Hello GBanner: I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

Insurance regulations vary from state to state & from insurer to insurer. So, from my perspective, there's probably not much I can offer with regard to your concerns, given that I'm not in New York State. From my experience, it is pretty typical for health insurers to set restrictions related to the use of out-of-network providers. I always try to make sure that any provider I see is in-network. So your options may be to find an in-network provider or possibly appeal the insurer's decision. I presume there is some appeals process. Most insurers seem to have one. (Where I live it is state law that mental health patients have the right to see the provider of their choice.)

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. There are many knowledgeable & caring members here. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!

P.S. If there is a disability law center or health insurance advocacy center of some sort where you live, you might consider running your situation by them.