MHN

Navigate MHN's mental health insurance coverage, learn about the transition to Health Net, and discover how to find providers who accept your plan for quality behavioral health care.

MHN (Managed Health Network) has been a subsidiary of Health Net that specializes in behavioral health services, offering comprehensive mental health coverage for individuals and families. As of January 2024, the administration of MHN's behavioral health services has transitioned to Health Net, though existing plans and benefits remain in place for members. This transition is important to understand as you navigate your mental health coverage options.


If you or a loved one is seeking mental health care with MHN insurance, understanding your behavioral health benefits is crucial to accessing appropriate care while managing costs. MHN has provided behavioral health administration either as stand-alone plans or integrated with Health Net medical plans, serving members through employer-sponsored programs, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and individual plans.


What Mental Health Services Does MHN Cover?

MHN's behavioral health plans typically cover a range of mental health services designed to address various conditions and treatment needs. While specific coverage depends on your plan, generally covered services include:


Individual sessions with therapists, psychologists or psychiatrists, group therapy for various mental health conditions, psychiatric evaluations and medication management, inpatient treatment in hospitals or residential facilities when medically necessary, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, and substance use disorder treatment services.


MHN requires that mental health services be medically necessary to qualify for coverage. This means that treatments must be appropriate for your specific diagnosis and follow evidence-based practices for your condition. Services primarily focused on personal growth, relationship issues without a clinical diagnosis, or experimental treatments may not be covered.


How MHN Mental Health Coverage Works

Important Update: Transition to Health Net

As of January 1, 2024, the administration of all MHN behavioral health services has transitioned to Health Net. While this administrative change doesn't affect your benefits, it does change how you'll access information and services:

  • The MHN website will be discontinued by November 1, 2024

  • Members have received new ID cards with updated contact information

  • Provider directories and customer service are now managed through Health Net

  • Claims for services after September 1, 2024 should be submitted to Health Net


If you were previously using MHN's online portal or services, you'll need to transition to using Health Net's resources. However, your covered benefits and network access remain the same.


In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Care

One of the most important aspects of maximizing your MHN coverage is understanding the difference between in-network and out-of-network providers. MHN has traditionally maintained a large provider network including over 50,000 licensed mental health professionals and approximately 1,400 hospitals and care facilities across the country.


In-network providers have contracted with MHN/Health Net to provide services at negotiated rates. Using these providers typically results in the lowest out-of-pocket costs for members. Most plans cover a significant portion of the cost for in-network services after any applicable deductibles, leaving you responsible only for copayments or coinsurance.


Out-of-network providers have not contracted with MHN/Health Net. Some plans (particularly PPO plans) offer out-of-network coverage, though at higher cost-sharing levels. Many HMO plans do not cover out-of-network care except in emergency situations. It's essential to verify your specific plan's out-of-network benefits before seeing a provider outside the network.


Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Benefits

Many members access MHN services through Employee Assistance Programs offered by their employers. EAP benefits typically include:

  • A limited number of free therapy sessions per issue or per year

  • No need for diagnosis to access EAP services

  • Confidential counseling and support

  • Work-life resources for stress management and wellness


If you're using EAP benefits, it's important to understand that these services are intended for short-term support. Once you've used your allocated EAP sessions, your provider can help transition you to services covered under your regular behavioral health benefits if continued treatment is needed.


Costs and Coverage Details

Understanding Your Financial Responsibility

The cost of mental health services with MHN insurance depends on your specific plan type. Costs may include:

  • Deductibles - The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your plan begins to cover services, though some preventive mental health services may be exempt.

  • Copayments - A fixed amount paid per session (often ranging from $15-$50 for in-network providers).

  • Coinsurance - A percentage of the cost (such as 20% for in-network or 40% for out-of-network) that you pay after meeting your deductible.


If you access mental health services through an EAP benefit, your initial sessions are typically provided at no cost to you. However, once you transition to your regular behavioral health benefits, the standard cost-sharing applies.


