The short answer
How do I find out if my NYSHIP plan covers therapy?
You can confirm your NYSHIP / Empire Plan mental health benefits in three ways: call the mental health number on the back of your insurance card, log in to your member portal, or have your therapist's office verify it for you. For Empire Plan members, behavioral health is administered by Carelon Behavioral Health. As NYSHIP specialists, we verify your exact benefits and copay for free before your first session — so you don't have to call anyone.
The fastest way: let your therapist verify it
The simplest path is to skip the phone calls entirely. As NYSHIP & Empire Plan specialists, we verify your benefits for you — confirming your copay, coverage, and any requirements — and we bill the plan directly. It's free, and it's the single best reason to choose a practice that knows your plan inside and out. If you'd rather check yourself first, here's how.
Option 1: Call the number on your card
Flip your insurance card over and look for a behavioral health or mental health phone number — it's often separate from the medical line. For Empire Plan members, mental health and substance use benefits are administered by Carelon Behavioral Health. When you call, it helps to ask:
- Is outpatient therapy (psychotherapy) covered?
- What is my copay per session?
- Is telehealth covered the same as in-person?
- Do I need a referral or pre-authorization?
- Is this provider in-network?
Option 2: Check your member portal
Most NYSHIP members can log in to their plan's online portal to view a summary of mental health benefits, copays, and in-network coverage. Look specifically for the outpatient mental health or behavioral health section rather than general medical benefits.
Option 3: Have us do it for you (free)
Calling insurers can mean long hold times and confusing answers. Instead, just request a consultation and share your insurance details. We confirm your exact benefits, explain your copay in plain language, and handle billing directly — usually within a business day or two. You can also read more about therapy for New York State employees.
What you'll want to know before your first session
However you check, aim to walk in knowing three things: your copay, that telehealth is covered (it generally is under NYSHIP), and that your provider is in-network. With those confirmed, there are no surprises — just care.
Skip the phone calls — we'll verify for you.
Share your NYSHIP / Empire Plan details and we'll confirm your coverage and copay for free, before your first session.
Book a ConsultationThis article is general educational information, not insurance, legal, or financial advice. Coverage and costs depend on your specific NYSHIP / Empire Plan benefits. We verify your exact benefits for free before you begin.