How does better help work with insurance?

Thank you for your question.

Yes. Many therapists on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers (Cigna, UnitedHealthCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, etc.) in select states, so that you are able to access care affordably. 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.

To determine if your insurance covers therapy on BetterHelp, start by checking your insurance plan’s online directory for in-network providers or contact your insurance company’s member services directly, 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

You can also ask to verify your insurance coverage on the BetterHelp platform before beginning treatment. If insurance is available in your state, you’ll see it as a payment option and can enter your insurance information. We’ll run an eligibility check and show you your estimated cost so you can decide whether to proceed or keep your current payment method.

While insurance is a common way to cover therapy costs, there are several other affordable options to consider:

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many employers offer free or low-cost counseling sessions through EAPs, providing discreet  support for personal and work-related issues.
• Community Mental Health Clinics: These clinics offer low-cost or free therapy services based on financial need, making mental health care accessible to individuals with limited resources.
• Online Therapy Platforms: Some platforms provide financial aid, sliding scale fees, or reduced rates, combining convenience with affordability for those without insurance coverage.
• Using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): These accounts allow you to pay for therapy with pre-tax dollars, effectively lowering your out-of-pocket expenses.

Exploring these options can help ensure access to quality mental health care even if insurance coverage is limited or unavailable.

If your insurance plan does not cover BetterHelp, our flexible subscription model continues to be an affordable option to receive quality care from our extensive therapist network, with subscriptions around $70-$100/week.*

Online therapy with BetterHelp with or without insurance coverage is an affordable option for mental health care. In-person therapy can cost $100–$350 per session without insurance, while online therapy options can be more affordable if your insurance does not cover BetterHelp therapy.

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.