BetterHelp Insurance Tips: Coverage And Online Therapy Sessions
Have you been considering online therapy, like BetterHelp, but wondering whether it will be covered by your health insurance plan? There are several factors that must be addressed when answering this question. Many people are interested in online therapy for mental health treatment, but find themselves considering the cost and navigating insurance policies that may or may not include mental health benefits or cover online therapy. We’ll explore these topics below.
Does my health insurance plan cover online therapy like BetterHelp for anxiety, depression, and other conditions?
Possibly. In recent years, online therapy has grown considerably, and numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. Therefore, insurance coverage policies are adapting to the rapidly expanding online mental health field. BetterHelp works with insurance companies in select states, and some therapists on the platform may be in network with certain insurance plans.
Understanding BetterHelp, insurance coverage, and other affordable mental health care options
You might feel overwhelmed by navigating the world of health insurance coverage and online therapy, but what insurance covers may not be as complex as you think. Below, we’ll explore insurance coverage of therapy and affordable options for therapy and mental health treatment, including financial aid and scholarships, if you don’t have mental health insurance coverage.
Therapy with insurance, $19 average co-pay*
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers so you can access therapy affordably. Insured members pay an average co-pay of around $19 per session.
Find a covered therapist*Average co-pay based on insured BetterHelp members. Actual costs vary by plan, provider, and therapist availability.
BetterHelp & insurance coverage
BetterHelp offers affordable pricing options for therapy with licensed mental health providers, whether or not you have insurance coverage. Coverage for therapy and other mental health services typically varies based on the health coverage provider and individual plan. Your plan may cover BetterHelp. If so, your co-pay could average approximately $19 per week. This can vary based on the specific plan, your provider, and therapist availability. In some cases, your insurance provider may provide reimbursement for online counseling, even if it’s not directly covered by health insurance. You can check in-network status on the BetterHelp site to confirm coverage. Checking with your insurance provider is another way to find out about the coverage available through your insurance plan. Often, you can find out whether your insurance company covers online therapy by going to your insurance provider’s online portal. You may also be able to call your insurance company directly (most providers, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, have a Contact Us page) to find out exactly what your insurance covers.
| Therapy payment option | Typical cost per session | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Online Therapy with BetterHelp (Insurance Accepted in Select States) | $19 average copay* | Some BetterHelp therapists are in-network with major insurance carriers in select states. Coverage depends on plan and availability. |
| BetterHelp Without Insurance | $70–$100 per week | Subscription-based pricing with no copays or session limits. Financial aid available for those who qualify. |
| In-Person Therapy Without Insurance | $100–$350 per session | Costs vary by location, provider credentials, and specialty. Often higher without insurance coverage. |
Understanding BetterHelp insurance
In general, BetterHelp offers affordable pricing for non-covered members that may be comparable with the co-payments required by most insurance plans. The BetterHelp platform features a subscription model, so clients can pay a fee every four weeks. Though your health insurance plan, may or may not cover online therapy, you may find a BetterHelp subscription to be an affordable option that allows you to connect with a therapist without commuting to a therapist’s office like you would for traditional therapy.
Is online therapy through BetterHelp HSA eligible?
Typically, yes. Online therapy is considered a qualified medical expense through many HSA and FSA programs. If you have a health savings account (HSA) through your insurance provider, it may be helpful to contact the manager or bank that oversees your program to find out whether your plan covers the cost of online therapy. People can typically use funds from an HSA, FSA (flexible spending account), or HRA (health reimbursement arrangement) to pay for online therapy with a mental health professional.
It's easy to pay with your FSA/HSA!
Simply enter your FSA or HSA card on the Payment page. We accept both FSA and HSA cards and therapy is an eligible expense for most providers!
Using an HSA to cover fees for online therapy can be a cost-saving option. The services often cost less than what traditional therapy can cost, and using pre-tax income set aside in an HSA can be an effective way to save money while receiving help from a licensed counselor or other licensed mental health professional.
How much does a BetterHelp subscription cost without a health insurance plan?
Without insurance coverage, BetterHelp subscriptions range from about $70 to $100 per week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply). A core mission of BetterHelp is to provide affordable therapy with licensed mental health professionals, even if it’s not covered by insurance. As a subscription-based platform, it offers mental healthcare options that tend to be lower than what many traditional therapy providers charge. There may also be other options for payment, including the use of health savings accounts and financial aid for eligible non-insured subscribers.
In-Person Therapy
$100–$350 / session
- ✓ Licensed therapists
- ✗ Limited to office hours
- ✗ Commute required
BetterHelp
$70–$100 / week *
- ✓ Licensed therapists
- ✓ Messaging your therapist any time
- ✓ Live chat, phone, or video sessions
- ✓ Journaling
- ✓ Group Sessions & Classes
- ✓ Smart provider matching
- ✓ Access from anywhere online
Talkspace
$99+ / week
- ✓ Qualified therapists
- ✓ Messaging included
- ✓ Video sessions (limited)
What does a BetterHelp subscription include?
A BetterHelp subscription includes weekly therapy sessions with a mental health professional, messaging with your therapist, and the use of an online journal.
If you have concerns about affording therapy sessions at this time, you might consider applying for financial aid through a BetterHelp scholarship. BetterHelp scholarships and financial aid are offered to non-insured individuals who qualify for therapy at a reduced rate. To qualify, you may be asked to answer questions regarding your employment status, monthly income, and similar factors.
