Is PCIT covered by insurance?

Thankfully, it often is. PCIT typically falls under mental health care coverage which many insurance plans cover. Not all plans do however, and even if yours has mental health care coverage, you may want to confirm with them. Below we walk through multiple ways you can figure out your coverage details.

How to see if PCIT is covered by insurance

To determine if Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is covered by your health insurance plan, you can use the following step-by-step checklist, each with helpful details to guide you through the process:
Contact your insurance provider: Locate the member services number on the back of your insurance card, or log in to your insurance company’s website. Calling by phone is often quickest for getting comprehensive answers about mental health benefits.
Verify if PCIT is covered: Ask specifically whether PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) is covered by your policy. PCIT is often billed as either family therapy or individual therapy, so check if these categories are included in your behavioral health benefits. Your insurance provider or the summary of benefits in your policy documents can clarify this.
Clarify coverage requirements: Ask about any requirements for coverage, such as whether the therapist must hold specific certifications, if you need a referral, or if pre-authorization is necessary before starting therapy. Knowing these requirements ahead of time prevents surprises and delays in care.
Ask about out-of-pocket costs: Find out what your financial responsibility will be. Request specifics about copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums for mental health services or PCIT sessions. These amounts can vary widely depending on your plan details and whether you have met your annual deductible.
Locate and confirm a therapist: Once you know PCIT is covered, ask your insurance company for a list of in-network providers or use their website to search for therapists who offer PCIT. After identifying a therapist, contact their office to confirm they accept your insurance. You can also ask therapists to help verify your coverage and benefits. Many therapist offices will complete a “verification of benefits” for you, providing a breakdown of what your insurance will pay and what you owe.
Get information in writing: Throughout the process, document the names and contact details of insurance representatives you speak with, as well as the information provided—especially any prior authorizations or case reference numbers. This can help resolve potential misunderstandings later.

Average cost of PCIT therapy

For each section, the average cost of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is around $150 per session. At HIM we charge less, see our full pricing here. However, this is dependent on the provider as well as the location where you’re receiving treatment. PCIT generally requires multiple sessions, typically 12–20 weekly, hour-long sessions. If you are considering the total out-of-pocket cost, it typically ranges between $1,800 to $3,000—this is without any insurance coverage.

It’s always best to confirm with your insurance provider and the office where you are seeking services first to get accurate information on pricing and coverage.

You might be thinking, “Is this even worth it?” We wrote a blog on the effectiveness of PCIT for this exact reason—take a look and see for yourself.

Finding a PCIT licensed therapist

A highly effective way to find a PCIT therapist is by reaching out to your local provider directly. At Health In Mind, we can match you with an experienced PCIT therapist to support you as you get started. To learn more about our PCIT services, feel free to call us or complete our online form to begin the process.