If you have Forward Health — Wisconsin's Medicaid program — you already know the hardest part of starting therapy often isn't deciding to go. It's finding a therapist who is actually in-network, taking new clients, and not booking three months out. This guide explains how coverage works, what to check before you book, and how to get started.
Why Forward Health therapy can be hard to find
Many private practices don't accept Medicaid at all, and some that do keep their Medicaid caseloads small. Directories make it worse: insurer lists are often out of date, so you can call five "in-network" therapists and hear five versions of "we're not accepting new Medicaid clients." If that's been your experience, it isn't you — it's the system.
What Forward Health generally covers
Forward Health covers medically necessary outpatient mental health care for members, including:
Individual therapy
Couples and family therapy
Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
Coverage details vary by plan and situation, so it's always worth confirming your specific benefits before your first session. Our team verifies insurance before your intake so there are no surprises.
Mend Counseling accepts Forward Health — and has openings now
Mend Counseling is in-network with Forward Health (Wisconsin Medicaid), along with Quartz, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Molina, Network Health, Chorus Community Health Plans, UMR, and most other major Wisconsin plans. We serve teenagers and adults across the state.
Right now, we have immediate availability — no waitlist — for:
Individual, couples, and family therapy
EMDR and trauma treatment
Substance-use counseling
Psychiatric medication management
Most sessions are by secure telehealth, so you can meet from home anywhere in Wisconsin. Select clinicians also see clients in person at our offices in Appleton (101 W. Edison Ave, Suite 211; 4321 W. College Ave, Suite 200; 3121 West Spencer St) and Mequon (11124 N. Cedarburg Rd., Suite 150).
A note about HMO plans
If your coverage is through an HMO plan — whether that's a Forward Health HMO or an HMO product from another insurer we work with — one extra step applies: we need to check your specific plan before your first session. HMO coverage often comes with referral or prior-authorization requirements, and which providers are in-network can vary plan by plan, so being "in-network with the insurer" doesn't always settle it. Call us at 920-234-6842 and we'll verify your exact benefits and any requirements up front — no surprises later.
How to start
Book a free 15-minute consultation at https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/6d4ae04a — we'll help match you with the right clinician.
Or call us at 920-234-6842 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5:30pm).
We'll verify your Forward Health coverage before your first full session.
You can read more about how our statewide online care works on our Telehealth Therapy in Wisconsin page.
If you are in crisis, call 911 or the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Mend Counseling is not an emergency service.
