Therapy on the Essential Plan
The Essential Plan is New York's low-cost health plan for adults who earn too much for Medicaid. It covers mental health care, and we see Essential Plan members through the insurers we're in network with.
What the Essential Plan is
The Essential Plan is health coverage from New York State for people aged 19 to 64 who do not qualify for Medicaid and earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level. You sign up through NY State of Health, and a private insurer runs your plan. That is why your card shows an insurer's name, such as Fidelis Care or Healthfirst, and not only the words Essential Plan.
What changed in July 2026
From April 2024 to June 2026 the Essential Plan covered incomes up to 250% of the poverty level. On July 1, 2026 the limit went back to 200%, after a change in federal funding. People between 200% and 250% were moved to Marketplace plans through NY State of Health. If that happened to you, your new card may be from a different plan. Send us the new details and we check them.
Essential Plans we accept
Find the insurer on your card.
We're in network with these insurers, and each of them offers Essential Plan coverage in New York City. We confirm that your plan covers therapy with us, and whether you owe anything, before your first session.
Essential Plan questions
Does the Essential Plan cover therapy?
Yes. Mental health care, including outpatient therapy, is one of the benefits every Essential Plan covers. We confirm that your plan covers therapy with us before your first session.
Is the Essential Plan the same as Medicaid?
No. Medicaid is for lower incomes. The Essential Plan is for adults who earn a little too much for Medicaid. Many of the same insurers run both, so the two cards can look alike.
What will I pay for a session?
That depends on your plan. Many Essential Plan members pay nothing for a therapy visit, and some have a small copay. We tell you which before your first session.
I lost my Essential Plan in July 2026. Can I still see a therapist here?
Possibly. If you were moved to a Marketplace plan through NY State of Health, send us the details on your new card and we check whether we are in its network. If we are not, we will talk you through your options.
Do I need a referral?
Most Essential Plan members do not need a referral for outpatient therapy. We check your plan when you call.
Can I do therapy by video?
Yes. Essential Plan coverage includes telehealth, and we see clients by video anywhere in New York State.
Ready to start?
Send us your plan details and we will confirm what you actually owe before your first session, then match you with a therapist. No one is asked to guess at a copay.
Check my coverage →The team you would be joining
See the whole team →
Chaya FeldmanLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Shulim GoldringDoctor of Psychology
Bassya PinsonDoctor of Psychology
Dr. Elka Jacobs-PinsonDoctor of Psychology
Simcha YafehLicensed Master Social Worker
Jonathan NewmanLicensed Master Social Worker
Cara GoldsmithLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Esther AronowPatient Care Coordinator
Moshe DelerbLicensed Master Social Worker
Sarie KorfLicensed Master Social Worker
Chaya MermersteinLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Lea Zajac-OsdobaMental Health Counselor-Limited Permit
Efrat ShoshanLicensed Master Social Worker
Shmuel KesselmanOperations Coordinator & Mental Health Counselor
Racheli SolomonLicensed Master Social Worker
Judy LeventhalLicensed Master Social Worker
Hannah KrausLicensed Master Social Worker
Faye WilburLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Chanah FaygenLicensed Master Social Worker
Ben ShannonLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Rikal KahanovLicensed Master Social Worker
Jacqueline MizrachiLicensed Master Social Worker
Chani EngelOffice Manager
Alexa GoldfederLicensed Master Social Worker
Jonathan GreenLicensed Mental Health Counselor
Rikal MangelLicensed Master Social Worker
Aliza SklarLicensed Master Social Worker
Yekuciel JacobsArt Therapist
Yehuda SherPsyD Doctorate Student
Fraidy SteinbergLicensed Master Social Worker
Sara BlumLicensed Master Social Worker
Esther GeisinskyLicensed Master Social Worker
Rebecca SalemanLicensed Master Social Worker
Rachel PelesLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Angela Griff AgawinClient Services Coordinator
Gavriel VelenskiMental Health Counselor-Limited PermitCheck your Essential Plan coverage
Fill out the short form below with the insurer on your card. We check your coverage and get back to you, usually the same day.
Crown Counseling is HIPAA compliant. What you share here is protected health information, read only by our intake team.How we protect it
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The office is closed, reopening soon. Fill this in and we will come back to you.
This form is not for emergencies. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or dial 911.