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With the popularity of online therapy on the rise, you can now find the treatment you are looking for from the comfort of your own home. Besides being more accessible, online therapy tends to be more affordable than going the traditional route, especially if you opt for services that accept insurance.
As social distancing and self-isolation became the norm throughout the pandemic, and a wave of depression and other issues continued to grow, so did the demand for convenient therapy options. Online therapy became the solution many were looking for and as it seems, this solution is here to stay. Even with most pandemic restrictions behind us, many people are seeking mental health services online, especially ones that are covered by insurance.
Although the best online therapy services are typically cheaper than in-person therapy, it's still worth checking if your health insurance will cover the costs. Here, we provide a list of the best online therapy services that take insurance or support insurance reimbursement.
Our Top 10 Best Online Therapy That Takes Insurance in 2023:
TalkSpace- Best online therapy that take insurance overall
Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Online Therapy Services That Take Insurance
To help narrow down your options, we’ve analyzed user reviews given by real patients to find the most trusted and accredited online therapy services available. We compared several important key factors to create our list of providers, including:
Price and affordability
Therapist certifications (PsyD, Ph.D., LCSW, LPS)
Available methods of communication (text messaging, voice calls, video calls)
Reviews and overall customer satisfaction
These services not only accept insurance but are also some of the best online therapy options on the market.
Looking for affordable online therapy?BetterHelp offers affordable pricing plans and a service you can trust. While they may not accept insurance, you can apply for reimbursement via your insurance provider.Visit Site
Our Best Online Therapy That Takes Insurance - Quick Reviews:
Here's a round-up of the top 10 online therapy providers that take insurance, so you can choose the one that fits you best.
1. Talkspace
Is insurance accepted as a form of payment? Yes
Talkspace is an online counseling service that comes highly-rated by millions of users. The site offers ongoing support for issues like depression, anxiety, and addictions. It not only offers couples, individual, and teen therapy like most other online services, but also provides psych evaluations and medication management. Talkspace makes it easy to match you with the right therapist and even allows you to change therapists with no extra fee, ensuring you feel comfortable and in the right hands.
What Insurance Does Talkspace Accept?
Talkspace accepts most major insurance companies, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, GatorCare, Optun, Premera, and more. Although Talkspace isn’t available through Medicare or Medicaid they do partner with several U.S. healthcare providers, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and educational organizations.
Cost and Payment Options
TalkSpace has three available plans. If you don't have health insurance, prices can vary from $276-$516 a month, depending on location.
The Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus Plan provides text and video therapy but does not include live sessions.
The Unlimited Messaging Therapy Premium Plan includes text, video, and audio messages as well as one 30-minute live session per month.
The Unlimited Messaging Therapy Ultimate Plan features text, video, and audio messages in addition to four 30-minute live sessions per month.
They also offer psychiatric services outside of their messaging therapy starting at $249 for an initial evaluation and then $125 for every follow-up visit. However, if you have insurance, the company estimates that up to 100% of your monthly cost might be covered; although survey respondents reported spending an average of $150 each month without insurance coverage.
Why we choseTalkspace: We chose Talkspace for its convenient peer-reviewed therapist-matching algorithm, ensuring you find a specialist tailored to your needs. Its standout feature of offering live video sessions along with unlimited messaging guarantees continuous support.
Pros:
Choose your therapist and switch therapists at no extra cost
Cerebral offers affordable online therapy, behavioral health services such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and medication management. Cerebral's talk therapy is available through the site or app and addresses various mental health issues such as depression, ADHD, anxiety, and other disorders.
What Insurance Does Cerebral Accept?
Cerebral has an in-network insurance plan with multiple providers—like Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, and more—so you can receive affordable and accessible treatment from one of Cerebral's more than 800 professional therapists.
Cost and Payment Options
Cerebral offers several plans ranging from $85 to $325 a month:
The Medication and Care Counseling Plan, which costs $85 a month, offers evaluation, diagnosis, and if necessary, prescriptions from medical providers as well as video or phone sessions with counselors.
The Therapy Plan, which costs $259 a month includes weekly conversations via video or phone call (and texting). You will not meet with a prescribing provider nor have access to medications delivered to you.
The Medication and Therapy Plan costs $325 per month and it bundles together the other plans' benefits, which include an evaluation plus diagnoses. The licensed therapist takes the place of a counselor in this plan, so they can check up on your medication treatments and speak with your physician.
Why we chose Cerebral: Cerebral's focus on anxiety, depression, and insomnia treatment sets it apart as a specialized platform for common mental health issues. With its subscription-based model, members receive consistent care and medication management from a Care Team.
