Does Medi-Cal Cover Therapy? A Guide for California Residents
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program. They provide free or low-cost health care services to eligible individuals and families, including access to mental health treatment. If you're navigating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or even more complex needs like bipolar disorder, Medi-Cal might cover the help you're looking for.
Therapy isn't a luxury, it's a covered benefit. Here’s how Medi-Cal covers therapy, what to expect based on your needs, and how to get started.
What Mental Health Services Does Medi-Cal Cover?
Medi-Cal includes a broad spectrum of behavioral health services, which can be accessed either through your Medi-Cal managed care plan or your County Mental Health Plan, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Covered services may include:
- Individual therapy sessions
- Group therapy
- Psychiatric evaluations and follow-ups
- Medication management
- Crisis intervention
- Substance abuse and substance use disorder treatment
- Behavioral Health Treatment for children (including Applied Behavior Analysis)
- Case management and coordination of care
- Inpatient treatment or psychiatric hospitalisation (for severe cases)
Whether you're dealing with day-to-day stress or a diagnosed mental disorder, there are different care options available under Medi-Cal benefits.
Mild to Moderate vs Severe Mental Health Needs
If You Have Mild to Moderate Symptoms
If you are dealing with conditions like mild depression, anxiety, or stress-related issues, your Medi-Cal managed care plan will typically provide care through its network. This means you can access therapy and basic psychiatric services directly through providers like:
- L.A. Care
- Health Net
- Molina
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Kaiser Permanente
Start by contacting your primary care provider or primary care doctor, or go straight to an in-network mental health provider listed in your plan’s directory. This is especially accessible for residents in Southern California, San Francisco, or Los Angeles County, where network options are broader.
If You Have Moderate to Severe Symptoms
If you are dealing with conditions like mild depression, anxiety, or stress-related issues, your Medi-Cal managed care plan will typically provide care through its network. This means you can access therapy and basic psychiatric services directly through providers like:
- L.A. Care
- Health Net
- Molina
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Kaiser Permanente
Start by contacting your primary care provider or primary care doctor, or go straight to an in-network mental health provider listed in your plan’s directory. This is especially accessible for residents in Southern California, San Francisco, or Los Angeles County, where network options are broader.
Therapy for Children and Teens Under Medi-Ca
Medi-Cal offers comprehensive mental health coverage for children and adolescents through the EPSDT benefit (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment). This ensures access to behavioral health care for all medically necessary conditions for those under 21 years of age.
Covered services include help for:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- School-based behavioral issues
- Family therapy and conflict resolution
- Grief, trauma, or self-harm
- Anxiety, low self-esteem, and social difficulties
Therapy can be provided in clinics, schools, at home, or via telehealth, depending on your county’s resources and the child’s needs.
Can You Choose Your Own Therapist?
Yes, to some degree. If you are using a managed care plan, you can review the directory and request a therapist who fits your preferences. This may include choosing a provider who:
- Speaks your language
- Understands your cultural background
- Has experience in areas such as trauma, LGBTQ+ mental health, or anger management
- Specializes in couples counseling or sex therapy
If you are being referred through the county’s mental health system, your options may be more limited, but you can still ask for a provider who meets your needs.
If you do not feel comfortable with your assigned therapist, you have the right to request a change.
Is Therapy Free with Medi-Cal?
In most cases, yes. If you're eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal, there are:
- No monthly premiums
- No co-pays
- No fees for approved therapy sessions
Some individuals with higher incomes might have a
Share of Cost, which works like a deductible. But for most low-income Californians, insurance coverage for therapy is completely free.
How to Get Started with Therapy Through Medi-Cal
Getting help is easier when you know what to expect. Here’s how to begin:
- Know your plan type
Check if you are on a managed care plan or receiving services directly from the county. You can contact Medi-Cal or log into your health plan’s portal.
- Reach out for mental health support
- If you are on a managed care plan, contact your provider’s member services number.
- If you live in Los Angeles County, call the 24/7 ACCESS Line at (800) 854-7771 to connect to mental health services.
- Get a screening or referral
Depending on your symptoms, you may be scheduled for a screening to match you with the right type of care, either with a therapist, psychiatrist, or another behavioral health provider.
- Schedule your first session
Ask if telehealth or virtual sessions are available if transportation or location is a concern. In many cases, you can start therapy within a few weeks or sooner if your case is urgent.
What If You Are Denied Mental Health Services?
If you feel that you are being unfairly denied access to therapy or mental health treatment, you can:
- File a grievance with your Medi-Cal plan
- Request an appeal
- Ask for a fair hearing through the California Department of Social Services
- Contact a patient rights advocate in your county
You also have the right to request services in your language and to ask for accommodations if you have a disability.
Why This Information Matters
Mental health is part of your overall well-being. It deserves just as much care and attention as your physical health. And while therapy may feel out of reach for many people, Medi-Cal exists to close that gap. If you are eligible, there are pathways available to get real help without the high cost.
At FundaMental Change, we believe that access to therapy is not a luxury. It’s a right. You do not need to wait for a crisis to seek help.
Get Help Navigating Your Options
If you need support understanding your Medi-Cal coverage or want to explore mental health services available in your area, visit our Resources page or contact us directly. We are here to help guide you through your next step.
You can also call 988 for free, confidential support 24/7 if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.
