Is BetterHelp Covered By Insurance?
Online therapy has grown significantly in recent years, and with that growth, many people have been wondering if online therapy platforms like BetterHelp accept insurance. The insurance landscape is changing, and BetterHelp is working to join select insurance networks so that more people can receive coverage for evidence-based mental health care online. This article will discuss BetterHelp’s services, insurance coverage, and options to receive affordable, evidence-based care from home.
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Is BetterHelp covered by insurance plans?
How health insurance covers mental health services
The amount of mental health coverage that an insurance company provides may vary depending on provider and your plan. Coverage in the United States has become more standardized since the passage of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), which requires most insurance plans to cover mental health services at the same level as medical or surgical benefits. In other words, copays, deductibles, visit limits, and treatment restrictions for mental health care must be comparable to those for physical health care.
The exact specifics of what a plan covers and what services are available may vary and can include both individual and group therapy to manage mental illness and improve overall health. The MHPAEA does not require that insurance cover mental health care through online platforms; however, many insurance plans are begining to recognize these as legitimate therapy options.
How to check if your plan covers online therapy
BetterHelp is currently expanding insurance coverage by state and provider. Check this page for more information, as it is regularly updated with the most current list of available states and insurers.
Understanding whether your health insurance coverage includes virtual therapy through an online platform is important. Calling your insurer may be the easiest way to check if your plan covers online therapy, some things you may ask include:
- Ask about in-network vs. out of network costs
- Ask if they accept online therapy at the same level as in person therapy
- Ask about deductibles and copay
- Ask them to review if they have “other forms of therapy” covered in their benefits
Even your insurance doesn't cover therapy, BetterHelp may be competitively priced at $70-$100 per week, offers HSA/FSA payment options, and financial aid.
BetterHelp now accepts insurance in
select states and plans
Mental health options for people without insurance coverage
People who seek support for mental health but don’t have health insurance that covers online therapy may be able to get coverage for traditional therapy in some cases. Many insurance plans cover traditional in-person therapy that is considered medically necessary. To find out what your plan covers, call your insurance provider. In some cases, individuals with low income may be able to apply for a sliding scale of payment with some providers depending on how much they make.
30,000+ therapists with diverse specialties
For those who don’t have insurance coverage, the cost of online therapy by BetterHelp is often a more affordable option than in-person therapy without covered health insurance plans. BetterHelp’s services tend to cost between $70 and $100 per week, billed as a monthly subscription. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Some people who are uninsured may qualify by applying for need-based financial aid that can reduce barriers to receiving evidence-based care from a licensed online therapist.
Affordable therapy that fits your budget
Get started with a licensed therapist for just $70–$100 per week, billed weekly or monthly.
Get startedPricing is based on factors such as location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Check your HSA plan
BetterHelp currently accepts HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards and is recognized as an eligible expense by most HSA and FSA providers. Call your provider for more information.
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!
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BetterHelp communication options
Regardless of whether individuals have insurance coverage, the communication options with BetterHelp remain the same. Anyone can connect with a fully licensed therapist via audio, video, live chat, or a combination of these methods. These communication methods eliminate the cost of commuting to a therapist’s office because they can be accessed from a person’s home, potentially making BetterHelp a more affordable option.
Support Between Sessions
In addition, BetterHelp users can contact their therapists at any time between therapy sessions through in-app messaging, and their therapists will typically respond when they are able through the online platform. This option allows for comprehensive support throughout the week.
BetterHelp members can also take advantage of weekly group meetups (attending live or viewing a recorded meeting), and use the BetterHelp journaling app to record feelings, track mood, or note observations from therapy sessions. When members of BetterHelp take advantage of these services it can enhance the impact of therapy and improve mental health and well-being.
Therapy that fits your life
Flexible, accessible, and built around you
- ✓Transparent pricingNo hidden fees, know what you’ll pay upfront
- ✓Fast matchingYou can get matched in as little as 48 hours
- ✓In-App SchedulingMessage, chat, or schedule live video
- ✓Easy to switchChange therapists anytime until you find the right fit
- ✓Tailored supportCredentialed professionals with diverse specialties
Pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
Is online therapy effective?
In addition to providing flexible communication options, online therapy has strong support in the psychological literature. Numerous peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of remote therapy for various mental health conditions. One review found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective for:
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Finding the right therapist isn’t just important – it’s everything.
Find your matchEfficacy of BetterHelp
Another study looked specifically at the effectiveness of BetterHelp’s services. Researchers found that three months of therapy with BetterHelp led to significant reductions in symptoms of depression, and first-time therapy attendees saw even greater symptom relief.
Stats that speak for themselves
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.
Benefits of Online Therapy
In addition to offering effective therapy at potentially affordable costs, online therapy:
- Allows greater access to mental health professionals, especially for those in more rural areas
- Makes it simple to attend sessions, benefiting busy parents and professionals
- Offers a wide range of specialists in a variety of therapeutic approaches and populations
- Allows individuals with disabilities access to mental health professionals from the comfort of their own home
Takeaway
Does BetterHelp accept 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.
Is BetterHelp covered by insurance plans?
BetterHelp is working to join select insurance networks to expand mental health coverage. Traditional mental health services may be covered in cases where a person has a mental health diagnosis. In addition, some companies may provide partial reimbursement, but each insurance provider may have unique health benefits.
Can health savings accounts be used for online therapy?
In some cases, people may be able to use health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for online therapy, but this may require a mental health diagnosis.
Does BetterHelp offer financial aid for people who don’t have insurance coverage for mental health?
Yes. BetterHelp offers financial aid to non-insured individuals who qualify.
What's the average cost of BetterHelp without insurance?
On average, BetterHelp online therapy subscription services cost $70 to $100 per week, billed every four weeks. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Depending on your monthly income, you may be eligible for financial aid.
Is BetterHelp actually worth it?
It can be. BetterHelp provides online counseling services with a licensed mental health professional to its users. Many people appreciate its flexibility and the option to switch therapists until they find the right mental healthcare professional for their unique needs.
Is there a cheaper alternative to BetterHelp?
There are many options for online therapy. If you have insurance, you might save money on health expenses by checking to see if in-network therapists offer telehealth sessions.
How do I pay less for BetterHelp?
You may find it helpful to reach out to BetterHelp customer service to ask them about your options. In addition, if you’ve wondered, “Is BetterHelp HSA-eligible?” the answer may be yes. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) through your employer, you may be able to use it toward your BetterHelp subscription. Some BetterHelp providers are in-network with several major insurance plans. Co-pays for eligible members average around $19 per session.
How many sessions a week can you do on BetterHelp?
Most BetterHelp clients attend one session per week, but you may be able to schedule additional sessions with your therapist after an initial consultation. Extra sessions typically come at an additional cost.
What do I do if I can't afford therapy?
If you’re having a mental health emergency, call the 988 Lifeline or visit the nearest emergency room. If you’re experiencing less pressing difficulties, such as relationship challenges or moderate mental health symptoms, you might ask professionals in your area if they offer sliding-scale fees to lower the cost of therapy.
In addition, online therapy is typically cheaper than in-person therapy without insurance. Depending on your employment status, you could check whether your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to make therapy more affordable. Attending low-cost or free support groups in your area may be a cheaper alternative to therapy.
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