Find a therapist in-network with CareFirst

Yes! CareFirst covers therapy with licensed therapists and psychologists across Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia where they operate. Whether you're working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, your care is covered.

CareFirst members typically pay $0-$75* per session through Rula. We verify your exact out-of-pocket cost before your first appointment—no surprises.

Your cost depends on your specific CareFirst plan and whether you've met your deductible. Most members pay between $0-$75* per session.

Typical costs by plan type:

• CareFirst BlueChoice HMO: $0-$40 per session

• CareFirst BluePreferred PPO: $20-$50 per session

• High-deductible plans: Full contracted rate until deductible met, then copay typically applies

We check your coverage during signup and show you the exact cost before bookin

Appointments are available as soon as tomorrow. Most Rula patients meet with their provider within 5 days, with flexible scheduling including:

• Next-day availability

• Evening and weekend appointments

• Early morning and late evening slots

You can complete registration and book your first session in as little as 3 minutes—most plans do not require a referral from your primary care physician.

Absolutely! All Rula therapists offer secure video therapy that's fully covered by CareFirst at the same rate as in-person visits. Online therapy gives you:

• Sessions from the comfort of your home

• Easier scheduling with more availability

• Access to specialists who may not be nearby

• Same quality care as in-person treatment

You'll need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, plus a private space where you can talk openly. You must be physically located in the same state as your therapist during sessions.

Most CareFirst plans do not require a referral for mental health services. However, referral requirements vary by plan type. You can book directly with any Rula therapist and start therapy. If the first match isn't right, you can change therapists anytime.

CareFirst appointment standards aim for mental health care within 7 business days for non-urgent needs. Rula provides direct access to 21,000+ therapists specializing in your specific needs with next-day availability.

Rula's therapists specialize in over 90 different conditions, with CareFirst covering all medically necessary care:

Common conditions:

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• Depression and mood disorders

• Stress and burnout

• Trauma and PTSD

• Relationship and family issues

• ADHD and focus challenges

• Grief and loss

• Life transitions and adjustment

Specialized areas:

• Eating disorders and body image

• OCD and compulsive behaviors

• Substance use and addiction support

• Chronic pain and illness

• Gender Identity

• Postpartum and perinatal mental health

All providers are licensed professionals who specialize in evidence-based treatment approaches.

Yes—you can switch therapists anytime at no additional cost. Finding the right fit is essential for successful therapy, and we make it easy to try someone new.

94% of Rula patients found a provider they feel comfortable with, and our matching system helps connect you with therapists who align with your needs, preferences, and communication style.

Therapists provide talk therapy to help you work through emotional challenges, develop coping strategies, and change behavioral patterns. Therapy sessions are typically 50-60 minutes.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication for mental health conditions. They often combine medication management with brief therapy sessions.

Many patients benefit from both: therapy for ongoing support and skill-building, plus psychiatry for medication when needed. Your CareFirst coverage includes both services through Rula.

Yes. Your sessions are completely confidential—your therapist cannot share information about your care with CareFirst, your employer, or anyone else without your written consent.

Limited exceptions where therapists must report include:

• Risk of harm to yourself or others

• Suspected child or elder abuse

• Court order (rare situations)

Your therapist will discuss confidentiality and privacy during your first session so you know exactly what to expect.

Yes! Mental health therapy is a qualified medical expense for both Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). You can use pre-tax dollars for:

• Therapy session copays

• Deductible payments

• Coinsurance amounts

This effectively reduces your therapy costs by your tax rate (typically 20-30% savings). Rula provides detailed receipts compatible with HSA/FSA requirements.

If you have a high-deductible plan, you'll pay the contracted rate until meeting your deductible. Here's how to make therapy more affordable:

• Use HSA/FSA funds for pre-tax savings

• CareFirst's negotiated rates are typically 30-40% lower than private pay

• After meeting your deductible, your copay is typically lower

We show your exact pre-deductible cost before booking. The average contracted rate through CareFirst is competitive, compared to $150-250 for private pay therapy.

Yes! CareFirst covers all evidence-based therapy approaches at the same rate, including:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma

• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) for emotion regulation

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for thought patterns

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for values-based living

• IFS (Internal Family Systems) for parts work

• EMT (Emotional Focused Therapy)

Your therapist will use the approaches best suited for your specific needs and goals. All modalities have the same $0-$75 copay through CareFirst.*

Therapists must be licensed in the state where you're physically located during sessions. However, many Rula therapists hold licenses in multiple states, which helps:

• Frequent travelers who split time between states

• Remote workers relocating temporarily

• College students attending school in another state

• People living near state borders

CareFirst covers your therapy regardless of your therapist's home location, as long as both you and your therapist are licensed/located in the same state during the session. Search our directory for therapists licensed in your state.