Whether you’re looking to overcome a mental health condition, navigate life changes, or process relationship difficulties, finding the right therapist is crucial. Filter on Zencare by insurance, specialty, and more to find a provider that fits your needs.
What Kinds of Mental Health Providers Are Available in Florida?
Many mental health providers exist, each with their training and areas of expertise. The type of provider you choose should depend on your issue or condition and whether you require medicines or counseling. Some different types of mental health providers in Florida include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and licensed marriage and family therapists.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and manage psychiatric conditions using medications. They may also use psychotherapy or talk therapy to treat patients. Some psychiatrists are trained to do both, while others specialize in one or the other.
Social workers have master’s degrees and offer assessment, counseling, and other services. They can help you deal with personal issues, family problems, and work stress. They can also recommend you to other mental health professionals for more specialized care. Social workers are not licensed to prescribe medicine, but they can work with another provider who is.
Licensed professional counselors (L.P.C.) and licensed clinical professional counselors (L.C.P.C.) have master’s degrees and extensive clinical experience. They identify and give counseling for a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, addictions, and grief and loss. In addition to holding a medical license, they can also provide a referral to other mental health professionals so you can receive the assistance you need.
How Do I Find a Psychologist in Florida?
Florida is a fun place to live, but sometimes life’s challenges are tough to handle alone. When you’re struggling, seeking counseling from a therapist can help. You may locate licensed Aetna therapists and counselors in Florida who meet your needs with a few clicks. You can filter by insurance, therapy budget, specialty, and more on Zencare to narrow your search and connect with a therapist you feel comfortable talking to.
Psychologists can offer counseling on a variety of issues, including relationships, addiction, and trauma. They can also guide you through life changes and career counseling. Some therapists are experienced in working with children and adolescents, while others have specific training in the treatment of depression or anxiety. For those with chronic stress, a therapist who offers mindfulness or other specialized techniques can be an excellent choice.
The licensing requirements for psychologists are similar to those of marriage and family therapists, with a master’s degree in the field required and coursework related to your practice area. In addition, a therapist must complete 40 hours of continuing education units (C.E.U.s) to renew their license. Florida accepts C.E.U.s from out-of-state providers but requires two hours of HIV/AIDS and domestic violence training and three hours of laws and ethics during each renewal cycle.
Does Insurance Cover Therapy in Florida?
The good news is that, under the Affordable Care Act, most individual and small health insurance plans cover mental and behavioral health services. Some plans may include telemedicine as a part of their coverage, which is an option that can provide additional convenience for those who prefer to receive treatment from home.
If you want to learn more about what your specific plan covers, check with your insurance provider directly. They can explain how your coverage works, including any restrictions and deductibles that apply to therapy sessions.
You can also ask any potential therapist about their rates and how they work with insurance. Therapists can choose to accept or not accept insurance, but if they do, they must be in-network with your specific plan. A sliding fee scale is a predetermined charge that varies based on income and ability to pay offered by some therapists.
When you find a therapist you think you might click with, book a free call with them to see how they approach your treatment goals. During this session, you can learn more about their background, education, and training and whether they have experience working with your specific conditions or concerns. During the call, you can also assess whether they fit your personality and personal preferences. Many therapists are willing to do this, so you can find one who is an excellent match for you!
How Does Paying for Therapy Work in Florida?
Whether a therapist is in-network with your health insurance or out-of-network will impact the cost of therapy. In-network therapists have signed a contract with your insurer, agreeing to a set fee per session for which the insurance company will pay. Out-of-network therapists do not have contracts with your insurance company and set their fees, which may or may not be covered by your health insurance plan. Although they will pay you less than they would for in-network therapists, many insurance companies will reimburse you for out-of-network therapy. Depending on your insurance company, you must submit records of your sessions, known as a superbill, along with a completed claim form. Therapists will sometimes file the superbill on your behalf; others will ask you to submit it.
Typically, you must reach a deductible before your copay – the fixed amount you pay at each treatment session – kicks in. It’s also worth noting that specific insurance plans limit the number of therapy sessions they will cover annually. Some therapists also offer sliding scales for out-of-network clients with their insurance who need help to afford to pay total rates. You can find therapists who offer sliding scales on Zencare by filtering by “Sliding Scale” and “Out-of-Network.”
Some therapists are available for telehealth sessions conducted over the internet through video chat. This option can benefit those living in remote areas or those with busy schedules who cannot make it into the office during the day.
