How to Use Your Anthem Blue Cross Insurance for Therapy (California)

Elite Psychology Group is in-network with Anthem Blue Cross (CA). We make it simple to use your benefits for therapy—whether you prefer in-person, Zoom, or phone sessions.

Quick Summary

• In-network with Anthem Blue Cross (CA) for outpatient mental health
• Telehealth, in-person, and phone sessions available
• We verify your benefits and submit claims for you
• You pay your copay/coinsurance and any deductible

Book a Consultation →
Verify My Benefits →

Step 1: Have Your Insurance Info Ready

• Member ID + Group #
• Plan type (PPO/HMO/EPO)
• Subscriber’s name & DOB (if not you)
• Customer service number (on back of card)

Some Anthem plans list a separate behavioral health administrator (e.g., Carelon Behavioral Health). Keep that number handy too—we’ll check which line to call.

Step 2: Verify Your Benefits (Two Easy Options)

Option A — We Do It For You

Send us a photo of your card (front/back). We’ll:

• Confirm in-network coverage for outpatient mental health
• Check copay/coinsurance, deductible, and any visit limits
• Confirm telehealth eligibility and whether prior authorization is needed (rare)
• Share a clear per-session estimate before you start

Securely Upload Insurance Card →

Option B — DIY in 5 Minutes

Call the number on your card and ask:

1. “Is Elite Psychology Group in-network for outpatient mental health?”
2. “What’s my copay or coinsurance for 90837 (60-min)
3. “Do I have a deductible for mental health? How much remains?”
4. “Are telehealth visits covered?”
5. “Do I need prior authorization?”
6. “What’s my out-of-pocket maximum, and where am I year-to-date?”

Pro tip: jot down the rep’s name and a reference number.

Step 3: Book Your First Session

Choose what works best:

• Telehealth (Simple Practice) — convenient statewide
• In-person — Los Angeles
• Phone — as clinically appropriate

We’ll re-confirm benefits, review costs, and answer any questions before your intake.

Schedule Now →

What You’ll Pay

As an in-network client, you’ll typically pay:

• A copay (flat amount) or
• Coinsurance (% of the allowed rate) after your deductible is met

We bill Anthem directly. You’ll only receive a statement if a copay/coinsurance/deductible is due or if a service isn’t covered by your plan (we’ll discuss in advance).

Telehealth Coverage

Most CA Anthem plans cover HIPAA-compliant Simple Practice sessions. If your plan requires a specific platform, we’ll let you know.

If Your Card Mentions Carelon (or another admin)

Some Anthem plans route mental health through Carelon Behavioral Health or a similar administrator. We’ll verify this and submit claims to the correct place—no extra work for you.

Not Seeing Your Exact Plan?

If a specific clinician isn’t on your Anthem panel:

• We’ll match you with another in-network EPG clinician, or
• Help you use out-of-network (OON) benefits (common with PPOs)—we’ll provide a superbill and guidance on reimbursement

Cost Example (Illustrative Only)

• Plan: Anthem PPO
• Deductible remaining: $200
• Coinsurance for 90837 (60-min): 20%
• In-network allowed rate (example): $160

Session 1: You pay $160 (applies to deductible)
After deductible met: You pay 20% of $160 = $32 per session

Your actual numbers vary by plan—we’ll estimate before you start.

FAQs

Do I need a referral?
Usually no for outpatient therapy. We’ll confirm.

Is prior authorization required?
Rare for weekly therapy; if needed, we’ll help.

How many sessions are covered?
Most plans allow ongoing therapy as clinically indicated; we’ll check for caps.

Will you submit claims?
Yes—we bill Anthem as an in-network provider.

What about couples therapy?
Coverage varies; we’ll verify and explain how it’s billed.

Can I switch therapists later?
Absolutely. Fit matters—we’ll help you transition within EPG if needed.

Why Choose Elite Psychology Group

• Integrated care: Clinical therapy + performance psychology (athletes, founders, executives)
• Flexible access: In-person, Zoom, phone
• Experienced team: Anxiety, mood, life transitions, relationships, and performance
• Clarity first: Upfront benefit checks and transparent costs

Match With a Therapist →

HMO vs. PPO (Quick Guide)

Anthem PPO

• Usually no referral required
• Often includes out-of-network benefits
• Wider choice of clinicians

Anthem HMO

• Primary Care Physician (PCP) referral may be required
• Must stay in-network (no OON benefits)
• Some plans use Carelon for mental health—benefits/authorizations flow through them

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