Does American Behavioral Health cover mental health treatment? Many plans that use American Behavioral Health do help pay for mental health care, but what’s covered depends on whether you have an employee assistance program (EAP), a health plan behavioral health benefit or both. The Ranch Pennsylvania Outpatient Services accepts many American Behavioral Health plans for mental health treatment, and we can check your benefits for you.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.
Understanding American Behavioral Health on Your Card
A behavioral health company listed on your insurance card or benefits materials usually manages mental health and substance use care on behalf of your employer or health plan. Sometimes the name refers to an EAP instead. Because several organizations use similar names, check your own card, your plan documents or your HR department to see exactly which benefit you have. The answer shapes what kind of mental health care is covered.
Short-Term Help: What an EAP Usually Offers
According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, an EAP offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees with personal or work-related problems. EAP counselors can help with stress, grief, family conflict and emotional health concerns.
An EAP can be a helpful place to start if you’re feeling anxious, low or overwhelmed. It’s not usually built for ongoing or intensive treatment, though. If your symptoms keep getting in the way of work, sleep or relationships, an EAP counselor can often refer you to your health plan’s mental health benefit for more care.
Does American Behavioral Health Cover Mental Health Treatment Through Your Health Plan?
When American Behavioral Health manages the mental health part of your health insurance, federal protections apply. HealthCare.gov lists mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment among the essential health benefits that Marketplace plans must cover. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, CMS explains that financial requirements and treatment limitations for mental health care can’t be less favorable than those for medical and surgical benefits.
Depending on your plan, covered mental health care may include:
- Outpatient therapy. NIMH describes psychotherapy as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management.
- Partial hospitalization (PHP) for people who need full-day structure.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for people who need more than weekly therapy but can live at home.
- Inpatient care for people who need 24-hour support.
Programs like PHP and IOP often need prior authorization based on medical necessity. Your treatment team usually handles that request.
Why Network Status Matters
A plan’s network is the facilities, providers and suppliers your health insurer or plan has contracted with to provide care. Using an in-network program usually keeps your costs lower. Out-of-network care may cost more or may not be covered, depending on your plan. Always confirm network status for the specific program you’re considering.
Mental Health Treatment at The Ranch Pennsylvania Outpatient Services
Our mental health treatment programs in Lancaster, PA, treat depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, PTSD and trauma, and bipolar disorder, with or without substance use:
- Mental health PHP: full-day programming five days a week at our Outpatient Center, usually for about 8 to 12 weeks.
- Mental health IOP: three-hour group sessions three days a week, typically for about 5 to 6 weeks, while you live at home.
Care includes CBT, DBT, cognitive processing therapy (CPT), experiential therapy, and individual, group and family therapy, along with psychiatric care and medication management. PHP clients can stay at our 16-bed Outpatient Residence, which has 24/7 support staff and transportation to programming.
How to Check Your American Behavioral Health Coverage
- Find the behavioral health number on your ID card. NIMH notes that a representative of your insurance company will know which local providers are covered by your plan.
- Ask what type of benefit you have. Is it an EAP, a health plan benefit or both? How many EAP sessions are included?
- Ask about PHP and IOP. Check your deductible, copays or coinsurance, prior authorization rules and network status.
- Let us check for you. Our admissions team can verify your American Behavioral Health benefits.
If you think your plan limits mental health care more than medical care, our guide to mental health parity law explains your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many counseling sessions does an EAP cover?
It depends on your employer’s program. EAPs typically offer a limited number of free, short-term sessions. Ask your EAP how many you have.
Can I go from EAP counseling to a PHP or IOP?
Yes, that’s a common path. An EAP counselor can assess your needs and refer you, and your health plan’s behavioral health benefit would then be used for the program.
What if my mental health claim is denied?
You can appeal. For job-based plans, the Department of Labor says you have at least 180 days to file an appeal, and urgent claims must be decided within 72 hours.
Does American Behavioral Health also cover addiction treatment?
Many plans cover both. See our guide to American Behavioral Health rehab coverage.
Get Mental Health Treatment in Lancaster, PA
If you’re asking “does American Behavioral Health cover mental health treatment” for yourself or a loved one, we can help you get a clear answer. The Ranch Pennsylvania Outpatient Services serves Lancaster County and central Pennsylvania with partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient mental health care. Verify your insurance online or contact our admissions team. We’re available 24/7, and calls are free and confidential.