Pros:
Online therapy and medication provision
Collaborative care model for maximum, holistic care
Is insurance accepted as a form of payment? No, but you can apply to get reimbursed by your insurance provider
ReGain is an online therapy service that is primarily focused on helping people create and regain healthy, respectful, and loving relationships. Ideal for couples and individuals, ReGain guides people toward healthier solutions to relationship challenges and roadblocks.
Using an open and discreet forum, ReGain provides a supportive platform where couples can get the help they need to weather the storms of relationship issues successfully. ReGain does not accept insurance, but they will provide you with a detailed receipt for their services, so you can seek partial reimbursement from your insurance provider.
Cost and Payment Options
Getting therapy with ReGain costs between $60 to $90 per week (billed monthly through credit card or Pay Pal). The cost is based on your preferences, where you live, and the availability of their therapists. You pay up front for your membership with ReGain, but you can cancel it at any time.
Why we chose Regain: Regain's specialization in couples therapy truly shines with its distinctive approach to accommodating joint sessions. Enabling couples to participate in therapy together or individually from different devices, makes the process accessible and convenient. This flexibility allows therapists to address relationship challenges and improve communication dynamics more effectively.
Pros:
Simple and straightforward signup process
Very reasonable fees
User-friendly desktop and mobile platforms
Cons:
Lack of personalization that face-to-face counseling provides
Is insurance accepted as a form of payment? No, but you can apply to get reimbursed by your insurance provider
BetterHelp is rated as one of the best online counseling services in the industry. With over 30,000 licensed therapists, BetterHelp is available for individuals, couples, and teens via SMS, chat, phone, and video sessions.
They offer various types of treatments for conditions like depression, anxiety, addictions, and anger management, and will match you with a therapist in just 24 hours of signing up. While BetterHelp doesn't accept insurance as a form of payment, they offer affordable prices on therapy, and you may apply for partial reimbursement with your insurance company.
Cost and Payment Options
BetterHelp tailors your treatment plan according to what you're struggling with. The cost ranges from $60 to $90 per week, billed monthly through credit card or your PayPal account - so your monthly charge will be somewhere between $240 and $320.
Why we chose BetterHelp: BetterHelp's widespread network of licensed therapists ensures a variety of expertise is available to clients. Their affordable pricing options cater to diverse financial situations, while the user-friendly platform offers multiple communication methods, including messaging, live chat, phone, and video sessions, providing a unique and adaptable therapy experience
Amwell has more than 350 licensed psychologists and social workers. Therapy sessions last about 45 minutes and there are licensed therapists on-call to provide treatment whenever you need it most. Amwell offers a feature that allows you to turn off your camera so that the virtual therapist can't see your face during the sessions, and you are guaranteed the highest level of privacy and comfort
What Insurance Does Amwell Accept?
Amwell is one of the most reputable places for online therapy that takes insurance. Working with approximately 50 different carriers—like Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica, UnitedHealthcare, and WebTPA—Amwell brings affordable online therapy to many people across the country.
Cost and Payment Options
Amwell doesn't offer bundled service packages or subscription plans. You pay for each session at the time of booking and prices depend on your therapist's experience level and whether you're covered by insurance. Sessions with licensed therapists are between $109 and $129 per appointment depending on where you live. Psychiatrist appointments cost $279 for the first visit and then $109 for each follow-up visit.
Why we chose Amwell: Amwell stands out for its 24/7 availability, offering immediate access to mental health professionals even during weekends and holidays. The HIPAA-compliant service ensures clients' privacy, while the versatile platform supports individual, couples, and teen counseling, catering to a wide range of therapy needs.
MDLive therapists can help you work through a huge range of mental health issues, including addiction, depression, eating disorders, grief, LGBTQ support, trauma, stress, and more. Their licensed therapists have an average of over 10 years of experience. MDLive’s online services come highly recommended and they have already helped millions of people find the support they need.
What Insurance Does MD Live Accept?
MDLive works with both Medicare and employer-provided insurance plans, as well as private insurance plans that cover virtual doctor’s visits. MDLive is HIPAA-compliant and holds a strict code of ethics to uphold the privacy and safety of its patients.
Cost and Payment Options
Without using insurance, each 45-60 minute therapy session with MDLive costs $108. For appointments with psychiatrists, an initial 30-minute session would cost $284, and every follow-up session after that costs $108 for a 15-minute session.
