Summary:
- Health insurance companies sometimes create "ghost networks" of therapists and counselors that appear to offer coverage, but in reality, many of these providers are not actually accepting new patients or may not even exist.
- This practice makes it difficult for people seeking mental health care to find in-network providers, leading them to pay higher out-of-pocket costs or give up on getting the care they need.
- Experts say this is a problem that needs to be addressed to improve access to mental health services and ensure people can get the support they require.