Therapy Online Covered by insurance

Is Therapy Online Covered by Insurance? Here's What I Found Out (And What Surprised Me)

Not too long ago, I hit a rough patch. Stress from work, family stuff, and just life in general it all sort of built up until I realized I needed to talk to someone. But here’s the thing: therapy has always sounded expensive. And with everything being online nowadays, I wasn’t even sure where to start.

So I did what any overwhelmed adult would do I Googled it. Specifically, I typed:
“Is therapy online covered by insurance?”
And guess what? The answer is... usually yes but with a few catches. 🙃

Let me walk you through what I learned, because honestly, it was more confusing than I expected. But if you’re like me curious, hopeful, maybe a little skeptical this might save you some headaches (and money).

💡 So... Is Online Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Short answer: Yes, many online therapy services are covered by insurance.

But there’s always a “but,” right? it depends on a few things:

• Your insurance provider (like Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, etc.)

• The online platform you’re using (some partner with insurance, others don’t)

• Whether the therapist is licensed in your state

• The type of therapy you’re seeking (individual vs. couples vs. psychiatry)

I know. That’s a lot of variables.

Personally, I have insurance through my employer (UnitedHealthcare), and I was relieved to find out that several platforms actually worked with them. But it wasn’t just about coverage it was about figuring out the process.

🧠 How Do I Check if My Insurance Covers Online Therapy?

Here’s what worked for me (and I suggest doing the same if you’re not sure):

1. Call your insurance provider.
   Yeah, it’s annoying. But they can tell you what platforms or providers are in-network.

2. Check your member portal.
   Most big insurers have a search tool where you can filter by “telehealth” or “virtual mental health.”

3. Go directly to the platform.
   Sites like Talkspace and BetterHelp will actually let you enter your insurance info to check coverage.

4. Look for reimbursement options.
   If your insurance is out-of-network, some platforms help you submit a superbill (basically a fancy receipt) to get partial reimbursement.

🖥️ Which Online Therapy Platforms Accept Insurance?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet from my research and yes, I actually tried a few of these:

Platform	Accepts Insurance?	Notes
Talkspace	✅ Yes	Partners with many major insurers; accepts FSA/HSA too.
MDLIVE	✅ Yes	Offers therapy and psychiatry with insurance support.
Amwell	✅ Yes	Great if you want a mix of therapy and medical telehealth.
BetterHelp	❌ No*	Doesn’t accept insurance directly (but they explain how to request reimbursement).
Teladoc Health	✅ Yes	Often covered through employer plans.

Honestly, I liked BetterHelp’s vibe but it was a bit pricey without insurance. I tried it for a month and found a great therapist, but switched to Talkspace later because it worked better with my plan.

💸 What’s the Cost With vs. Without Insurance?

This part surprised me the most. With insurance, I only paid $20 per session on Talkspace. Without it, I would’ve paid over $80–$150 per session (yikes).

Here’s a rough breakdown based on what I saw:

Payment Type	Estimated Cost
With Insurance	$10–$40 copay
Out-of-Pocket	$60–$200/session
Subscription Plans	$200–$400/month (BetterHelp, Talkspace)

📝 Tip: Don’t forget about FSA or HSA accounts. I didn’t even realize my therapy bills were eligible until my HR rep mentioned it.

📍 Do I Need to See a Therapist in My State?

This one tripped me up. I live in California, and when I tried to book someone based in Oregon, the platform said:

"This therapist is not licensed to provide care in your state."

Turns out, most therapists must be licensed in the same state where you reside.
So yeah location still matters, even online.

🧑‍⚕️ What About Psychiatry or Medication? Is That Covered Too?

Great question and one I didn’t think about until my therapist suggested I speak to a psychiatrist.

Here’s what I found:

• Psychiatry visits (via platforms like Teladoc or MDLIVE) are often covered by insurance.

• Prescriptions may also be included, depending on your drug plan.

• Be aware of referral requirements some insurers need a referral from your PCP.

I ended up getting a virtual appointment with a licensed psychiatrist for just a $30 copay. It felt surreal, honestly, doing all that from my couch.

🤔 What Surprised Me Most About the Process?

Okay, real talk what really surprised me was how easy it became once I figured out the system. The hardest part was that first mental hurdle:
“Do I even need therapy? Is it worth the hassle?”

But here’s the truth: getting help should never feel like a luxury. And once I got over the financial fog and logistical confusion, it felt empowering. Like, really empowering.

🧾 “My Takeaway” Box: What I Learned

• Don’t assume therapy is out of reach it might already be covered.

• Ask your HR rep or insurance provider questions (they do help sometimes).

• Use licensed platforms that walk you through the process some even do the billing for you.

• It’s okay to try different therapists until one feels right.

• And most of all, you’re not being “extra” for wanting mental support. You’re being human.

🗣️ Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely.
If you’re sitting there wondering whether online therapy is covered by your insurance... stop wondering and just ask. Worst case? You learn something useful. Best case? You get affordable support when you need it most.

Honestly, I wish someone had told me all this earlier. So I’m telling you because your mental health is worth it.

➡️ I really think you should try this if you’ve been putting it off. Even just one session can bring a huge sense of relief.

🧠 Quick Recap (For Skimmers 😉)

• ✅ Yes, many online therapy services are covered by insurance.

• 📞 Call your provider or check your member portal to confirm.

• 💻 Platforms like Talkspace, MDLIVE, and Amwell are insurance-friendly.

• 💲 Expect copays around $10–$40 if covered.

• 📍 Your therapist needs to be licensed in your state.

• 💊 Psychiatry and prescriptions may also be covered.

FAQ About Therapy Online Covered by Insurance

1. Does insurance cover online therapy?

Yes, many insurance plans now cover online therapy, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic expanded telehealth benefits. Coverage depends on your provider, plan type, and whether the therapy platform is in-network.

2. Which online therapy platforms accept insurance?

Popular platforms that accept insurance include Talkspace, Amwell, Teladoc, Brightside, MDLIVE, and Grow Therapy. Each supports different insurers like Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare.

3. How do I check if my insurance covers online therapy?

Log into your insurance portal or call the number on your card. Ask about telehealth mental health services, in-network providers, and CPT codes like 90834 or 90837. Many therapy platforms also offer real-time eligibility checks during sign-up.

4. What is a copay for online therapy?

A copay is the out-of-pocket fee you pay per session. It can range from $0 to $30 depending on your plan. Some platforms offer subscription models, while others bill per session.

5. What if my insurance doesn’t cover online therapy?

You can pay out-of-pocket or use platforms with sliding-scale pricing. Some offer superbills for reimbursement, and others accept FSA/HSA cards. Free or low-cost options include Open Path Collective and university clinics.