Why we chose MDLive: MDLive's seamless integration with major EHR (Electronic Health Record) systems sets it apart, facilitating efficient coordination between primary care providers and mental health professionals. The platform offers secure video and phone sessions covering various therapy areas, accommodating clients' diverse needs.
Doctor on Demand has a team of therapists and psychiatrists that have been rated 4.9 out of 5 by patients. You'll begin the signup process by filling out a questionnaire, and Doctor on Demand will match you with a therapist who specializes in your area of concern.
Alternatively, you can browse the network - it's easy to find a therapist based on their background and qualifications. Doctor on Demand psychiatrists can also prescribe medication as part of the therapy session.
What Insurance Does Doctor on Demand Accept?
Doctor on Demand accepts many insurance plans, including United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, and Aetna. They have also made it easy to check if your insurance company is covered, which you can do when you register.
Cost and Payment Options
Doctor on Demand doesn't have monthly subscription plans, so talk therapy sessions cost $129 for a 25-minute session and $179 for a 50-minute session. Psychiatry sessions cost $299 for your first 45-minute session, then follow-up psychiatry appointments will only cost you $129 each (for 15 minutes).
Why we chose Doctor on Demand: Doctor on Demand's strong emphasis on integrating mental health care with overall medical care sets it apart, offering clients a comprehensive approach to well-being. The platform's user-friendly interface streamlines appointment scheduling, while board-certified mental health professionals provide customized treatment plans to suit individual needs
Is insurance accepted as a form of payment? No, but you can apply to get reimbursed by your insurance provider
Faithful Counseling caters specifically to Christians in need of therapy, aiming to provide them with a holistic treatment that other services may not give them. Faithful Counseling therapists are professionals with specific training and experience to treat Christians with issues like anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, and more.
While they don't accept insurance as a form of payment, you can apply for partial reimbursement with your insurance provider.
Cost and Payment Options
Therapy through Faithful Counseling will vary in price depending on your location, preference, and therapist availability. It ranges from $60 to $90 per week (billed monthly), and you are free to cancel your membership at any time for any reason.
Why we chose Faithful Counseling: The rigorous screening process ensures clients are matched with counselors who not only possess professional expertise but also align with their worldview. Plus, the platform's dedicated mobile app simplifies the therapy experience, enabling clients to access support anytime, anywhere.
Is insurance accepted as a form of payment? No, but you can apply to get reimbursed by your insurance provider
Teenagers often have different needs than adults when it comes to online therapy. The specialists at Teen Counseling are trained in providing teens with the best care for their unique issues. Parents may also sign up to receive counseling to help their children.
Teen Counseling's online therapy can be done through their app. They also offer over-the-phone therapy, video chat therapy, and even text therapy, offering both convenience and privacy to teens seeking help. Teen Counseling doesn't accept insurance as payment, but your insurance company may partially reimburse you for its services.
Cost and Payment Options
A subscription for therapy sessions with Teen Counseling costs between $60 to $90 per week (billed monthly), and prices vary according to location and personal preferences. Subscriptions may be canceled at any time for any reason.
Why we chose TeenCounseling: One of the essential features of TeenCounseling is its empathetic and knowledgeable therapists who specialize in adolescent mental health. They have extensive experience working with teenagers, allowing them to communicate effectively and provide age-appropriate guidance. Clients can engage with their therapists through texts, live chats, phone calls, and video sessions, giving them the flexibility to choose what feels most comfortable.
Pros:
Sessions are kept private between counselor and teen
Flat membership fee, unlimited counseling
Dedicated app for use with any mobile device
Cons:
Depending on the time of day, counselors may take awhile to respond
Therapists cannot provide an official diagnosis or emergency support
Users do not have the option to choose their therapists
Is insurance accepted as a form of payment? No, but you can apply to get reimbursed by your insurance provider
Online-Therapy.com uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help empower and motivate people to live happier, more productive lives. Online-Therapy.com was developed to help people first identify challenging and dysfunctional thoughts, behaviors, patterns, and emotions.
Then—together with licensed professionals—patients work through and overcome even the longest-standing issues. If your insurance covers online therapy, you'll be able to request partial reimbursement or direct payment for sessions with Online-Therapy.com.
Cost and Payment Options
Subscription plans at Online-Therapy.com start at only $40 a week (after a 20% discount given on the site), granting you access to the therapy program, which includes daily contact with your therapist available Monday through Friday, as well as a variety of tools on the website that will help you through your everyday struggles. There are three plans to choose from:
The Basic plan - For about $160 a month, this plan includes five days of messages from your therapist. It also has 8 hours worth of material - 25 worksheets, yoga and meditation videos, journals, activity plans, and self-tests - all accessed through an easy-to-navigate site.
