Do your establishment work with insurance companies. I have blue crosa.blue shield

The best way to know if your insurance will cover speaking with a therapist would be discussing this with your insurance company, utilizing the member benefits on your specific plan. Many insurances will cover speaking with a therapist and they may refer you to specific in-network providers to assure there is no additional cost. The easiest way would be to go to bcbs.com and click on member services. From there, you will be prompted to input your Member ID and can search under Behavioral Health for providers, specifically Therapy. If you sign up for BetterHelp, we’ll also ask a few questions to check your eligibility for insurance coverage for online therapy.

It sounds like there is a lot going on for you and especially with the recent loss of your mother, it is very helpful to work with someone as you begin navigating how your life looks different, in addition to processing your thoughts and emotions.

To find a counselor that would be most appropriate for your current concerns, I would recommend "counselor shopping". While many therapists are able to assist you with your concerns, it seems like you would want someone who is well-versed in grief and loss, trauma, sexual abuse, family therapy, lgbtq, relationships, and more related topics. Finding a therapist who suits you is going to be one of the most helpful things you can do.

Blue Cross Blue Shield may be able to help you find therapists in your area that accept your insurance. The next step would be utilizing the information Blue Cross Blue Shield provides on those therapists, as they may be part of a medical group or agency. Typically, an agency's website will have bios on its counselors, or websites like Psychology Today will allow counselors to write a description of their style. Feel free to reach out to a few counselors prior to beginning services to ask them questions about how they would handle your case and determine if you would like to work with them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does BetterHelp take insurance?

Yes, a growing number of therapists on BetterHelp accept health insurance from major providers. In many states, certain providers on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and availability. When therapy sessions are covered by insurance, members pay an average copay of around $19/session. 

What insurance plans are accepted on BetterHelp?

Many therapists on BetterHelp are able to accept insurance from major carriers such as Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and several state-specific Blue Cross Blue Shield plans like Anthem, CareFirst, and Highmark. Coverage varies by your state and provider availability. 

BetterHelp is still working to expand insurance coverage. If your provider isn’t currently included, our flexible subscription model continues to be an option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network. Subscriptions range from $70-$100/week, depending on your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and applicable discounts. 

How can I find out if my insurance covers therapy?

To find out if your insurance provider covers therapy, you can call the customer service number that’s usually found on the back of your insurance card. You’ll likely be asked to provide your policy details. Ask specific questions about your mental health benefits, such as:

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

If you’ve already found a therapist you like, you can ask them or their office to check your insurance coverage before you start treatment. 

Your insurance company may also offer an online portal where you can check your coverage details and find in-network therapists.