What is California's 10-day rule for therapy appointments?

A: California health plans must offer a non-urgent appointment with a therapist within 10 business days of your request — and, under SB 221, every follow-up session within 10 business days of the last one during ongoing treatment.¹ Urgent care: 48–96 hours. If no in-network slot exists in time, the plan must arrange out-of-network care at in-network cost.

Worked example: you call June 3; the plan offers July 10. That's ~26 business days — a violation. Cite "Title 28, section 1300.67.2.2," request out-of-network at in-network cost, and file with the DMHC (1-888-466-2219) if refused.

Do this: use the scripts in the full 10-day rule guide →.

Source: 1. 28 CCR §1300.67.2.2(c)(5); SB 221, H&S §1367.03 — law.cornell.edu.