The Standard plan - For around $240 per month, this plan is the same but with more flexibility to contact your therapist outside office hours and twice weekly meetings with them for 1 hour each day.
The Premium Plan - If you want 24/7 access to someone who really knows how to listen to what you're saying then go for the Premium plan at just over $320 a month which offers guaranteed express replies along with unlimited live video sessions (for 2 hours at once) throughout the week.
Why we chose Online-Therapy.com: The platform's strong focus on client support goes beyond individual therapy sessions by providing supplementary resources such as educational materials, guided meditation exercises, and progress-tracking features. These elements work in tandem to help clients sustain their motivation and continue on a path of self-improvement.
A Quick Look at The Best Online Therapy Services Covered by Insurance
Provider
Session Types
Types of Therapy
Cost
Cerebral
Phone, video, unlimited messaging
Therapy, medication management
$85-$325 a month
TalkSpace
Video, phone, message, live chat
Couples, individual, medication management, psychiatry, teen counseling
$276-$516 a month
ReGain
In-person, video, phone call
Couples therapy, individual therapy
$60-$90 per week
BetterHelp
Text, live chat, video call, phone call
Individual, couples, teen
$240-$320 a month
Amwell
Video
Psychiatry, therapy
$109-$129 per visit
MDLive
Phone or video
Talk therapy, psychiatry
$108 per session
Doctor on Demand
Video
Coaching, therapy, psychiatry
$129-179 per session
Faithful Counseling
24/7 messaging, phone, video
Faith-based counseling
$60-$90 per week
Teen Counseling
Video, phone, message, live chat
Teen counseling
$60-$90 per week
Online-Therapy.com
Video, audio, live chat
CBT therapy
$160-$320 a month
How to Find Online Therapy That Takes Insurance
In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the insurance industry regarding coverage for alternative therapies, including telehealth and telepsychology. This change has made it easier for individuals to access professional support for various mental and emotional health issues. While insurance coverage for online therapy varies by provider, some platforms work more closely with insurance companies to offer coverage options for their users.
Insurance coverage for online therapy ultimately depends on the policies of each individual insurance company. Some providers may not cover online therapy, while others may offer only partial coverage. In the case where an online therapy service is not covered by insurance, it may still be possible to apply for reimbursement or partial reimbursement through your insurance provider.
If you're considering online therapy, it's important to understand the specifics of your insurance coverage and what options are available to you. Some providers may require a co-pay or deductible, while others may have limits on the number of sessions covered. It's also essential to find a reputable online therapy provider that is licensed and accredited to ensure that you receive quality care.
Using Your Insurance to Cover the Costs of Online Therapy
If your insurance provider does cover telehealth services, it will generally be in one of two ways:
Total coverage
The most preferable option for patients with insurance is an online therapy company that accepts insurance. In these cases, the online therapy company bills the insurance company, and the health plan pays the service directly for counseling services, medication, and support.
Reimbursements
Some insurance companies will cover part or all of the cost of online therapy through reimbursements. This means you will have to pay out of pocket for the sessions, but the insurance company will pay you back.
In this case, you'll need to make a claim to your insurance company. You should note two important things about reimbursements:
Make sure that you have all of the proper documentation needed to make an insurance claim. Different insurance providers will require different documents. So, check with your policy to see what you need beforehand, then make sure you have those documents when submitting your claim. Required documents can include receipts and copies of the online therapy license, among other items.
Some insurance companies are still figuring out their own policies. So, it is possible that your claim for reimbursement may be denied even though your policy states that online therapy is covered. If this happens, you will need to file an appeal with your insurance company.
If you find that your insurance plan will not help with online therapy costs, there are other ways to get more affordable online mental health care. While there are no free licensed therapists online, many therapists offer a sliding-scale pricing structure.
This can help you if you don’t have insurance coverage and you can’t afford the full price for your sessions. Many therapists offer discounts, reduced rates on bundled sessions, and payment plans. Bottom line: money concerns shouldn’t stop you from getting the help you deserve and need.
Choosing the Right Service for Your Insurance Needs
To get the most out of your insurance coverage for online therapy, be sure to follow a few simple guidelines, including:
Reading the details
The first step in finding the right service is checking to see if they accept your insurance coverage. Several companies provide online therapy that is covered by insurance, while others may advocate for you to help you get some form of compensation.
