Medi-Cal Psychotherapy
Scroll down to find the Medi-Cal plans Shine a Light Counseling Center can bill in-network.
“When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good.” – Carl Rogers
No Copayments!
Shine a Light Counseling Center provides free adult, teen, and child therapy for clients with eligible Medi-Cal plans. Medi-Cal clients do not have a co-payment. This means that people previously without access to mental health counseling can now get it.
We welcome the diversity of people on Medi-Cal, and we understand the challenges of getting good health care when funds are limited. We believe every person deserves good mental health care. It is important, however, to make sure you have the right provider for your medi-cal plan. This page can help you identify if we can bill Medi-Cal for your therapy.
Central California Alliance for Health
CCAH administers Medi-Cal to Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, Merced and Mariposa counties. Shine a Light is in-Network with CCAH.
Carelon Behavioral Health
Several Medi-Cal plans utilize the Carelon network of therapist. Shine a Light is in-network for all Carelon plans, including:
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San Francsico Health Plan
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Partnership Health Plan of CA
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Kaiser Permanente (with Authorization)
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LA Care (Carelon plans)
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Gold Coast Health Plan
Serving Marin and most California counties north of Sacramento.
Anthem / Blue Cross
Anthem administers Medi-Cal plans in many counties throughout the state. Shine a Light Counseling Center therapists can see any Anthem Medi-Cal subscriber.
Blue Shield Promise Plan
Blue Shield administers Medi-Cal plans in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. We are happy to service Blue Shield Medi-Cal subscribers with telehealth services.
Your Medi-Cal Card
Your Medi-Cal Card has important information. Please upload a photo of it when you fill out your Request for an Appointment.
We need the card for your specific plan. The California Poppy Card does not tell us much. Your specific plan card has the information we need.
What is your Subscriber Number?
Your subscriber number should be on your insurance card. You will need your number to complete the Request for an Appointment form. The number should have:
CCAH: Eight numerals and a letter (and possibly more numerals)
Partnership: Eight numerals, a letter, and one extra numeral
SF Health Plan: Eleven numerals
LA Care: Eight numerals and a letter (and possibly more numerals)
Gold Coast: ?
Anthem: If your subscriber number start with 3 letters, it may be an Anthem or Blue Shield plan.
No State-Issued Medi-Cal Plans
Unfortunately, if your Medi-Cal plan is administered by the state, and not a regional provider group or insurance company, we cannot help you. If all you have is a card with California poppies, then your plan may be state-issed.
Medicare
We have Medicare providers at Shine a Light Counseling Center. Please let us know if you have a Medicare plan or if you have a Medi-Medi plan. ie. Medicare with Medi-cal as secondary coverage.
Enroll in Medi-Cal
If you need help enrolling in Medi-Cal please visit the Covered California webpage. If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, please enroll. Once you are enrolled, contact us for a psychotherapy appointment at our Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Monterey or San Francisco offices (or via telehealth). If you are already covered by Anthem or Carelon, in the Medi-Cal regions listed above (or on the map below), please use the request for services form at the bottom of this page to schedule a counseling appointment.
Request an Appointment
We have openings in all our offices and via telehealth. You don't have to wait around on a wait list. Use our form to get matched with a therapist who will be a good fit for you.