Benefits of online mental health treatment with BetterHelp
Therapists who connect and work with clients typically like the platform’s flexibility and ability to reach more clients. Convenience is offered for both therapists and people seeking therapy.
People tend to like BetterHelp because it can help them face life’s challenges and begin to understand and address almost any mental health-related concerns they may have. Some of the benefits of BetterHelp therapy sessions include:
- Affordability: BetterHelp offers therapy with reasonable pricing. The costs of memberships are often as low as those of copays for in-person therapy appointments through many insurance plans.
- Safety: Users can participate in telehealth therapy sessions from the comfort of their own home or wherever they have an internet connection. They may feel more empowered to seek therapy if they can do so from a familiar environment where they don’t worry about the perceived stigma that is often attached to mental healthcare.
- Convenience: Clients may find more flexible scheduling options for connecting with their therapist. They may also find the methods of connecting—live video sessions, chat options, phone calls, and in-app messaging—to be more versatile.
- Efficacy: Both research on BetterHelp and reviews have shown that therapy through the services can effectively help people improve their lives.
BetterHelp and the community
BetterHelp has donated over 31,000 months of therapy to people affected by crises or natural disasters nationwide as well as to mission-driven non-profits.
- NAMI: to support frontline healthcare workers
- me too.: International, to support people affected by sexual violence
- The Malala Fund and Restore Her Voice: to support Afghanistan refugees
- Sandy Hook Promise: to support those affected by gun violence
- OUT Foundation: to support LGBTQ+ athletes
What are some examples of mental health services available through BetterHelp?
There are a variety of therapists on the BetterHelp platform, each holding at least a master’s degree, including:
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT)
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW)
- Licensed professional counselors (LPC)
- Psychologists (PhD/PsyD)
BetterHelp’s licensed mental health providers also offer individual therapy for a wide range of mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, LGBTQIA+ concerns, stress, grief, anger management problems, eating/disorders, career concerns, sleep challenges, and more. BetterHelp therapists use a diverse array of effective styles of therapy. Common therapy methods include person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, emotionally focused therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavior therapy.
30,000+ therapists with diverse specialties
Many therapists on BetterHelp are also nationally certified addiction therapists who can help with addiction treatment, recovery, and prevention.
Find a BetterHelp therapist online
The first step is to sign up for therapy sessions with BetterHelp. You will then be matched with a therapist who fits with your goals, preferences, and the type of challenges you would like to address. Then, you can connect with your therapist using convenient options for communication, including:
BetterHelp Messaging
You can exchange messages with your therapist anytime through your own chat room. You can message your therapist at your convenience, and you’ll be notified by email when they reply.
Live chats with BetterHelp
You can also schedule a live chat with your therapist. After logging into your account at the scheduled time, you and your therapist can exchange messages with each other in real time and have a live interaction.
BetterHelp live phone sessions
You can schedule phone therapy sessions with your therapist so that you can talk to each other from almost anywhere.
Live video sessions with BetterHelp
You and your therapist can schedule times to meet via videoconference through the platform for your therapy sessions.
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchHelpful tools on BetterHelp for mental health
Groupinars
Groupinars are available for BetterHelp clients each week. Participants can meet, learn, and discuss topics with others through interactive programs. They are live but also recorded, so you can get them at your convenience if you cannot participate live. Users can attend one groupinar per week as part of their subscription.
Journaling
A journaling tool is built into the BetterHelp platform. Journaling can be an effective way to help you process thoughts and feelings while tracking behaviors.
Takeaway
If you’re using an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, insurance coverage for mental health services can vary. BetterHelp is working with insurance plans in certain states to provide coverage for eligible members. Also, if you have a health savings account (HSA), you may discover that you can use this tax-free fund to pay for online therapy with a licensed mental health professional.
A lack of health insurance or cost coverage through an insurance company doesn’t have to be a deterrent to getting help. BetterHelp offers affordable pricing that may be comparable with the co-payments required by most insurance plans for healthcare expenses. Also, BetterHelp offers scholarships to non-insured individuals who qualify for a discount on their subscriptions based on their monthly income and employment status.
With an affordable subscription, you can be matched with a licensed therapist who has experience in your specific areas of concern. Take the first step toward improved mental health and reach out to BetterHelp today.
Find a therapist with or without insurance
The world of online therapy, health insurance, and healthcare can feel overwhelming, but take heart. While many services may or may not be covered, there are still affordable options. If you're interested in learning about BetterHelp, you can click here.
Is mental health therapy covered by insurance?
Yes, some mental health therapy is covered by insurance. Before you make an appointment with a therapist, check with your insurance company to see what is covered under your plan.
Does BetterHelp take insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and availability. When sessions are covered, members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site. Coverage varies by state and provider availability.
Does the BetterHelp app accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance and is working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Some therapists on the BetterHelp platform now accept insurance (state-limited). Until then, our flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network.
BetterHelp currently accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA/FSA providers.
Can I get reimbursed for BetterHelp after I find a therapist?
Some insurance providers may reimburse you for therapy sessions on the BetterHelp platform. Check with your insurance provider to see if your plan qualifies for reimbursement.
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