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Insurance and Cost for Therapy, Psychiatry, and Testing in Las Vegas

Insurance language feels like a second job. Deductibles, coinsurance, networks, prior authorization. This guide explains how your plan pays for mental health care in Nevada, in plain words, with real Las Vegas examples.

Illustration of a young man reading a receipt so long it spills onto the floor

Does insurance cover therapy in Nevada? Almost always. Nevada Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, the Culinary Health Fund, and nearly every employer plan cover therapy, psychiatry, and medically necessary testing. What you pay depends on your plan's deductible, copay, and network.

Last updated October 2026. Plans change every year, so confirm your benefits with the number on your card.

How Insurance Works for Mental Health Care: Meet Your Neighbors

Illustration of a small group of people standing together

Insurance makes more sense with real examples. Here are nine people in the valley, each with a different plan. Find the one closest to you. The dollar amounts are examples. Your plan's numbers will differ.

John, a casino dealer with Aetna through work

John's plan has a $1,500 deductible and 20% coinsurance after the deductible.

1. A deductible is the amount John pays each year before his plan starts sharing costs.
2. Aetna's contracted rate with John's therapist is $120 per session. Until John reaches $1,500 in covered care for the year, he pays the full $120.
3. After about 13 sessions, he reaches his deductible. If he saw other doctors this year, he reaches the deductible sooner, since all covered medical care counts.
4. Now John pays 20% of $120, or $24 per session. Aetna pays the other $96.
5. Once John hits his out-of-pocket maximum for the year, Aetna pays 100% of covered care until January.

Some plans charge a flat copay for therapy instead, even before the deductible. John checks his plan summary to see which applies.

Jenny, a hotel front desk agent with Molina Medicaid

Jenny has Nevada Medicaid through Molina Healthcare, a managed care plan.

1. Jenny has two cards: the Nevada Medicaid card and a Molina card. The Molina card means Molina manages her care.
2. Jenny pays $0 for therapy and psychiatry visits.
3. She needs no referral. She calls Molina at (833) 685-2102 or uses Molina's online directory to find a therapist in the Molina network.
4. A therapist taking “Nevada Medicaid” isn't enough. The therapist needs to be in Molina's network specifically.

Marcus, on Nevada Medicaid fee for service

Marcus qualifies for Medicaid through a disability. He has only the state Nevada Medicaid card, with no plan card. This means fee for service, where the state pays providers directly.

1. Marcus pays $0 for covered behavioral health visits.
2. He searches for providers at medicaid.nv.gov, using the provider search to filter for fee for service, telehealth, and new patients.
3. After a set number of therapy sessions each year, his therapist requests approval from Medicaid to continue. Marcus doesn't have to file anything.

Teresa, a CCSD teacher with Teachers Health Trust

Teresa's card says UMR, but her mental health care runs through the Sierra Health-Care Options network, with behavioral health managed by Behavioral Healthcare Options (BHO).

1. On the Signature plan, Teresa pays a $10 copay per therapy visit with in-network providers.
2. At the trust's Health Investment Program practices, she pays $0.
3. Her plan sets no yearly limit on therapy sessions.
4. Before booking, she confirms the therapist is in the Sierra Health-Care Options network, not only “takes UMR.”

Destiny, a housekeeper with the Culinary Health Fund

Destiny is a Culinary Union member.

1. Her first 5 outpatient mental health visits are free. After those five, each visit costs $15.
2. She needs no referral. She picks a provider in the Culinary Health Fund directory.
3. The Culinary Health Center also offers counseling with no copay.

Carlos, a nurse with Health Plan of Nevada

Carlos has an HPN HMO through his hospital job. HPN uses Behavioral Healthcare Options (BHO) for mental health.

1. Carlos needs no referral from his primary care doctor for therapy.
2. Routine outpatient therapy needs no prior authorization. Higher levels of care, such as intensive outpatient programs, do.
3. He calls the behavioral health number on the back of his card to find an in-network therapist.
4. He pays his plan's office visit copay for each session.

Frank, 70, retired, with Medicare and a supplement

Frank has Original Medicare and a Medigap Plan G.

