Insurance And Online Therapy
Have you been considering online therapy, like BetterHelp, but wondering whether it will be covered by your health insurance plan? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are interested in online therapy for mental health treatment but find themselves considering the cost and navigating insurance policies.
While online therapy with BetterHelp is sometimes covered by health insurance, many plans don’t offer online mental health coverage at this time. In recent years, online therapy has grown considerably, and numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy. Therefore, coverage policies may soon adapt to the rapidly expanding online mental health field.
You might feel overwhelmed by navigating the world of insurance coverage and online therapy, but it 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 coverage.
Insurance coverage for BetterHelp
BetterHelp offers affordable pricing options for therapy with licensed mental health providers. Although coverage for therapy and other mental health services typically varies based on the health coverage provider and individual plan, online therapy like that offered at BetterHelp is typically not covered by most plans. BetterHelp will not submit a claim to your insurance company, Medicare, or Medicaid. In some cases, your insurance provider may provide reimbursement for online counseling. Checking with your provider is the best way to find out about the coverage available through your insurance plan. Often, you can find out whether insurance covers online therapy by going to your 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).
In general, BetterHelp offers affordable pricing that may be comparable with the co-payments required by most insurance plans. The platform operates on a subscription model, so clients are can pay a fee every four weeks instead of paying copays (after being billed monthly for premiums), which may be even more expensive for those with a high deductible. Though your plan, Medicaid, or Medicare may not cover online therapy, you may find it to be an affordable option that allows you to connect with a therapist without commuting to a therapist’s office.
Is BetterHelp HSA eligible?
Online therapy is considered a qualified medical expense through many HSA and FSA programs. If you have a health savings account (HSA), 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.
Using an HSA to cover fees can be a cost-saving option. The services often cost less than what traditional therapy can cost, and using pre-taxed income set aside in an HSA can be an effective way to save money while receiving help for a mental illness from a licensed counselor.
Price of online therapy without health insurance
One of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) when searching for online mental health care is, “Can I afford online therapy?” A core mission of BetterHelp is to provide affordable therapy with licensed mental health professionals. As a subscription-based platform, it offers mental healthcare options that tend to be lower than what many traditional therapy providers charge. The platform’s membership cost is approximately $65-$100 a week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply). The exact cost for therapy sessions is often based on the therapist you work with, your location, and your preferences.
A subscription includes weekly therapy sessions, messaging with your therapist, and the use of an online journal.
If you have concerns about affording therapy at this time, you might consider applying for a BetterHelp scholarship. These scholarships are offered to 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 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 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.
What does BetterHelp do for its 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?
Therapists on this platform are licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social workers (LCSW), licensed professional counselors (LPC), or psychologists (PhD/PsyD). They each hold at least a master’s degree.
Many therapists on BetterHelp are also nationally certified addiction therapists who can help with addiction treatment, recovery, and prevention. Finally, relationship therapy is also available through a sister site, Regain.
How do I connect with a BetterHelp therapist online?
The first step is to sign up. You will then be matched with a therapist who fits with your goals, preferences, and the type of challenges you would like to address. The matching process may take a few days or just a few hours. Then, you can connect with your therapist using convenient options for communication, including:
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: 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.
Live phone sessions: You can schedule phone sessions with your therapist so that you can talk to each other from almost anywhere.
Live video sessions: You and your therapist can schedule times to meet via videoconference through the platform.
Additional helpful tools on BetterHelp
Groupinars
Groupinars are available for 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 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 can vary. While most insurance companies don’t cover online therapy at this time, you can submit a claim to your provider to see if you can obtain full or partial coverage. To find out more, call your health insurance provider and ask about the mental health coverage available through your plan. 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 cost coverage 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 plans. Also, BetterHelp offers scholarships to individuals who qualify for a discount on their subscriptions.
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.
Don't feel overwhelmed by the world of online therapy and healthcare. While many services may not be covered, there are affordable options. If you're interested in learning about BetterHelp, you can click here.
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