Does BetterHelp Take Insurance? Coverage, Costs, And Options
BetterHelp offers multiple ways to access online therapy. Below, explore how BetterHelp coverage works, what therapy may cost with and without insurance coverage, and the alternative payment options that can make care more accessible.
How does BetterHelp coverage and pricing work?
In select states, some providers on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain health plans for eligible members. Coverage options may vary depending on state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. When covered, eligible members may access online therapy with co-pays that average about $23 per session, which can be significantly less than many typical in-person therapy visits.
Because coverage and pricing can vary by state and other factors, it can help to check your in-network status before getting started. BetterHelp is also continuing to work with insurance carriers to expand coverage by state and provider, so more options may become available over time.
Even if insurance isn't available for a person's situation, connecting with a BetterHelp therapist can still be affordable through the flexible subscription model. You can visit the BetterHelp insurance page to learn more.
How much does BetterHelp cost?
The cost of BetterHelp can depend on whether you use insurance, pay out of pocket, or compare it to traditional in-person care. Here is a breakdown of the three most common scenarios.
Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
In-person therapy | $100 to $350 per session | Cost may vary by provider and location |
BetterHelp with in-network coverage | Co-pays average about $23 per session* | For eligible members when a provider is in-network |
BetterHelp out of pocket | $70 to $100 per week** | Billed weekly or monthly as a subscription |
*Coverage varies by plan, provider, 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.
BetterHelp with in-network coverage
When a provider on BetterHelp is in-network for eligible members, co-pays average about $23 per session, which can be considerably less than many typical in-person therapy costs. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability, so it can help to confirm your in-network status before starting.
BetterHelp without insurance
When paying out of pocket, the cost of online therapy via BetterHelp ranges from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply. Compared to in-person therapy, which can range from $100 to $350 per session, this may be a more affordable option for many people.
Using HSA or FSA for BetterHelp
Many people may be able to use their health savings or flexible spending funds toward therapy expenses. BetterHelp currently accepts HSA and FSA cards, though eligibility may vary, so it can help to call your plan administrator 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!
BetterHelp discounts and financial aid
Cost can be one of the biggest barriers to getting support, and there are options that may make care more accessible. BetterHelp offers need-based financial aid for uninsured individuals.
Does BetterHelp offer psychiatry and medication management?
BetterHelp now offers psychiatry services through UpLift as an additional care option available alongside therapy. These services provide virtual mental health care for individuals ages 18 and older who are experiencing mild to severe behavioral health symptoms, including those associated with anxiety, depression, and other conditions that may benefit from psychiatric consultation. Psychiatry can be part of a holistic mental health care experience, and it may include medication management when clinically appropriate. Not everyone needs or benefits from medication, and medication decisions are personalized. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed psychiatric provider based on a full clinical evaluation.
Psychiatry services may be covered by insurance through UpLift. Many UpLift providers are in-network with most major insurance carriers, and for eligible members, the average copay is about $20. The cost of any medication will depend on your insurance plan, so it can help to speak with your insurance to learn about your copay, deductible, and whether your prescribed medication is covered. When you're ready, you can get started with psychiatry through UpLift.
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.
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 a level comparable to medical or surgical benefits. In other words, copays, deductibles, visit limits, and treatment restrictions for mental health care may be comparable to those for physical health care.
The exact specifics of what a plan covers can vary. While the MHPAEA does not require that insurance cover mental health care through online platforms, many insurance plans are beginning to recognize these as legitimate therapy options.
How to verify your mental health coverage
Understanding whether your health insurance coverage includes virtual therapy through an online platform can help you avoid surprises and plan ahead. Reviewing your plan documents or contacting your insurer may help you understand how online therapy is addressed under your benefits, including in-network versus out-of-network considerations.
Questions to ask your insurance provider:
- Does my plan cover online therapy at the same level as in-person therapy?
- What are my in-network vs. out-of-network costs?
- What is my deductible, and has it been met?
- What is my copay for mental health services?
Who may benefit most from BetterHelp
Online therapy can be a good fit for many different people and situations. Some of the people who may benefit most include those who:
- Have busy schedules and want flexibility regarding when and where they attend sessions
- Live in rural or underserved areas with fewer local mental health professionals
- Prefer connecting with a licensed therapist from the comfort of their home
- Are navigating mild to moderate mental health symptoms and want ongoing support
At the same time, BetterHelp may not be the right fit for everyone. People experiencing a mental health crisis or severe conditions that require in-person or emergency care may be better served by other resources.
Benefits of online therapy
One of the biggest benefits of online therapy can be accessibility, especially when combined with insurance coverage that may lower out-of-pocket costs for eligible members. Being able to connect with a licensed therapist from home can also make it simpler to attend sessions consistently, which may make mental health care more accessible for busy parents, professionals, and people in more rural areas.
How effective is online therapy for mental health support?
Research suggests that online therapy is as effective as its in-person counterpart. Both options can treat a wide variety of disorders and concerns.
Crisis resources
If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, you can call the 988 Lifeline or visit your nearest emergency room for immediate support. BetterHelp's Get Help Now page features additional resources to consider. BetterHelp is not intended for crisis situations, so reaching out to these resources can help ensure you get the right level of care when it's most needed.
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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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.