Insurance and Other Things

Good Morning,

With BetterHelp, you would meet with your counselor for a 45 min live session weekly (via chat, phone, or video). You can also journal and share with your therapist for feedback and message them in your private message center throughout the week. The people who utilize the tools provided usually get the most out of their time.

Regarding your insurance covering BetterHelp, you would have to check with your specific provider and see if they could provide out-of-network reimbursement. BetterHelp is working with select insurance carriers to join their network. Many therapists on the platform are now accepting certain insurance providers (state-limited). If you’re not eligible for insurance, you may use FSA or HSA funds to cover the costs. Many employers and schools offer it as a part of their tuition or EAP program, so I would check with either of those if applicable.

Meanwhile, I would encourage you to remain consistent in your daily exercise routines and eat energy-rich foods to keep your brain energized. Using things like journalling or mindfulness and meditation can also help you engage with your thoughts and feelings and begin to think through them until you find the correct modality of therapy that works for you. If you have been in treatment before, pulling out some of the tools you have learned to sustain you until you can find the proper fight may be helpful. Overall, I encourage you to move forward with signing up with BetterHelp if you need to talk things out. Good luck and all the best on your journey.

Shaquala

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does BetterHelp take insurance?

Yes, a growing number of therapists on BetterHelp are now accepting major insurance carriers. In many states, certain BetterHelp providers may be in-network with certain insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and availability. 

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 what costs you may have.

If your insurance doesn’t fully cover therapy costs, you might check on other options, including:

• Using your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA)
• Working with providers who offer sliding scale fees
• 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

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.