How to Find a Therapist

1. Find the customer service number on the back of your insurance card

2. The service representative will verify your identity and locate your account. Have the following information ready: full name, date of birth, social security number, insurance ID.

3. Ask the service representative for a list of therapists within 10 miles of your zip code. Request they email or text you this information

Option B: Visit the Insurance Website

Demonstration: Medi-Cal

1. Visit the website: https://www.anthem.com
2. Top menu: select Individual & Family
3. Under Care select Find a Doctor
4. Under Search as a Guest select Search by All Plans and Networks

Note: you can also create an account and Search as a Member

5. In the drop down menu under Type of Coverage select Medicaid Note: Medi-Cal is California’s version of Medicaid

6. Under I’m looking for a: select Behavioral Health Note: leave the fields Whose name is: and Who specializes in: blank

7. Under Located near: enter you zip code
8. Click Search

Demonstration: Private Insurance

1. Visit the website: https://www.anthem.com
2. Top menu: select Individual & Family
3. Under Care select Find a Doctor
4. Under Search as a guest: select Search by Selecting a Plan or Network Note: you can also create an account and Search as a Member

5. In the drop down menu under What type of care are you searching for? select Medical Note: Medical includes providers for Behavioral Health 

6. For the drop down menu What state do you want to search in? select California
7. For the drop down menu Select a plan/network select your specific plan then, select Continue Note: information about your specific plan can be found on the front of your insurance card. If you are unable to located it, contact the customers service number (found on the back of your card)

8. Under I’m looking for a: select Behavioral Health Note: leave the fields Whose name is: and Who specializes in: blank

9. Under Located near: enter you zip code, then click Search

Step #2: Reach Out and Schedule an Intake

Making Contact

1. Call therapists that meet your criteria: specialty, location, gender, etc. Note: when making calls, do not become alarmed if all you get are voicemails, this is common (therapists are probably in session)

Sample voice message

Hi my name is __________________. I am looking to set up __________                    counseling. I have _____________________ insurance. Are you accepting new clients? If so give me a call back at _________________. Thank you.

2. Allow a few days for therapists to respond

If they have not gotten back to you, you can either:

• Give them a follow-up call
• Move on and contact other therapists on the list

When a therapist returns your call…ask the right questions:

• Let the therapist know what kind of insurance you have
• Ask about their availability: how soon do they have openings?
• Express your desired frequency for counseling: once a week, biweekly, monthly, etc.
• Briefly explain the primary reason(s) for seeking therapy
• Ask about their area of expertise

…If you like what you hear, schedule an intake appointment!