Is BetterHelp Covered by Insurance for Online Mental Health Care?
BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
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. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans and is working to expand access to 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.
The same therapy you trust, with the option to use insurance
BetterHelp accepts insurance through major insurance plans, giving members more ways to access online therapy. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.*
Get startedIs BetterHelp covered by insurance plans?
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance options may be available depending on state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Even if insurance isn’t available for a person’s situation, connecting with a BetterHelp therapist can still be affordable. BetterHelp also offers a subscription-based option for accessing therapy.
How health insurance covers mental health services
The amount of mental health coverage that an insurance company provides may vary depending on the 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 beginning to recognize these as legitimate therapy options.
How to learn about online therapy coverage
BetterHelp is currently expanding insurance access by state and provider. Visit this page for more information, as it is regularly updated with the most current information about available options.
Understanding whether your health insurance coverage includes virtual therapy through an online platform is important. Reviewing your plan documents or contacting your insurer may help you understand how online therapy is addressed under your benefits. Some things you may ask include:
- Ask about in-network vs. out-of-network costs
- Ask if they cover online therapy at the same level as in-person therapy
- Ask about deductibles and copays
- Ask them to review whether other forms of therapy are included in your benefits
If insurance isn’t available, BetterHelp may be competitively priced at $70-$100 per week, offers HSA/FSA payment options, and financial aid.
Therapy with insurance, $23/session avg copay*
Eligible members may be able to access online therapy with an average copay of $23. Insurance coverage may vary by plan, provider, and availability.
Find a covered therapist*Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Mental health options for people without insurance coverage
People who seek support for mental health but don’t have health insurance that includes online therapy may still have options 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.
For those who don’t have insurance coverage, the cost of online therapy through BetterHelp is often a more affordable option than in-person therapy without health insurance. 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.
In-Person Therapy
$100–$350 / session
BetterHelp Out of Pocket
$70–$100/week**
*Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
**Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your 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 many people may be able to use them for therapy expenses. Eligibility may vary, so call your plan administrator for more information.
BetterHelp communication options
Regardless of whether individuals have insurance coverage, BetterHelp offers multiple ways to connect with a therapist. Members may be able to meet with a licensed therapist via audio or video sessions, and some features may vary depending on payment method. These options can 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 ongoing 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.
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
Efficacy 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.
Effective online therapy, with insurance options
Get started to explore online therapy with insurance. Eligible members may be able to access online therapy with an average copay of $23.* Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a covered therapistBenefits 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. BetterHelp accepts insurance through major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members’ average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow.
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. Eligibility may vary, so members should verify details with their plan administrator.
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.
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. Insurance options may also be available for some members depending on state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members’ average copay is about $23 per session.
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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