Can insurance cover the cost of this therapy?

My parents don’t believe in mental health, they think it’s something a person has to get over by themselves. They have refused to let me get therapy for years now, but I can’t deal with all of my thoughts on my own anymore
Asked by marg
Answered
02/18/2021

Reading your message, I can feel how heavy this has become, and I want you to know your feelings make complete sense. Wanting support for your thoughts is a sign of strength.

I want to share one thing gently. BetterHelp is built for adults 18 and older. If you're a teen, Teen Counseling is a separate platform created for young people ages 13 to 19, where you can still find support that fits where you are.

When you feel ready to look at cost, here is what may help. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many 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, though costs may vary based on deductible status, copays, coinsurance, and individual plan benefits. During signup, you can enter your insurance information to check your in-network status and view available options, estimated costs, and plan details. You can find more detail on the BetterHelp insurance page.

Many health insurance plans include mental health benefits that may cover online therapy, also called telehealth or virtual therapy. Coverage depends on factors such as your specific plan, network participation, deductible status, and state regulations.

If insurance isn't available at this time, BetterHelp's flexible subscription model, around $70 to $100 per week, continues to be a quality alternative. Many people can use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help pay for therapy services. Therapy is generally considered a qualified medical expense, and eligibility may vary, so check with your plan administrator.

BetterHelp is actively working with additional carriers to expand access to care. Whatever you decide, reaching out for support is a meaningful step, and you deserve to feel supported.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does BetterHelp accept insurance?

Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, though insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability.

Which major insurance carriers work with BetterHelp providers?

Accepted carriers include Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and state-specific Blue Cross Blue Shield plans such as Anthem, CareFirst, and Highmark. BetterHelp is actively working with additional carriers to expand access to care.

What does the average copay look like for eligible members?

Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Costs may vary based on deductible status, copays, coinsurance, and individual plan benefits.

How can I check my in-network status?

During signup, you can enter your insurance information to check your in-network status and view available options, estimated costs, and plan details.

What if insurance isn't available in my state?

If insurance isn't available at this time, BetterHelp's flexible subscription model, around $70 to $100 per week, continues to be a quality alternative. BetterHelp is actively working with additional carriers to expand access to care.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds for therapy?

Many people can use Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) to help pay for therapy services. Therapy is generally considered a qualified medical expense, and eligibility may vary, so check with your plan administrator.

What if I can't afford therapy right now?

If cost feels out of reach, BetterHelp's flexible subscription model, around $70 to $100 per week, offers a quality alternative. HSA or FSA funds may also help pay for therapy services.

How does the subscription option compare when insurance doesn't apply?

When insurance isn't available, the subscription model offers another way to access quality care from BetterHelp's therapist network, around $70 to $100 per week. It's simply a different payment option, not a lesser one.

Is online therapy covered like in-person therapy?

Many health insurance plans include mental health benefits that may cover online therapy, also called telehealth or virtual therapy. Coverage depends on factors such as your specific plan, network participation, deductible status, and state regulations.