A law passed in 2008 known as the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equality Act (or Mental Health Parity Law) requires insurance coverage of mental health, behavioral health, and substance-use disorders to be comparable to physical health coverage. Despite these changes, people often remain unaware of the mental health services that may already be covered by their existing insurance.

If you are interested in learning more about your Mental Health Benefits, it is a good idea to contact the Behavioral Health or general Customer Service number on your insurance card, even before your first appointment. The following questions will help you gather useful information about your plan and covered Mental Health Benefits:

Click here to learn more about mental health coverage under the Mental Health Parity Law in this guide published by the American Psychological Association. 

Dr. Ryan Howes, founder of National Psychotherapy Day (9.25.15), and his team released a video series last week entitled Moments of Meaning, featuring therapists speaking from the heart about the transformations that take place between therapist and patient in psychotherapy. The whole series is well done and provides an insightful and moving glimpse into real therapy sessions (all stories are shared with the permission of individual patients, and altering identifying information). If you have ever wondered about the benefits, process, or new perspectives that psychotherapy might offer, take a look at this Moments of Meaning video featuring licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. John Dilley, as he shares his experience of entering psychotherapy as a patient himself.