Common Plan Structures for Mental Health

MHN has administered behavioral health benefits for various plan types:

  • HMO Plans typically require you to select a primary care physician and get referrals for specialists, including mental health providers. These plans generally don't cover out-of-network care.

  • PPO Plans offer more flexibility in choosing providers, including the ability to see out-of-network mental health professionals (though at a higher cost). These plans typically don't require referrals.


Regardless of plan type, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires that coverage for mental health conditions be at least equivalent to coverage for physical health conditions, ensuring that deductibles, copays, and treatment limitations cannot be more restrictive than those for medical services.


Authorization and Approval Process

Prior Authorization Requirements

MHN has typically not required prior authorization for most outpatient mental health services, such as routine office visits with therapists or psychiatrists. However, some services do require preauthorization:


For services requiring prior authorization, your provider will typically handle the process on your behalf by contacting MHN/Health Net before services begin. Emergency mental health services are covered without prior authorization, though post-service review may occur.


How to Verify Your Benefits

Before starting mental health treatment, it's important to verify exactly what your plan covers. With the transition to Health Net, you can do this by:

  • Calling the behavioral health number on your new Health Net ID card

  • Visiting the Health Net website to access your plan details and benefits information

  • Contacting your employer's benefits department if you have employer-sponsored insurance

  • Asking your provider to verify your benefits before your first appointment


When verifying benefits, be sure to ask about copays or coinsurance amounts, whether your deductible applies to mental health services, if there are any session limits, and whether the specific services you're seeking require prior authorization.


Finding Mental Health Providers Who Accept MHN

What to Look for in a Mental Health Provider

Finding the right provider is about more than just insurance coverage. When choosing a provider, consider:


Many providers offer brief consultations to help determine if they're a good fit before beginning regular treatment. Don't hesitate to ask questions about their experience, approach, and what to expect in treatment.


MHN's Approach to Mental Health Care

Care Coordination and Quality Focus

MHN has emphasized quality care through several key approaches that continue under Health Net administration:

  • Integration of behavioral health with physical health care

  • Care coordination between mental health providers and primary care physicians

  • Evidence-based treatment approaches

  • Regular outcome measurement to ensure effectiveness

  • Focus on aftercare, especially after hospitalization


These practices reflect a commitment to whole-person care and recognition that mental health is an essential component of overall wellness. Health Net continues to maintain these quality standards in their administration of behavioral health services.


How Our Directory Can Help You Find the Right Care

Navigating the transition from MHN to Health Net while seeking mental health care can be challenging. Our comprehensive provider directory simplifies this process by connecting you with mental health providers and facilities that accept your insurance across all levels of care.


Our directory is regularly updated to reflect current insurance acceptance information, including the transition from MHN to Health Net. We verify provider participation to ensure you receive accurate, up-to-date details about coverage options.


Beyond just listing providers, our directory helps you identify facilities specializing in your specific concerns, whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, or other mental health challenges. We provide detailed information about treatment approaches, specialized programs, and available services to help you make informed decisions about your care.


Find Mental Health Providers That Accept MHN/Health Net Today

Taking the first step toward mental health treatment shows courage and commitment to your wellbeing. Our directory of mental health facilities that accept MHN/Health Net insurance makes it easier to connect with quality care covered by your plan.


Our directory allows you to:

  • Quickly identify facilities that accept your specific plan

  • Filter by treatment specialties to match your unique needs

  • Find providers in your local area for convenient access to care

  • Get detailed information about treatment approaches and services


Don't let insurance questions delay your path to wellness. Despite the transition from MHN to Health Net administration, your mental health benefits remain in place to support your care. Our directory can help you find covered mental health providers today and begin your healing journey with confidence.


References

  1. MHN. "Your MHN Behavioral Health Plan." https://providers.mhn.com/content/your-mhn-behavioral-health-plan

  2. MHN. "Behavioral Health Care." https://providers.mhn.com/content/behavioral-health-care

  3. Health Net. "Administration of Behavioral Health Services Transition from MHN to Health Net." https://www.healthnet.com/en_us/providers/behavioral-health-transition-admin.html