No more lying on a couch in a therapist’s office. Now it’s your couch, your bed, your car—wherever you want!
In our post-pandemic world, a lot of services have moved online, including therapy. People who are in need of counseling now have the option of getting treatment in office or at home.
Typically, online therapy is hosted via a video chat on an online platform through a clinic or organization. There’s a wide range of practices that offer these services, from online-specialized services to private practices.
Like all decisions in life, when deciding on online therapy, you’ll have to weigh the pros against the cons:
Decisions like these should not be made lightly, especially when it concerns your mental health. But if online therapy is an idea you wish to explore more, we’ll help you figure out the logistics of online therapy with insurance coverage.
Note: online or virtual therapy is not suitable for a mental health crisis. If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health emergency, seek immediate care by:
Free Health Insurance Comparison - Save up to 30%
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
No Signup required
Well, sometimes yes and sometimes no. It depends.
That’s it. End of the article.
Just kidding! We wouldn’t do that to you. Whether or not your online therapy will be covered under your insurance will depend on these factors:
While there are some restrictions depending on these factors, finding affordable online therapy that is covered by insurance is very possible.
If you’re not sure whether your existing health insurance policy will cover online therapy, here’s some super simple steps to find out:
For those who are in the process of purchasing health insurance, make sure you read up on whether the policies you are considering will cover online therapy. If in doubt, ask your insurance agent.
Maybe you don’t have a particular therapist in mind for your online sessions quite yet. That’s totally fine!
We compiled a list of the highest-ranking services available so that you can find the best online therapy that takes insurance. These include:
Now, whether or not these particular companies will take your individual insurance will again depend on your provider and your plan. But looking into these five companies is the perfect place to start.
Free Health Insurance Comparison - Save up to 30%
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
No Signup required
Good news! All Medicare recipients have online therapy insurance coverage. Medicare Advantage plans (aka Medicare Part C) can also offer this type of coverage.
Most Medicaid recipients have insurance coverage for online therapy as well.
Since Medicaid is regulated differently between states, its coverage is not a guarantee. But the vast majority of states do cover online therapy under Medicaid. You can call the number on your Medicaid card to inquire about the coverage in your particular state.
So, if you’re in the Medicare or Medicaid boat, odds are that you’re covered. This is great, but you’ll need to be careful that you find online therapy providers that accept Medicare and Medicaid insurance specifically.
Maybe you’re between health insurance plans, or you just need more time to figure it out. That’s no problem either. There are plenty of low-cost and free online therapy options available for people without health insurance.
Just call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hotline at 800-950-NAMI (6264) to be connected with mental health professionals free of charge.
And when you have a chance, go ahead and click here for access to free quotes to find a new health insurance plan that suits you best.
Free Health Insurance Comparison - Save up to 30%
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
No Signup required
Whether you decide to use online therapy services or you opt for an in-person one, finding the right therapist for you is vitally important.
In addition to making sure they are covered by your insurance, you should also take into account:
We’ve said it many times before and we’ll say it many times again: insurance is a personal choice. And so is therapy. We want to make sure you’re equipped to make the best possible decision for you as an individual in your own unique circumstances.
Finding an online therapist covered by your insurance can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. There are more online therapists than ever, so you should be able to find a therapist that meets your needs (and takes your insurance) without much trouble.
Still choosing an insurance plan, or looking to make a switch? We’ve got you covered. Get access to free quotes, helpful advice, and guidance for insurance plans that cover online therapy by clicking here.
You deserve great coverage. Get started today.
Free Health Insurance Comparison - Save up to 30%
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.
No Signup required
Hollay Ghadery Hollay Ghadery is a writer and editor who is passionate about financial literacy as a means to personal fulfillment. Hollay has over 18 years of experience creating content about a range of topics related to personal finance, including insurance, investing, banking, and credit cards. When Hollay isn't writing, she's spending time with her four children, two dogs, and three goats.
