Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy?

Understanding your insurance coverage

Figuring out whether your insurance plan covers therapy and what restrictions there are can take time. The following steps may help you move through the process.

Step 1: Verify your benefits

To verify what your plan covers, call the number on your health insurance card or examine your plan’s benefits through your online insurance portal. Look out for:

• Covered mental and behavioral health benefits
• In-network requirements
• Copays/coinsurance
• Deductibles
• Session caps
• Whether prior authorization is required
• Whether a mental health diagnosis is required
• Whether telehealth services are covered

Step 2: Know what’s typically not covered

Managing your expectations for what may and may not be covered can be helpful. For example, insurance plans typically don’t cover couples counseling, unless it’s required to treat a diagnosable condition for the covered partner. 

Step 3: Look for an in-network provider

Most insurance plans that cover mental health services have a list of “in-network” providers, with all others being “out-of-network.” Understanding the difference can be important:

• In-network providers typically offer lower contracted rates and simpler billing
• Out-of-network providers usually involve higher costs, with services either not covered or requiring upfront payment and reimbursement via a superbill 

Step 4: Find the right fit

Once you’ve gotten a list of in-network providers from your insurance company, if applicable, you can start looking for the right fit. For best results, you might search for a therapist who has the credentials or experience you’re looking for and who you feel comfortable opening up to. It’s common to meet with a few therapists before finding the right provider for you.

Paying for therapy with or without insurance

Understanding the various ways you can pay for therapy can bring you one step closer to receiving care. Options for quality care are available regardless of insurance coverage.

Using insurance to cover therapy

Several pieces of insurance-related legislation have been passed in recent decades to help more people receive mental health care. Reviewing these can help you understand your own coverage. For example:

• The Affordable Care Act says that insurance plans must cover essential mental health services 
• The Addiction Equity Act says that insurance plans must provide similar coverage for mental health care as they do for medical/surgical care
• Children’s Health Insurance Program provides coverage to uninsured children in families that earn too much money to qualify for government programs but don't make enough to afford paid insurance

Pre-tax options like an HSA/FSA

Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA) are another way to pay for therapy. They allow people to save and use pre-tax dollars for eligible health-related expenses. 

For many HSAs and FSAs, therapy can be considered an eligible expense. This often includes therapy through platforms like BetterHelp, which can accept HSA/FSA cards as a form of payment. Contact your HSA or FSA provider to find out more about covered expenses.

BetterHelp’s subscription model

Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can also be an affordable way to get care. A BetterHelp subscription for non-insurance users can range from $65–$100, billed weekly or every four weeks. Subscription costs vary by location, referral source, discounts, and therapist availability. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

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What to consider when choosing how to pay

Many factors can affect therapy costs. Below are some to consider as you explore your options.

Clinical and practical factors

Several aspects of your chosen therapy type can influence its cost, such as:

• Session frequency
• Provider credentials (counselor, psychologist, therapist, etc.)
• Specialty (cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed therapy, etc.)
• Care type (individual or specialty therapy)

It can be important to find a provider who meets your care needs, who you feel comfortable with, and who charges an amount that’s affordable for you.

Online vs. in-person formats

Whether your sessions take place online or in person can also affect what you pay. For example, some insurance plans may offer greater coverage for telehealth therapy sessions than they do for in-person sessions, though not all online therapy platforms accept insurance. Even without insurance, however, online therapy can still be more affordable than in-person sessions without insurance.

Options to explore when you can't afford therapy

Providers who offer income-based therapy

Some therapists offer income-based rates for those who qualify. For example, a therapy office might have a sliding-scale fee structure, which means the cost of therapy for a given client can vary depending on their income. Financial aid may also be available in some cases.

Community mental health centers and other affordable options

Community mental health centers, nonprofit clinics, university training clinics, and employee assistance plans (EAPs) are other options to consider exploring. Contact the relevant care provider for information on eligibility and wait lists.

Talking to your doctor

If you're unsure how to find low-cost medical services, talk to your primary care physician. They may be able to refer you to a mental health professional they know of who offers sliding-scale or low-cost services, or help connect you with other resources.

Not ready for therapy? 

You can also pursue resources outside of therapy to help you on your wellness journey, such as

• Journaling prompts
• Books and podcasts by qualified professionals
• Peer support groups

While these are not the same as receiving individualized, evidence-based care, they may be useful forms of support.

BetterHelp as a cost-effective option to explore

For those without insurance, another option to explore is online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. Subscription plans range from $65–$100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. 

BetterHelp can also be a more comfortable and convenient option for many. BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist based on your answers to a brief onboarding questionnaire, which can help you find the right match in less time. Then, you can attend sessions with your therapist virtually—via phone, video, or live chat—from the comfort of home, which can make BetterHelp a more accessible option than commuting to in-person sessions.