Searching for a therapist who takes MassHealth can feel like calling down a list and hearing “we are full” again and again. It does not have to go that way. Below are the steps that save the most time, plus what to expect once you find a match for outpatient therapy.
What is outpatient therapy?
Outpatient therapy means you visit a therapist at an office for scheduled sessions and go home the same day. It covers individual therapy for adults, teens, and children, as well as couples therapy and family therapy. People come in for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, grief, relationship strain, and things they cannot quite name yet.
If you want a longer explanation, our post on what outpatient therapy is in Massachusetts walks through how it works and who it helps.
Does MassHealth cover outpatient therapy?
Yes. MassHealth covers medically necessary behavioral health services, and outpatient therapy is one of them. Even better, the state’s MassHealth covered services guidance says there have been no copays for MassHealth-covered services since April 1, 2024. That means a covered therapy session should not cost you anything at the visit.
We cover the details in does MassHealth cover therapy in Massachusetts?, including what to do if you also have other insurance.
Step 1: Which MassHealth plan do you have?
MassHealth members are often enrolled through a health plan, and the name on your card may not say “MassHealth” in big letters. Before you call anyone, look at your card and write down:
- The plan name printed on the card
- Your member ID number
- The phone number on the back
Northeast Family Services accepts MassHealth (Medicaid), Tufts Public Health (Medicaid), and Mass General Brigham Public Health (Medicaid) in Massachusetts. The full list, including commercial plans like BlueCross BlueShield, Tufts Health Plan, Harvard Pilgrim, Fallon Health, United Healthcare, and Anthem, is on our accepted insurance page. If you do not see your plan, reach out anyway. Our team can verify your benefits before your first appointment.
Step 2: Where should you look?
Most people start with a web search or the list from their health plan. Those lists help, but they can be out of date. A faster route is to go straight to practices that name MassHealth on their own website and tell you where their offices are.
Northeast Family Services has five outpatient offices in Massachusetts:
- Worcester, 299 Lincoln St, Suite 201
- West Springfield, 59 Interstate Dr, Suite 3
- North Andover, 200 Sutton St, Suite 142
- Dorchester, 50 Redfield St, Suite 105
- Fall River, 1567 North Main Street, Suite 1A
Every office uses the same phone number, 774-206-1125, so one call reaches the whole Massachusetts team. You can also browse our therapist directory to see who you might work with.
Step 3: What should you ask before booking?
A short call can tell you a lot. These questions help you avoid surprises:
- Do you accept my exact plan, and will you check my benefits?
- How soon can I get a first appointment?
- Do you have early morning, evening, or weekend times?
- Can I switch between office and video sessions?
- Do you see children and teens, or adults only?
Here is how we answer them. Appointments are available this week in most locations, and availability varies by location. If a practice cannot see you for a month or more, it is fine to keep calling. Your mental health is worth a quick start, and a long wait is often the reason people give up before they begin. Session length may vary based on the service and individual treatment plan. Daytime and evening appointments may be available, depending on clinician availability. Weekend times are available at select locations. We see adults, teens, and children.
Can you mix office visits with telehealth?
Yes. Many of our clients move between in-office and video sessions depending on their week. Video therapy through Northeast Family Services is delivered by Real Help, our telehealth service, which is built mainly for adults. Talk with your therapist and we will make the schedule work.
What if outpatient therapy is not the right fit for your child?
Some children do better with support at home. If your child is under 21 and has MassHealth, they may qualify for in-home therapy through the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative. Our post on in-home therapy or outpatient therapy can help you decide. Adults and children who need help with medication can also ask about medication management.
What happens at the first appointment?
Your first appointment is a conversation, not a test. Your therapist will get to know you, ask what brought you in, and talk about what you hope to get out of therapy. From there you build a treatment plan together, based on your goals.
You do not need to bring anything special. Your insurance card and a rough idea of what has been hard lately are plenty. It is normal to feel nervous, and it is fine to say so. Your therapist will go at your pace and explain how confidentiality works before you get into anything personal. If you are coming for family therapy, our post on the first three family therapy sessions shows what each early session looks like.
Do we serve other states too?
Yes. Outpatient therapy is also available at our offices in Rhode Island, New York, and New Hampshire, where office therapy is the main service we offer. Each state has its own plan list on our insurance page. Northeast Family Services was founded in 2003 and is CARF accredited.
How do you get started?
Fill out the form on our Get Started page or call 774-206-1125. Tell us which office is closest, what times work, and which MassHealth plan you have. Our team will check your benefits and match you with a therapist. Availability varies by location.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445, free and available 24 hours a day.
Frequently asked questions
Does Northeast Family Services take MassHealth for outpatient therapy?
Yes. We accept MassHealth, Tufts Public Health, and Mass General Brigham Public Health at all five Massachusetts offices.
Do I pay a copay for therapy with MassHealth?
No. As of April 1, 2024, there are no copays for MassHealth-covered services.
How fast can I get an appointment?
Appointments are available this week in most locations. Availability varies by location, so call us to check the office closest to you.
Do I need a referral to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a referral from a doctor or anyone else. Fill out our form or call us.
Are evening appointments available?
Daytime and evening appointments may be available, depending on clinician availability. Weekend times are available at select locations.
What if my plan is not listed on your website?
Contact us anyway. Our team can verify your benefits and tell you your options before your first appointment.
Can I switch between office and video sessions?
Many clients move between office and telehealth sessions. Talk with your therapist about what works for your schedule.
Ready to start? Get started with Northeast Family Services or call 774-206-1125, and we will find a therapist and a time that fit your week.