1. Medicare Part B covers his therapy. In 2026, Frank pays the first $283 of Part B costs for the year, the Part B deductible.
2. After the deductible, Medicare pays 80%. His Plan G pays the other 20%.
3. Frank pays $0 for the rest of the year.
4. Since 2024, Medicare covers licensed marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors, including Nevada LCPCs. Frank has more choices than he did a few years ago.

Maya and Chris, married, with Anthem

Maya has Anthem through her job. Chris has no insurance of his own.

1. Couples therapy bills under one partner's insurance, with code 90847, family or couples therapy with the patient present.
2. Maya is the patient on the claim. Chris attends every session.
3. They pay Maya's copay or coinsurance once per session, not once per person.
4. Self-pay couples therapy in Las Vegas runs about $125 to $175 per session.

Sam, a rideshare driver with no insurance

Sam pays out of pocket.

1. Sam picks a post-graduate intern, a therapist working under a licensed supervisor, at $95 per session.
2. Before the first visit, the practice gives Sam a Good Faith Estimate, a written estimate of costs. Federal law requires one for self-pay patients.
3. If Sam's bill comes in $400 or more above the estimate, Sam has the right to dispute the bill.
4. During open enrollment on Nevada Health Link, Sam checks for a plan with financial help, including Nevada's new Battle Born State Plans.

Insurance Words in Plain English

Premium

What you pay each month to have the plan, whether or not you see a provider.

What is a deductible?

What you pay each year for covered care before your plan starts paying its share. A $1,500 deductible means you pay the first $1,500 of covered care yourself.

High deductible health plan (HDHP)

A plan with a larger deductible and a lower premium, often paired with a health savings account (HSA). Therapy, psychiatry, and testing count as eligible HSA expenses.

Copay vs. coinsurance

A copay is a flat fee per visit, such as $25. Coinsurance is a percentage you pay after your deductible, such as 20%. Some plans use one, some use both.

Out-of-pocket maximum

The most you pay in a year for covered care. After you reach this amount, your plan pays 100% until the new plan year.

In network vs. out of network

In-network providers have a contract with your plan, so you pay less. Out-of-network providers have no contract, so you pay more or the full fee.

Allowed amount

The price your plan agreed to pay a provider for a service. Your deductible and coinsurance are based on this number, not the provider's full fee.

Prior authorization

Approval from your plan before certain care, such as psychological testing or intensive programs.

Referral

A note from your primary care doctor sending you to a specialist. Most plans don't require one for therapy. Some HMOs do.

Behavioral health benefits

The part of your plan covering mental health and substance use care. Some plans hand these benefits to a separate company. The phone number for this company is often on the back of your card.

Superbill

An itemized receipt from your provider. You send this to your insurance to request reimbursement for out-of-network care.

Good Faith Estimate

A written cost estimate you're entitled to before care if you're uninsured or paying yourself.

Mental health parity

A federal law requiring most plans to cover mental health care on terms no stricter than medical care. Copays, deductibles, and visit limits for therapy shouldn't be harsher than for a doctor's visit. Small employer plans with 50 or fewer workers are exempt.

Does Nevada Medicaid Cover Therapy? Managed Care vs. Fee for Service

Nevada Medicaid covers therapy, psychiatry, and medically necessary psychological testing, usually with no copay. How you find a provider depends on which type of Medicaid you have.

Managed care: Anthem, CareSource, HPN, Molina, or SilverSummit

Most Nevada Medicaid members belong to a managed care plan. The plan, not the state, manages your care, and you need to see providers in your plan's network. Since January 2026, managed care covers members statewide, including rural counties.

Fee for service

The state pays providers directly. Fee for service mainly covers people with disabilities, adults 65 and older, children in foster care, and people on home and community-based waivers.

Illustration of a member ID card with a photo

How to tell which one you have

Everyone on Nevada Medicaid gets a state Nevada Medicaid card. Managed care members also get a second card with their plan's name, such as Molina or Anthem. If you have only the state card, you're likely on fee for service. Call Nevada Medicaid to confirm.

