How can I get an ESA letter from an affordable counselor or therapist?

Hi b! I'm not sure which college you go to, but I would recommend reaching out to campus health services to see if there is a therapist or mental health professional provided by the college that you could see. Often times mental health services are included with your tuition, or there may be a student advisor or something that could point you in the right direction. Any mental health professional provided by the college should be able to provide you with a letter to get an Emotional Support Animal. If you attend a smaller college that doesn't offer mental health services that are included with your tuition, you may look into a local community mental health center.

There should be a government-funded mental health agency, the funding of which varies by state but a lot of times it will be run by the county or the city in which you live. You could Google "community mental health center _____ county" to find one closest to you, then you can call them to ask what qualifications you need to have in order to receive services from them. Sometimes you may need to be a resident, so if you are not a resident of that county you may need to re-do the search in the county in which you are a resident.

If the college is too far away from that county, you may be able to access their services via telehealth, a virtual video platform where they will likely be able to provide you with the same level of service. You will probably have to meet with a therapist for an evaluation, where that therapist will ask you a bunch of questions, including (but not limited to) questions about how your anxiety impacts your day-to-day functioning and how you would benefit from an emotional support companion. Some therapists are able to do this in one session, other therapists may need to stretch it out over a few sessions. And some therapists may request that you continue with ongoing therapy in order to qualify to receive an Emotional Support Animal letter. 

If you’d like to participate in ongoing therapy to address anxiety or related concerns, consider utilizing an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. While ESA documentation can’t be provided by BetterHelp therapists, various therapeutic modalities are available through the platform. 

Online therapy is an affordable and effective form of care that connects participants with licensed professionals remotely. Many BetterHelp therapists now accept insurance from major carriers (state-limited). When sessions are covered, the average copay is around $23. Coverage is based on provider, plan, and therapist availability. You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site. Hopefully this information helps, I wish you the best of luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does BetterHelp take 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 who have a copay typically pay an average of about $19 per session.

What insurance plans are accepted on BetterHelp?

Many independent providers on BetterHelp accept insurance from major carriers, including Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and several state-specific Blue Cross Blue Shield plans such as Anthem, CareFirst, and Highmark. Coverage varies by state and by provider availability.

Don’t see your insurance plan? BetterHelp is working with major insurance carriers across the United States to provide affordable therapy through insurance. Until then, our flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network, with subscriptions around $70-$100/week*.

*Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

What types of therapy are typically covered by insurance?

Insurance often covers individual therapy, family and couples counseling (when deemed medically necessary), psychiatric services including medication management, and online therapy options. Please note that providers on BetterHelp do not prescribe medications. 

Contact your insurance provider directly using the number on your insurance card, check online member portals, or ask your therapist to verify your coverage to learn more.

What costs should I expect when using insurance for therapy?

You may have copays, coinsurance, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses depending on your plan. Reviewing your insurance coverage can help you understand these costs.

• If insurance doesn’t fully cover therapy costs, there are options that include:
• Using health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Seeking providers who offer sliding scale fees or payment plans
• Exploring community mental health resources
• Checking with your employer to see if they offer EAPs that provide free or low-cost therapy sessions to employees and their families

How can I find out if my insurance covers therapy?

To find out if your insurance covers therapy, start by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. 

Provide your policy details and ask specific questions about your mental health benefits, including:

• Coverage for therapy sessions
• Copays
• Session limits
• Whether your preferred therapist is an in-network provider

You can also ask your therapist or their office to verify your insurance coverage before beginning treatment. Additionally, many insurance companies offer online member portals where you can check your coverage details and find in-network therapists.

Is online therapy covered the same as in-person therapy?

Yes, many insurance plans cover online therapy (telehealth) at the same level as in-person therapy sessions. 

Under federal laws like the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance companies are required to provide comparable coverage for mental health care delivered via telehealth. Coverage applies when services are provided by licensed therapists or providers.