Off-Campus Mental Health Care

Prior to calling, located your insurance card and the member service phone number (on your card). Upon calling, you will be asked for your Member ID and/or Group ID. If you do not have it, let them know. Most insurance companies can look you up with your name, date of birth, and/or social security number.

Once you are connected:

• Tell the representative you’re looking for behavioral health or mental health, provide the zip code of areas you want them to search, and mention any transportation limitations.
• You may need to call two different phone numbers to verify your benefits and for mental health referrals. Consider asking the following questions about your benefits:
  • What are my mental health benefits? Specify what services you are looking for (outpatient mental health therapy, intensive outpatient therapy, inpatient care, psychiatry, neuropsychological testing).
  • Is a referral or prior authorization required? 
  • Is telehealth covered (if applicable)? 
  • Are there session limits? 
• If your insurance company tells you that you’re not covered in Madison (or Wisconsin), be sure to tell them that you are a full-time college student at UW–Madison. You may be able to obtain a local referral option or out of area coverage. 

Most insurance companies will email you a list of providers in your area, talk you through your options, or direct you to their website.

1. Identify the website listed on your insurance card. It may be helpful to create an account if you don’t have one.
2. Identify the type of provider that you would like to see.
   • For counseling, choose Behavioral Health, Mental Health, Counseling, Clinical Social Work, or Psychology.
   • For medication management, choose Psychiatry within Mental Health or Behavioral Health.
   • For neuropsychological testing, choose Neuropsychologist. 
   • If these are not options, look under Specialty Providers.

Different insurance providers may use different terminology. Online information can be helpful, but it may not always be as accurate or up‑to‑date. If you’re unsure about your coverage or have specific questions, contact your insurance company for clarification.

Covering Wisconsin

Covering Wisconsin is a nonprofit organization that helps people in Wisconsin find and use health insurance.

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

SHIP provides comprehensive health coverage for UW-Madison students and scholars.

Training Clinics: 

• Counseling Psychology Training Clinic 
• Psychology Research and Training Clinic 
• The Family Center 
• Open Path Psychotherapy Collective 
  • Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a nonprofit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office and online mental health care at a steeply reduced rate to clients in need. Access online or in-person therapy with a vetted therapist for $30-$70 per session, plus a one-time membership fee. 

Additional Services:

• Local practices often have providers in training who offer no or lower cost services. Message or schedule an appointment with a Care Manager to learn about those options. 
• Some providers on the MiResource database indicate sliding scale payment options. Contact providers directly to learn more or filter your search to include sliding scale payment options.