Nevada Medicaid managed care plans, 2026:

Plan	Where	Member services
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Healthcare Solutions	Clark and Washoe counties	(844) 396-2329
CareSource Nevada	Statewide	(833) 230-2058
Health Plan of Nevada Medicaid	Clark County	(800) 962-8074
Molina Healthcare of Nevada	Clark and Washoe counties	(833) 685-2102
SilverSummit Healthplan	Statewide	(844) 366-2880

Anthem's 24/7 behavioral health crisis line: (844) 396-2331.

Online therapy with Nevada Medicaid

Nevada Medicaid covers telehealth therapy and psychiatry. The state's provider search shows which providers offer telehealth.

Nevada Check Up

Nevada Check Up covers uninsured children through age 18 in families earning too much for Medicaid. Check Up runs through the same managed care plans and covers therapy and psychiatry.

Changes coming in 2027

Starting January 2027, many adults on Medicaid expansion, ages 19 to 64, will need to report 80 hours a month of work, school, or volunteering. People with a disabling mental health condition, people in substance use treatment, and several other groups qualify for an exemption. Renewals also move to every six months. Watch your mail and respond to every notice from Nevada Medicaid.

Nevada Medicaid contacts

Recipient services, Las Vegas: (702) 668-4200

Recipient services, other areas: (866) 569-1746

Free rides to appointments: (844) 879-7341

Apply online: accessnevada.nv.gov

What Is BHO? Behavioral Healthcare Options in Las Vegas

Behavioral Healthcare Options, known as BHO, is a UnitedHealthcare company managing mental health benefits for several of the biggest plans in Southern Nevada. If your plan uses BHO, your therapist needs to be in BHO's network, not only “in network” with the medical side of your plan.

Plans using BHO or BHO's Southern Nevada network:

Health Plan of Nevada (HPN), including HPN Medicaid
Sierra Health and Life
Sierra Health-Care Options (SHO), the network used by many UMR plans in Southern Nevada
Teachers Health Trust, through UMR and the SHO network
Nevada Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP) plans in Southern Nevada

What this means for you:

1. Call the behavioral health number on the back of your card, not the general member line, to find a therapist.
2. Ask any therapist, “Are you in network with BHO?” before your first visit.
3. UMR plans outside Southern Nevada, and most UnitedHealthcare plans, use Optum Behavioral Health, formerly called United Behavioral Health. Your card tells you which one.

Does Medicare Cover Therapy? Medicare and Mental Health in Las Vegas

Medicare covers therapy, psychiatry, and medically necessary psychological testing. In 2026:

Medicare cost	2026 amount
Part B premium	$202.90 per month
Part B deductible	$283 per year
After the deductible	you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount
Yearly depression screening	$0

Who Medicare covers

Psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, and since 2024, licensed marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors, including Nevada LCPCs.

Telehealth

Medicare covers mental health visits by video, and by phone when video doesn't work for you. An in-person visit requirement for telehealth mental health care is delayed until 2028.

Medicare Advantage

More than half of Nevadans on Medicare choose a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans use their own networks, often smaller than Original Medicare, and many require prior authorization for some mental health services. Check the plan's behavioral health network before you enroll.

Medigap

A Medicare Supplement plan pays some or all of your 20%. Plan G and most others cover the full 20% after the Part B deductible.

Memory concerns

Your yearly Medicare wellness visit includes a check for memory and thinking changes, at $0. If your doctor sees signs of trouble, Medicare covers testing when medically necessary.

Free Medicare help in Nevada

Medicare open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. For free, unbiased help comparing plans, call the Nevada Medicare Assistance Program at (800) 307-4444.

Is Couples Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Often, yes. Most plans cover couples therapy when the sessions treat a diagnosed condition in one partner, such as depression or anxiety tied to the relationship. Plans rarely cover couples work for relationship growth alone.

What is CPT code 90847?

90847 is the billing code for family or couples therapy with the patient present. One partner is the patient on the claim, and the other partner attends. You pay one copay or coinsurance per session, not one per person.

Does Medicaid cover couples therapy?

Nevada Medicaid covers family therapy, including couples sessions, when the sessions treat a member's diagnosed condition. Ask your plan and your therapist before your first session.

How much does couples therapy cost in Las Vegas?

Self-pay couples therapy in Las Vegas runs about $125 to $175 per session. With insurance, you pay your plan's copay or coinsurance.

