What happens if I can’t afford 45$ a week but need counseling??

Hi Crystal,

If you’d like to learn more about rates for BetterHelp, you can contact them directly at contact@betterhelp.com regarding plans and options. To help alleviate economic distress, BetterHelp offers financial assistance to eligible members based on need. You can contact the Customer Success Team to learn more about your eligibility. 

Additionally, many of our therapists are now accepting insurance. For covered sessions, the average copay is around $23. When you sign up, we’ll ask a few questions to check your eligibility for insurance coverage. (Coverage is based on therapist availability, plan, and provider.)

You may consider getting started with BetterHelp, as you are able to afford it, to begin exploring your needs and getting ideas and insights for nurturing your mental health. This may be a better option as you begin your mental health journey to increase your understanding of what you want and need, and how therapy can work.

To start, I believe it will be helpful to prepare for a first session by identifying the symptoms and challenges you are currently experiencing, and by identifying an outcome you wish to achieve in a short time.

BetterHelp is useful in that you may communicate with your therapist via email outside of a regularly scheduled session allowing you more access than is traditional with a therapist in the community. You would be able to ask questions and receive feedback with greater frequency within your subscription. 

BetterHelp also offers Groupinars for more education about specific mental health concerns. That being said, I strongly suggest you contact Better Help directly for information related to rates to use Better Help services. (contact@betterhelp.com)

If you are not satisfied with those ideas, might I suggest investigating therapists or mental health agencies in your community to learn whether they have a sliding scale for their fees? Keep in mind you may not have the same access to them through email as you would a Better Help therapist.

Your mental health is essential, and there are resources available, but it may take a bit of searching online and in your community to find what you need. Please know that the therapists at Better Help are here for you to get started and will work with you at your pace to help you better understand your therapeutic needs.

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.