Does BetterHelp Take Insurance? Coverage, Costs, and Payment Options
BetterHelp accepts insurance and is in-network with 125+ health plans, giving eligible members more ways to access online therapy. Coverage and availability may vary by plan, provider, therapist availability, and deductible status. Co-pays average about $15 or less per session for eligible members.
Online therapy with insurance
With insurance, many members pay $15 or less. Some pay $0.*
Find a covered therapist*Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
How does BetterHelp compare to insurance copays?
- BetterHelp accepts insurance with 125+ insurance plans.
- For eligible members, co-pays average about $15 or less per session when covered.
- Coverage varies depending on your state, your specific plan, the provider, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Even if a BetterHelp provider is out of network with your plan, care through the platform can still be an affordable option compared to out-of-pocket costs for in-person therapy. Subscription plans typically range from $70 to $100 per week.
How to check your options for BetterHelp
Verifying your options is a simple step you can take before committing to a subscription. When you begin the BetterHelp sign-up flow, you can enter your insurance details and see your in-network status and estimated costs. It can also help to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm what your plan may cover.
How insurance coverage works for therapy
Each insurance plan is different, and understanding a few key terms can make it easier to interpret your own coverage. The way your plan classifies providers and handles claims can affect what you pay out of pocket.
In-network vs. out-of-network providers
Most plans sort healthcare providers into two categories that determine how much of a service may be covered. Here is what each type of provider typically means for your coverage:
- In-network providers are contracted with the insurance company. All or part of their eligible services may be covered for those with an eligible plan from that company.
- Out-of-network providers aren’t contracted with the insurance company. The company typically won’t cover services from this type of provider up front.
Knowing where a therapist falls can help you anticipate how claims and payments may work.
Understanding copays and out-of-pocket costs
Insurance claims are requests for your insurance company to pay for a healthcare cost, such as a therapy session with a licensed mental health professional.
Claims may be approved (paid in part or in full) or denied, depending on your plan. Out-of-pocket costs are what you pay for a visit on top of your monthly premiums, which can mean a copay, coinsurance, or the remaining cost after your insurance pays a portion. Checking with your insurance company for details can help clarify what your specific plan may cover.
The cost of BetterHelp without insurance
Before starting your mental health journey, it can help to consider the costs of care with various providers. You're not alone if you're worried you can't afford mental health treatment. With an average in-person therapy cost of $100 to $200+ a session, therapy can be a significant financial commitment.
For those without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions are billed on a weekly or monthly basis. This weekly cost can range from around $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).
What's included in a BetterHelp subscription
A BetterHelp subscription is designed to offer flexible support beyond a single weekly session. Here is what the subscription can include:
- One 30- or 45-minute live session each week
- Live sessions by video, phone, or live chat
- In-app messaging with your therapist between sessions, where therapists respond as soon as they can
- Journaling tools to reflect between sessions
- Group sessions and classes focused on education
- Smart provider matching based on your preferences
Seeing what’s included can make it easier to weigh BetterHelp against other options.
Paying for BetterHelp without insurance
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!
If you don’t have insurance or your plan isn't available for BetterHelp at this time, there are other ways to pay that may make care more affordable. Consider the following options:
- Using HSA/FSA funds: BetterHelp is considered an eligible expense by many HSA and FSA providers.
- Financial aid: BetterHelp offers financial aid to some eligible users, which can offset the cost of your subscription.
Each of these paths can help make ongoing care more manageable, and the sections below explain how they work.
Using HSA or FSA funds
Many members find that funds set aside for healthcare can be applied to their subscription. BetterHelp is considered an eligible expense for many FSA and HSA providers, so it can help to check the terms of your account to confirm.
Financial aid options
Support may be available if cost is a concern. If you want to know whether you might qualify for financial aid, you can contact the BetterHelp Customer Service team at contact@betterhelp.com or complete the onboarding questionnaire to find out whether you qualify.
Psychiatry and medication management through Uplift
BetterHelp also offers an online psychiatric platform, an additional care option available alongside therapy that can be part of a holistic mental health care experience.
These services provide virtual care for individuals ages 18 and older experiencing mild to severe behavioral health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and other conditions that may benefit from psychiatric consultation. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate, and all treatment decisions are made by a licensed psychiatric provider (MD/DOs or PMHNPs) based on a full clinical evaluation. Not everyone needs or benefits from medication.
