Therapy Covered By Insurance In Houston

Those who are looking for therapy covered by insurance in Houston, Texas can contact their insurance company for a list of in-network providers. Both online and in-person therapy may be covered in some cases. BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that allows you to meet with a therapist remotely, and some BetterHelp providers in Houston now accept insurance. 

How do I find therapy covered by insurance in Houston?

To find a therapist who will accept your insurance plan in Houston, check with your insurance provider. They may provide you with a list of therapists in your area who are in-network, according to your plan.

If you are interested in using a therapist on the BetterHelp platform, please note that the platform is working with select insurance carriers to join their network in Texas. Some Houston providers on BetterHelp may be considered in-network with certain health plans.

How does BetterHelp work?

BetterHelp is a 100% virtual service that connects users to licensed therapists, counselors, and psychologists. When you sign up with BetterHelp, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your needs and preferences to match you with a suitable mental health care provider. You can also browse provider profiles and request an appointment with a particular therapist.

After you are matched with a therapist, you can schedule your first weekly session. Multiple types of sessions are available, including via video call, phone, and live chat, so you can choose the format that is the right fit for you. You can also contact your therapist using the in-app messaging system, and they will typically respond when they are able.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

Therapy may be right for you if you are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness like depression, an anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other psychological challenges. A therapist can provide personalized support and resources to manage your symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Most people can benefit from mental health services like therapy, even if they aren’t living with a diagnosable condition. Whether you’re going through a difficult life transition, experiencing relationship conflict, or coping with grief, the right provider can offer guidance and emotional support.

How soon can I meet with a therapist?

As soon as you are matched with a provider, you can schedule your first session and begin your healing journey. Matching times can vary, depending on factors like therapist preferences and availability.

What types of care can I receive through BetterHelp?

Therapists on the BetterHelp platform are trained in a variety of therapy approaches. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most widely researched and commonly used modalities, is available on the platform. Additionally, BetterHelp therapists may offer trauma-informed therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, interpersonal therapy, person-centered therapy, and other specialized approaches tailored to individual needs.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Who are the BetterHelp therapists?

BetterHelp therapists are a community of mental health professionals who meet specific qualifications. Most providers on the BetterHelp platform have official titles like licensed professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, clinical social worker, psychologist, or mental health counselor. Some providers may hold a similar professional license based on their location. 

All therapists hold a relevant degree, have at least three years of experience, and have completed at least 1,000 hours of hands-on experience working with clients. Additionally, they must be fully qualified and licensed in the state where they practice.

Is online therapy more affordable than in-person therapy?

Online therapy can be more affordable than in-person sessions. Those without insurance coverage for mental health care may find the cost of online therapy less expensive than their out-of-pocket costs for in-person sessions. The cost of online therapy is often comparable to the copays required by some insurance companies for in-person treatment.

BetterHelp, for example, uses transparent billing for subscription pricing. For non-insurance users, the cost of online therapy via BetterHelp ranges from $70 to $100 per week, billed either weekly or monthly. Actual costs are determined by location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and applicable discounts. (Please note that discounts are only available to individuals who are not using insurance coverage.)

BetterHelp is currently working with select insurance carriers to join their network, and some providers on BetterHelp may already be in-network for certain health plans. Check the in-network status of your provider with your insurance company or on the BetterHelp site. 

What can I expect at my first therapy session?

Your first session may focus on you and your therapist getting to know one another and forming a connection on a basic, human level. You can come to your first session with questions about the process or a list of topics you'd like to discuss if you wish, but prior preparation is not a requirement.

During this session, your therapist may ask broad, open-ended questions, such as “What brings you to therapy?”, or they may ask you to tell them a little about yourself. They may also discuss their experience and qualifications and lay out how future therapy sessions will proceed.

How can I get started with BetterHelp?

The first step to getting started with BetterHelp is to fill out an initial questionnaire, which will facilitate the therapist matching process. Once matched, you can begin scheduling virtual appointments.