You rely on a tufts behavioral health approved provider to ensure your therapy, psychiatry and structured programs are covered under your plan. As a Tufts Health Plan member, you have access to a full spectrum of mental health services—outpatient counseling, inpatient psychiatric care, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP)—all delivered by in-network experts. Tufts Medicine provides behavioral health services focused on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions with empathy and compassion to improve patients’ quality of life [1].
Behavioral health coverage
Your Tufts plan covers services for a wide range of conditions and treatment settings. You pay in-network copays or coinsurance for:
- Outpatient therapy and psychiatry
- Medication management and adjustments
- Group therapy and family support
- Intensive programs like IOP and PHP
- Inpatient and crisis stabilization care
You do not need a referral from your primary care provider (PCP) to see an in-network specialist, though your PCP can help coordinate care and suggest the right behavioral health professional for your needs.
In-network provider types
Tufts Health Plan maintains a diverse network of licensed behavioral health professionals. Depending on your needs, you can choose from:
| Provider type | Role and services |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrists, PA-Cs, Psychiatric NPs and Clinical Specialists | Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management covered by tufts [2], ECT referrals [1] |
| Licensed independent clinical social workers, psychologists, LMHCs, LMFTs, LADCs | Individual and group therapy, evidence-based approaches [3], family therapy [4] |
| Board Certified Behavior Analysts | Behavioral programs for autism and developmental disabilities |
| Integrated care managers | Short-term behavioral health support, referrals to in-network providers |
| Primary care providers | Initial medication management, guidance on behavioral health options |
Covered treatment options
Tufts covers therapy and psychiatry for common and complex mental health conditions, including:
- Depression and mood disorders [5]
- Anxiety and trauma [6]
- Bipolar disorder [7]
- PTSD [8]
- OCD [9]
- ADHD [10]
- Dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders [11]
Accessing your benefits
To start behavioral health care:
- Consult your PCP, who can recommend the right specialist or service.
- Contact Tufts Health Plan Member Services at 888-257-1985 (TTY 711), weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for help understanding your benefits.
- Use the online provider directory or the service navigation program to schedule appointments with in-network professionals.
Under Tufts Health Direct and Tufts Health RITogether, you can self-refer to in-network providers for outpatient counseling, inpatient services and substance use recovery programs—no PCP referral required.
Finding a provider
You can locate a tufts behavioral health approved provider using the online directory. Filter by specialty, location and service type:
- Therapy and counseling [12]
- Psychiatry and medication management [13]
- Intensive programs like IOP and PHP
If you need assistance, the behavioral health service navigation team can help you schedule your first visit.
Utilizing telehealth services
Tufts covers both in-person and remote care to reduce barriers:
- Live video, phone or chat sessions with licensed therapists [14]
- Telepsychiatry visits for medication management and follow-up [15]
Remote care offers convenience and continuity, especially if transportation or childcare is a challenge.
Managing medication treatment
Prescription management is handled by psychiatrists, PA-Cs, psychiatric nurse practitioners or clinical specialists. Your PCP may temporarily manage medications until you see a specialist. Covered services include:
- Initial psychiatric evaluation and ongoing assessments [16]
- Medication adjustments and monitoring [17]
- Collaborative care with therapy and counseling
Coordinating integrated care
To ensure seamless treatment, Tufts offers integrated care managers in some PCP offices who provide short-term behavioral health support and connect you to specialized providers. Your care team can also arrange:
- Legal or forensic consultations for court-related evaluations [1]
- Referrals to community-based and outpatient programs after hospitalization
- Coordination between your therapist, psychiatrist and primary care doctor to manage co-occurring medical and mental health conditions
Emergency crisis support
If you or a loved one faces a mental health emergency, immediate resources include:
- Calling or texting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential 24/7 support
- Visiting the nearest emergency department for acute psychiatric evaluation
- Accessing crisis stabilization outpatient services [18]
- Self-harm and suicidal ideation treatment programs [19]
Specialized care programs
Tufts Health Plan covers a spectrum of structured and condition-specific programs to meet diverse needs.
Structured outpatient programs
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) for mental health [20]
- Partial hospitalization for depression and mood disorders [21]
- Outpatient recovery and co-occurring care [22]
Condition-specific services
- Trauma-informed therapy [23]
- Behavioral therapy for OCD and anxiety [3]
- Family therapy and support [4]
Substance use and dual diagnosis
- Dual diagnosis care for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders [24]
- Medication-assisted treatment and counseling integration
- Support groups and relapse prevention planning
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a therapist?
No, you can self-refer to any in-network therapist or psychiatrist without a PCP referral under Tufts Health Direct and Tufts Health RITogether.
Are telehealth visits covered the same as in-person sessions?
Yes, telehealth therapy and telepsychiatry visits are covered with the same cost-share as in-person care when you see an in-network provider.
How do I arrange electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
ECT is available through approved Tufts behavioral health providers for severe depression and mood disorders. Your psychiatrist or PCP can refer you to a facility offering ECT [1].
What should I do in a mental health crisis?
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 immediately, or go to the nearest emergency department. For non-emergent crisis stabilization, ask your care team about outpatient programs covered by your plan.
Can I see the same therapist and psychiatrist?
Yes, coordinating therapy and medication management with the same or closely collaborating providers supports continuity of care and better outcomes.
By understanding how to connect with a tufts behavioral health approved provider and leveraging your plan’s wide range of covered services, you can take confident steps toward comprehensive support for your mental health journey.
References
- (Tufts Medicine)
- (medication management covered by tufts)
- (evidence based therapy tufts accepted)
- (tufts accepted family therapy and support)
- (tufts accepted therapy for depression, tufts approved psychiatric evaluation)
- (anxiety treatment covered by tufts, tufts covered treatment for anxiety and trauma)
- (tufts accepted bipolar disorder treatment)
- (ptsd treatment covered by tufts insurance)
- (ocd treatment program tufts approved)
- (adhd outpatient treatment tufts accepted)
- (tufts in network dual diagnosis care, tufts covered co occurring disorder program)
- (tufts accepted mental health counseling)
- (tufts insurance approved psychiatric care)
- (virtual therapy covered by tufts, tufts in network telehealth therapy)
- (telepsychiatry covered by tufts insurance)
- (tufts-approved-psychiatric-evaluation)
- (tufts-accepted-psychiatric-medication-adjustment)
- (tufts accepted crisis stabilization outpatient)
- (self harm treatment program covered by tufts, suicidal ideation therapy tufts approved)
- (tufts in network iop for mental health)
- (tufts approved php for depression)
- (tufts accepted outpatient recovery program, tufts accepted outpatient care for co occurring conditions)
- (tufts approved trauma informed therapy)
- (tufts in network dual diagnosis care)
