FAQ

A provider is listed in the CPD after having completed either a phone screen or in-person meeting with LUM Counselor or Student Care Coordinator. They must have experience providing therapy to college-age individuals, as well as a valid Maryland license to provide mental health services under their degree.

No. The CPD is provided as a free community service to streamline the process whereby students seeking mental health care can connect with providers that meet their needs. While the providers have generally been screened regarding their clinical practice, neither Loyola University MD nor the Counseling Center is endorsing the providers listed.

First, have your insurance card ready. Your Member ID is your insurance number. Your Group Number identifies the group that receives this particular insurance. o Call your insurance company directly. On the back of your card, you will find a toll-free number for customer service. Please note that many plans offer separate numbers for medical and mental health benefits. If there is an option for Behavioral Health or Mental Health, you should call that number. o You will be asked for your Member ID. If you do not have your Member ID, just let them know. Most companies can look you up by your name, date of birth, and/or social security number. o When you are asked what type of service you are looking for, tell the operator that you are looking for Outpatient Mental Health. Be sure to indicate if you are seeking coverage for therapy, medication evaluation/psychiatry, or both. o Your insurance company may have a list of “preferred” mental health care providers. This means they may not pay for providers outside this network or they might, at a reduced rate (more expensive to you). If your company has such a network, you can ask if any of the providers identified through the CPD search are included in this network. If the insurance company informs you that there are not in-network providers in the Baltimore-area, you may still be eligible for services. In such cases, the insurance company will sometimes cover an “out of network” provider if you are temporarily residing out of your home area. Questions you should consider asking your insurance company: o Is there a network of “preferred” providers? If so, are any of the names you’ve been provided by the CPD on the list? If none are on the list, how can I find network providers nearby? (Often there is an insurance-based website that lists providers by location.) o Are there certain professional criteria your counselor must hold? Or can I see any counselor of my choice? o Is there a session limit? If so, what is it? o Do I need “prior authorization or a referral” to start treatment, or to continue it beyond a certain number of sessions? If so, how do I get it? o Is there a “co-pay” you will need to pay per session? If so, how much is it? o Will the co-pay or balance due from me be higher if I see someone “out-of-network”? o Does my plan have a deductible, and if so, how much must be paid out of pocket before it is reached?