Copay: $0
Day 10 After two sessions, Angela recommends exploring medication (an SSRI).
Day 12 Sharon schedules a 30-minute Teladoc consultation with a Wellcare psychiatrist for the following morning. Copay: $0
From search to first session: 3 days Total out-of-pocket to date: $0
Step-by-Step: How to book therapy with Wellcare
Sign In or Call: Visit wellcare.com (or your state-specific Wellcare site), or call the Member Services number on your ID card.
Find a Provider: Select “Find a Provider” → choose Behavioral Health → enter your ZIP code.
Apply Filters Narrow your search by preferences such as:
- Telehealth or in-person sessions
- Specialties like PTSD, ADHD, or couples therapy
- Languages spoken or weekend/evening hours
Confirm In-Network Status: Look for the green “In Network” label to ensure the provider is covered under your plan.
Check Your Costs: Use the “Estimate Cost” tool or review your plan documents. Most members pay between $0–$40 per session depending on the plan and visit type.
Book Your Session: For Teladoc: Schedule directly through the Wellcare portal. For in-person visits: Call the provider’s office to book and complete any required intake paperwork
Telehealth Options
| Platform | Services | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Teladoc for Wellcare | Video therapy & psychiatry, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. | $0–$35 (many plans $0) |
| Phone-only sessions | Allowed if video isn’t possible | Same copay/coinsurance |
Tele-visits count toward any deductible and out-of-pocket maximum just like office visits.
Cost overview
| Setting | Medicare Advantage | Dual-Eligible (D-SNP) | Medicaid | Marketplace Silver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office therapy (45 min) | $0–$35 copay | $0 | $0 | $25–$40 after deductible |
| Teladoc video therapy | $0–$25 | $0 | $0 | $0–$25 |
| Initial psychiatry eval | Same as therapy per plan | $0 | $0 | Same as therapy |
What to Do if Wait Times Drag
Log every call. Note date, staff name, and “next available” slot.
Ask for Care Management. Wellcare’s behavioral-health team can search cancellations or neighboring ZIP codes.
Request a network-adequacy waiver. If no appointment within 10 business days, Wellcare can ok an outside clinician at in-network rates.
File a grievance online. Plans must respond within 30 days.
FAQ’s
Does Wellcare cover therapy? Yes. Every Wellcare Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Marketplace plan pays for outpatient talk therapy and medication-management visits. Copays range from $0 (Medicaid, many Teladoc slots) to $40 (some Marketplace office visits).
Does Wellcare cover mental health beyond therapy? Absolutely—benefits include psychiatric evaluations, group therapy, psychological testing, and intensive outpatient programs.
How do I find a Wellcare therapist near me? Log in → Find a Provider → Behavioral Health, enter your ZIP, and filter by “Accepting patients” or “Telehealth.”
What’s the difference between a Wellcare therapist and a Wellcare psychologist? Therapists (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) provide counseling; psychologists (PhD/PsyD) can also conduct testing. Both bill at the same copay tier.
Are Wellcare psychiatrists accepting new patients? Many are—especially via Teladoc. Use the telehealth filter and “Accepting patients” tag.
Will my virtual session count toward my deductible? Yes. Telehealth visits apply to the same deductible and out-of-pocket maximum as office visits.
Find care for WellCare
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of WellCare and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
