Fidelis Is No Longer In-Network With Northwell Health: What It Means for Your Therapy Care in New York

If you're covered by Fidelis Care and searching for answers about your therapist, psychiatrist, or ongoing treatment at a Northwell Health facility, your concern is valid. As of July 16, 2026, Northwell Health is officially out-of-network for most Fidelis plans, following the end of their contract on May 15 and a transition period that closed July 15. The split affects more than 240,000 New Yorkers enrolled in Fidelis Medicaid Managed Care, the Essential Plan, Ambetter marketplace plans, and Wellcare By Fidelis Medicare Advantage — a disruption being felt across Long Island and the greater New York metro area.

For many families, this isn't just an administrative headache — it's a break in care that was working. And when that care is therapy, psychiatry, or any form of ongoing mental health treatment, the disruption carries a different kind of weight. Progress in therapy depends on the relationship between client and provider, and losing access to a trusted therapist mid-treatment, through no fault of your own, can set that progress back. Notably, Northwell's own leadership has acknowledged the stakes are broad, naming mental health services specifically — alongside cancer and cardiac care — among the areas strained by this reimbursement dispute.

What Fidelis Members Should Know

• Emergency care is unaffected. Fidelis members can still be seen at any Northwell emergency department regardless of network status.
• Continuity-of-care protections may apply. If you're in active treatment, you may qualify for an extended transition window, reported to run through August 13, that allows continued in-network care while you make a plan. Confirm your specific eligibility directly with Fidelis.
• You have two paths forward: find a new in-network provider, or explore a different health plan that keeps Northwell in-network. Northwell has published dedicated resources for members working through this decision, including a patient line at (516) 856-8489 and updates at northwell.edu/fidelis-update.

Why This Might Be the Right Time for a Change — Not Just a Disruption

If you or a family member need a new therapist because of this shift, you don't have to choose between "whoever has an opening" and "wait months for continuity." Elite Therapeutic Services, based in Stony Brook, is an independent practice unaffected by the Northwell contract dispute, and we currently accept Fidelis. Our licensed therapists cover a wide range of specialties — anxiety and depression, trauma and PTSD, grief, couples and family therapy, and more — all delivered through secure telehealth sessions available anywhere in New York State.

Telehealth solves the exact problem this network split creates. Instead of being limited to providers within driving distance of a specific hospital system, you can work with a licensed therapist from home, on a schedule that fits your life, without losing the momentum you've already built in treatment.

Next Steps

Insurance situations like this can change quickly, and your specific plan and provider matter. Before assuming your coverage has changed, confirm your current status directly with Fidelis Care or through Northwell's patient resources above. If you do need a new therapist who accepts Fidelis, Elite Therapeutic Services is here — reach out to schedule a consultation, and we'll help you verify your benefits and get started without a gap in care.

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