That's exactly why they offer more than one plan. Some people need some benefits while other people need other benefits. To try and put everything into one plan makes it very expensive and makes people pay for things they don't think they need. Look carefully at the offerings, co-pays and deductibles etc. A PPO requires the health care providers to be part of the plan usually, but is generally better overall coverage even if you go out of plan. Yet, as you noted, it might lack in mental health care. My PPO doesn't require any referral from another doctor.

The POS is a point of service plan. It does generally require a main doctor who you have to see for each referral you need (so it might be more money for those visits.) These doctors might help the bulk of patients and waiting might be a real issue (as well as booking in for an appointment.) While that probably won't be an issue with mental health professionals, it will be regarding physical health care.

I suggest you talk to your regular MD's office person who handles claims, and find out what they know of your particular plans of choice. You might also call the therapist's office of where you think you will go, and see what they say about the options. It could be it won't matter in the long run.

Best wishes.