Considering low out-of-pocket costs
On the other hand, you may not want to limit yourself to the services that take your insurance policy. Online therapy costs significantly less than traditional therapy. If you are willing to pay out of pocket for your sessions, you'll have a lot more options and an easier process of selecting a therapist to help you with your concerns.
Comparing Online Therapy Providers That Accepts Insurance
When comparing different online therapy options, it is essential to consider several factors to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Cost: It's important to consider the cost of the services. Look for providers that offer transparent pricing, including any additional fees. Some providers may offer sliding scale options which allows individuals to pay for services based on their income and financial situation.
Therapy Methods: Different providers may use different therapy methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, or mindfulness-based therapy. Consider which method may work best for you and choose a provider that offers it.
Medication Management:If you require medication for your condition, it's important to find an online therapy provider that offers medication management services. This may involve working with a psychiatrist or other medical professional to manage your medications and ensure they are working effectively.
Conditions Treated: It's important to choose an online therapy provider that has experience treating your specific condition. Some providers may focus on specific areas, such as anxiety or depression, while others may offer a broader range of services.
Session Types: Online therapy providers may offer different modes of communication, such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging. Consider which works best for you and choose a provider that offers that option.
Scheduling Your Online Therapy Session With Insurance Coverage
There are a few things to keep in mind if you're about to sign up for online therapy services:
Find out if the service you are interested in offers a free trial
When signing up, make sure you are aware of any extra fees such as one-off consultation or membership fees
You should also set up your virtual space to be free from distractions, with a stable internet connection, and a working mic and webcam
How Much Does Online Therapy With Insurance Cost?
Depending on what coverage or copay options you get from your insurance or employer, an online therapy session can range from $0 and $200. This is a bit cheaper than traditional in-person therapy.
Prices usually vary due to therapist availability, the state you’re from, your treatment plan, or the online therapy service.
What if My Insurance Doesn't Cover Online Therapy?
Online therapy has revolutionized the mental health field as we know it, though some insurance companies haven’t caught up to covering it. There are a few solutions available if your insurance doesn’t pay for online therapy.
Firstly, you can seek out sliding scale options or promotions for online therapists. If you’re a student or employee, you can most likely get discounts through your university or workplace. If you have a therapy training clinic in your area, you can get low-cost mental health help from students who need the experience.
Do Online Therapy Providers Take Medicaid or Medicare?
You can see if an online therapy provider takes Medicaid or Medicare by contacting their customer support. Medicare has extended its coverage for online therapy services to all recipients.
Medicaid coverage depends more on the state that you live in. Call Medicare or Medicaid and see if they cover the online therapy provider of your choice.
Getting Quality Therapy Is Easier Than Ever Before
From providers that specialize in couples therapy to those that cater to teens, there exists a wide range of online therapy options and luckily more and more of these services are accepting insurance. Choosing the right provider depends on your individual needs.
If it’s affordability that you are looking for, Cerebral is a great choice. If you’re looking to find therapy for you and your partner, ReGain could be what you need. If you like the sound of unlimited messaging, consider giving TalkSpace a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my insurance cover online therapy?+-
Most insurance providers have established new procedures for covering online therapy for both existing and new patients. However, coverage for telehealth services and doctors on demand may vary, depending on your carrier and where you live.
Does Medicaid pay for online therapy?+-
Yes, Medicaid insurance does cover online therapy. You’ll receive the same coverage whether you’re seeing a therapist online or in person. However, since this policy was created specifically for the pandemic, Medicaid may revisit it in the future. So, if you’re thinking about getting online therapy, it’s best to check directly with Medicaid first.
What kind of online therapy services accept insurance?+-
Not all telehealth services take insurance, but most of them do. Most insurance providers require a diagnosis for covering online therapy costs. So, marriage counseling, for example, would usually only be covered if one of the partners has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. The specific coverage for online therapy sessions depends on factors such as your insurance plan, which therapist you choose, and where you live.
Does BetterHelp take insurance?+-
BetterHelp doesn't accept insurance, but you can try getting reimbursed by your insurance company if you have a doctor's diagnosis for your condition. In addition, their subscription prices are much more affordable than traditional therapy and range from $60-80 per week, which are billed monthly.
Nicky Lowney is an accredited health communication expert and writer for Top10. Having worked extensively in the pharmaceutical industry, Nicky specializes in translating complex medical information into content that informs and helps people. Nicky has also written for Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Decision Resources Group, among others.
The author of this article has been paid by Natural Intelligence to write this article. Neither the author nor Natural Intelligence provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.
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