Affordable couples therapy in Las Vegas

Ask about sliding scale fees, or see a post-graduate intern working under a licensed supervisor. For more on couples therapy, read our couples therapy guide.

Insurance Plans in Nevada and Who Manages Mental Health

Find your plan below. “Who manages mental health” tells you which company runs the network for therapy and psychiatry. When in doubt, call the number on your card.

Plan	Type	Who manages mental health	Notes
Nevada Medicaid managed care: Anthem, CareSource, HPN, Molina, SilverSummit	Medicaid	Your plan (Anthem uses Carelon Behavioral Health; HPN Medicaid uses BHO)	$0 copays. See the Medicaid section.
Nevada Medicaid fee for service	Medicaid	The state	Search providers at medicaid.nv.gov.
Nevada Check Up	Children's coverage	Your managed care plan	Same plans as Medicaid.
Original Medicare	Medicare	Medicare	20% after the $283 deductible in 2026.
Medicare Advantage (Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Anthem, SCAN, and others)	Medicare	Your plan or its behavioral health partner	Smaller networks. Check before you enroll.
Health Plan of Nevada (HPN)	Employer, marketplace	BHO	No referral for therapy.
Sierra Health and Life	Employer	BHO	Ask for BHO network providers.
UMR	Employer plan administrator	SHO network and BHO in Southern Nevada, Optum elsewhere	Check your card.
Teachers Health Trust	CCSD employees	BHO, through UMR and SHO	$10 copay on Signature plan, no session limit.
Nevada PEBP	State employees	BHO and SHO in Southern Nevada	HPN is the HMO option.
Culinary Health Fund	Union	Culinary Health Fund directory	First 5 visits free, then $15.
UnitedHealthcare	Employer, marketplace	Optum Behavioral Health	Check your card.
Aetna	Employer	Aetna Behavioral Health	Check your card.
Cigna	Employer	Evernorth Behavioral Health	Check your card.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield	Employer, marketplace	Anthem or its behavioral health partner	Check your card.
Prominence Health Plan	Employer, Medicare Advantage	Prominence	Check your card.
Hometown Health	Employer, marketplace	Hometown Health	Mostly Northern Nevada.
TRICARE	Military families	TriWest, (888) 874-9378	No referral for outpatient therapy except active duty. Testing needs approval.
VA Community Care	Veterans	VA, with TriWest	Needs VA approval first.
Nevada Health Link plans (Ambetter, Anthem, CareSource, HPN, Hometown Health, Imperial, Molina, Select Health)	Marketplace	Your plan	Includes the Battle Born State Plans.

Battle Born State Plans

Nevada's public option launched in 2026. Battle Born State Plans are sold only on Nevada Health Link, through Anthem, HPN, and Ambetter. Like every marketplace plan, they cover mental health care.

How Much Does Therapy Cost in Las Vegas Without Insurance?

Typical self-pay rates in Las Vegas:

Care	Typical self-pay rate
Therapy with a graduate student therapist	About $40 to $60 per session
Therapy with a post-graduate intern	About $90 to $125 per session
Therapy with a fully licensed therapist	About $125 and up per session
Couples therapy	About $125 to $175 per session
First psychiatric evaluation	About $150 to $375
Psychiatric follow-up visit	About $100 to $250
Psychological testing	Varies widely. Ask for a Good Faith Estimate.

Why interns and graduate students cost less

Graduate students and post-graduate interns see clients under licensed supervisors. You get supervised care, and two trained people review your treatment, at a lower price.

Why testing costs more

A psychological evaluation includes hours of testing, scoring, and a written report, so the fee covers far more time than one therapy session. Ask your insurance first. Many plans cover testing when medically necessary.

How much does a psychiatrist cost?

In Las Vegas, a first psychiatric evaluation runs about $150 to $375 without insurance, and follow-ups run about $100 to $250. With insurance, you pay your specialist copay or coinsurance.

Sliding scale therapy in Las Vegas

A sliding scale lowers the session fee based on your income. Many private practices and community clinics offer a sliding scale without advertising one. Ask every practice directly.