Many psychiatric providers are in-network with most major insurance carriers. Clients typically start with a comprehensive appointment for a psychiatric evaluation, with ongoing follow-up visits scheduled as determined collaboratively between the client and their provider. The cost of any medication will depend on your insurance plan, so we recommend speaking with your insurer about your copay, deductible, and whether they cover a prescribed medication. If you’re interested, you can get started with psychiatry services.
Medication management, with insurance options
$26 average copay for eligible members*
Connect with a psychiatrist*Based on finalized paid psychiatry visits with a copay. Insurance availability, coverage, and costs vary by state, plan, provider network, and provider availability.
Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member’s insurance plan.
Other affordable mental health options
You may also be able to find free or low-cost options for care near you, though these are not intended for crisis support. Some resources worth exploring include:
- Community mental health centers
- Federally qualified health centers
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs) offered by some employers
- Free support groups online or near you
- Free helplines for mental health support and resource referrals
If you are in crisis, or someone you know is in danger, do not use this site. BetterHelp is not an emergency service. If you’re in crisis and need immediate help, go to your nearest emergency room or call a crisis helpline like 988. You can also reach out to one of the following options:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
Keep in mind that free resources may not offer the same level of individualized care, but compassionate support is available in some form, regardless of cost.
How online therapy can help
Online therapy can be a more affordable and accessible way to receive licensed care, often costing less than in-person sessions without insurance and allowing you to connect with a therapist from the comfort of your home. Plus, research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as traditional care with in-person mental health professionals, which may be reassuring if you’re weighing cost and access.
Takeaway
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Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through 125+ insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members’ average copay is $15 or less per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see our detailed guide on BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Can your insurance pay for BetterHelp?
To confirm if your insurance will cover online therapy through BetterHelp, you can contact your insurance company directly to learn more about your benefits. You can also check your in-network status during the sign-up process.
Does BetterHelp offer psychiatry and medication management?
Yes. BetterHelp offers psychiatric care through their dedicated psych platform. These services provide virtual mental health care for individuals ages 18 and older experiencing mild to severe behavioral health symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and other conditions that may benefit from psychiatric consultation. Psychiatry is an additional care option available alongside therapy and may include medication management when clinically appropriate. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed psychiatric provider based on a full clinical evaluation, and not everyone needs or benefits from medication.
Are psychiatry and medication management covered by insurance on BetterHelp?
Psychiatry services may be covered by insurance. Many UpLift providers are in-network with most major insurance carriers, and for eligible members the average copay is about $26. The cost of any medication will depend on your insurance plan, so we recommend speaking with your insurer about your copay, deductible, and whether they cover a prescribed medication. Medication availability and coverage may vary by location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy/insurance benefits.
Does any online therapy take insurance?
Several online therapy platforms may work with certain insurance plans, including BetterHelp. Even without insurance, BetterHelp can be an affordable way to receive therapy.
Can I use FSA or HSA for BetterHelp?
BetterHelp is considered an eligible expense for many FSA and HSA providers. It can help to check the terms of your account to confirm coverage.
How much does BetterHelp cost without insurance?
BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week without insurance, billed weekly or monthly, with costs based on your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts.
Can I get reimbursed for BetterHelp by my insurance?
Some insurance providers may reimburse you for out-of-network therapy sessions on the BetterHelp platform. Check with your insurance provider to see if your plan qualifies for reimbursement.
Is BetterHelp cheaper than in-person therapy?
BetterHelp can be more affordable, with weekly costs of $70 to $100 compared to $100 to $350 per in-person session. Online therapy can also involve fewer costs, with no commuting and less time away from work.
Does BetterHelp offer financial aid?
Yes, BetterHelp offers financial aid to some eligible users, which can help offset the cost of a subscription. You can find out whether you qualify by completing the onboarding questionnaire or contacting the Customer Success team.
How do I check my options for BetterHelp?
You can check your in-network status during the BetterHelp sign-up process by entering your insurance details. Contacting your insurance provider directly can also help confirm your options.
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This article provides general information and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. Mentions of diagnoses or therapy/treatment options are educational and do not indicate availability through BetterHelp in your country.
BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.