Clinicians at CAPS can help you get connected with one of the many excellent therapists and psychiatrists who provide mental health care in the community surrounding Stanford.
If You are Covered Under Cardinal Care
Schedule a phone triage appointment by calling 650-723-3785. During this appointment, let the clinician know that you are interested in finding a therapist or psychiatrist off campus and with whom you can work long term. Our triage clinicians can help match your needs within our network of licensed mental health providers working in the community.
If You are Covered Under a Different Insurance Plan
This is a general guideline for students with non-Cardinal Care insurance who need assistance understanding their mental health benefits and obtaining referrals. Please note, each insurance company has its own system in place, but the procedure is common to many insurance plans.
Step 1: Look on your insurance card and locate “mental health benefits” phone number. If this number is not available, look for a “member services” phone number. If the medical benefits are issued through one company, do not assume the mental health benefits will be administered through the same company. For example, Health Net has mental health benefits contracted through a different company called Mental Health Networks (MHN).
Step 2: When you make the phone call, follow the prompts for “members” and then “obtaining benefit information.” This should get you connected to a live care manager/representative who will ask series of questions to identify the caller (birthday, member ID number, name and address). The care manager/representative can help you obtain benefit Information and provide referral names and contact information.
Questions to Ask
Accessing Mental Health Benefits
- Is there an in-network benefit vs. out of network benefit on the plan? If so, request an explanation.
- Is there a deductible (amount of money you will need to pay out of pocket before insurance will start to pay) that will need to be met by the individual or the family member before the mental health benefits can be utilized?
- How much is the deductible?
- Is there a limit to the number of sessions per calendar year?
- When does the calendar year begin?
- Is there a co-pay?
Obtaining Referrals
- Inform the care manager/representative about the type of mental health provider you are seeking. (For example, “I’d like a therapist who treats anxiety and insomnia.”)
- If it is important to you that the therapist be a specific gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, let the manager know. (For example, “I’d like an Asian-American female therapist who understands LGBT issues and specializes in anxiety.”)
- Indicate your current zip code and how many miles you are willing to travel to see the clinician.
- Ask for the company website. While you are on the phone, ask the care manager/representative to help you navigate the website to identify the list of clinicians. You can also ask to have the list emailed to you.
Making Your First Appointment
Psychotherapy
Psychiatric Medication
Case Management
Fees and Eligibility
Referrals
Confidentiality and Disclosures