Ways to lower your cost

Ask about a sliding scale based on income.
Ask for a Good Faith Estimate before your first visit.
Check our community guides for low-cost clinics across the valley.
If you see an out-of-network provider, ask for a superbill and send the superbill to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

Therapy Billing Codes on Your Statement: 90837, 90834, 90847, and More

Your insurance statement lists codes for each visit. Here's what the common ones mean.

Code	What the code means
90791	First evaluation, or intake, with a therapist
90834	Therapy session, about 45 minutes
90837	Therapy session, about 60 minutes
90847	Couples or family therapy with the patient present
90846	Family therapy without the patient present
99204 or 99205	First visit with a psychiatric prescriber
99213 or 99214	Medication follow-up visit
96130 and 96136	Psychological testing, scoring, and the report

A 60-minute session (90837) usually costs more than a 45-minute session (90834). Ask your provider which code they bill.

How to Call Your Insurance About Mental Health Benefits

Call the behavioral health or mental health number on the back of your card. Have your card and a pen ready. Ask these questions:

1. “Do I have outpatient mental health benefits?”
2. “What's my copay or coinsurance for a therapy visit? For a psychiatry visit?”
3. “How much of my deductible have I met this year?”
4. “Do I need a referral or prior authorization?”
5. “Who manages my behavioral health benefits?”
6. “Give me three in-network therapists taking new patients, with telehealth or evening hours.”
7. “Is psychological testing covered, and what approval do I need?”

Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and a reference number for the call.

Common Questions About Insurance and Cost in Las Vegas

Does insurance cover therapy?

Almost always. Federal parity law requires most health plans to cover mental health care on terms no stricter than medical care. Call the number on your card to learn your copay, coinsurance, and deductible.

How much does therapy cost with insurance?

Usually your copay, often $0 to $50 per session, or your coinsurance after you meet your deductible. Nevada Medicaid members usually pay $0.

How much does therapy cost in Las Vegas without insurance?

About $40 to $60 per session with a graduate student, $90 to $125 with a post-graduate intern, and $125 and up with a fully licensed therapist.

Does Nevada Medicaid cover therapy?

Yes. Nevada Medicaid covers therapy, psychiatry, and medically necessary psychological testing, usually with no copay. Managed care members need a provider in their plan's network.

Does Medicare cover counseling?

Yes. Medicare Part B covers counseling and therapy with psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors. You pay 20% after the yearly deductible.

Is couples therapy covered by insurance?

Often, yes, when the sessions treat a diagnosed condition. Couples therapy bills as code 90847 under one partner's insurance.

How much does a psychiatrist cost without insurance?

In Las Vegas, about $150 to $375 for a first evaluation and $100 to $250 for follow-ups.

Does insurance cover ADHD testing?

Many plans cover ADHD testing when medically necessary, often with prior authorization. Testing done only for school reasons often isn't covered. Ask for a Good Faith Estimate if you pay yourself.

Is online therapy covered by Nevada Medicaid?

Yes. Nevada Medicaid covers telehealth therapy and psychiatry. Search for telehealth providers at medicaid.nv.gov or through your managed care plan.

What does BHO mean on my insurance card?

BHO stands for Behavioral Healthcare Options, a UnitedHealthcare company managing mental health benefits for HPN, Sierra Health and Life, and other plans in Southern Nevada. Look for therapists in BHO's network.

What's the difference between Medicaid fee for service and managed care?

With managed care, a health plan such as Molina or Anthem manages your care, and you use the plan's network. With fee for service, the state pays providers directly, and you search for providers at medicaid.nv.gov.

Does my HSA pay for therapy?

Yes. Therapy, psychiatry, and psychological testing count as eligible medical expenses for a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA).

What is a Good Faith Estimate?

A written cost estimate you're entitled to before care when you're uninsured or paying yourself. If your bill comes in $400 or more above the estimate, you have the right to dispute the bill.

Vetted Providers, With Insurance Listed, Arrive January 2027

Our directory opens January 2027. Every listing shows which insurance plans the provider takes, so you know before you call.

Keep Me Posted

Therapy Las Vegas is a free mental health guide, not an insurance company or a clinic. Plan details change every year. Confirm your benefits with your plan. In an emergency, call 911, or call or text 988.