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Does insurance cover online therapy?

Julia Childs Heyl

Dreaming of the perks of online therapy but dreading the cost? Therapy is typically a pricey endeavor, but before you write it off as an unaffordable pipe dream, know that insurance might have you covered.

Navigating the insurance maze might seem challenging, but we’re here to demystify the process and help you access online therapy.

In our research for this comprehensive article, we spoke with a practicing psychotherapist and reviewed 16 therapy platforms and directories. Moreover, the article's author is a licensed psychotherapist who offers online therapy, meaning you're assured of first-rate information. Continue reading to learn more about potential insurance coverage for online therapy.

Content concerning mental health is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical or health advice. Consult a medical professional for questions about your health. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911, local emergency services or 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline).

Online therapy provides mental health support through digital channels like video, audio or text messaging. Unlike traditional, in-person therapy, online therapy allows you to receive professional care from anywhere, saving you the hassle of commuting. Plus, studies show that, in many cases, online therapy is as effective as its in-person counterpart.

Insurance covers some online therapy services. However, coverage varies according to your provider, policy and the online therapy platform.

Many of the best online therapy platforms note whether they accept insurance. If not, they'll likely offer to issue a superbill. A superbill is an itemized document listing the services you received and how much you paid. You submit this superbill to your insurance company, then the company may partially reimburse you for the money you spent.

Some online platforms that accept insurance include:

Finding an online therapist who accepts your insurance can be daunting, but it's possible with the right approach. To provide comprehensive guidance, we consulted Resha Altai, an associate clinical social worker in Los Angeles for her expert advice.

"I would recommend looking into your out-of-network benefits and seeing if [superbills] could be helpful in offsetting the cost of private pay therapy," she begins. This can be particularly useful if you find a therapist who doesn't directly accept your insurance but is an excellent fit for your needs.

Another approach is to call your insurance company and ask for a list of online therapists who accept your insurance. Most insurance companies maintain directories of in-network providers, and customer service representatives can help you narrow down your options based on your specific requirements.

If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), it can be another valuable resource. EAPs often include mental health services and can provide referrals to online therapists who accept your insurance. They might also offer a certain number of free sessions with a therapist.

If you don't have a policy or have minimal coverage, you need to consider other ways to access online therapy without insurance.

"There are various therapy funds to make therapy more affordable and accessible to marginalized communities, such as the BIPOC Therapy Fund and the Loveland Foundation," explains Altai.

If you’re open to working with a prelicensed therapist, consider exploring community mental health training sites or universities in your area. Prelicensed therapists have completed their graduate education and are gaining the clinical experience required for full licensure. They often provide therapy under the supervision of licensed professionals, ensuring quality care while offering services at a reduced cost.

Finally, Open Path Collective is a directory that lists a diverse range of providers who offer low-fee therapy.

To determine if your insurance covers online therapy, start by reviewing your benefits with your insurance company. The contact information is typically on your insurance card.

When speaking with a representative, inquire if your plan includes coverage for online therapy sessions, ask if the plan provides out-of-network benefits and the reimbursement process.

If out-of-network benefits are available, find out if you can submit a superbill for reimbursement. Also, it's crucial to understand your deductible — the amount you'll have to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.

Only you can decide if online therapy is worth it, as it largely hinges on your preferences.

Online therapy might be a great match if you value the flexibility and comfort of home sessions and want to reduce travel expenses. However, if you thrive on the structure and personal engagement of face-to-face therapy, you might prefer sticking to traditional in-office visits.

The cost spectrum for online therapy is as varied as for in-person visits. Affordable options might charge as little as $40 per session, whereas some platforms offer monthly subscriptions that can run into several hundred dollars.

Individual therapists typically charge between $100 and $250 or more per session, depending on their experience, specialties and location.

While free online therapy options are limited, 7 Cups provides free emotional support through its platform, and other affordable options are available.

Nonprofit organizations may also offer free therapy services while training students. Reach out to your local social services agency for assistance in finding these resources.

  • Resha Altai, MSW, ACSW, associate clinical social worker, Los Angeles

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