The thought of therapy probably brings images of long waiting lists and expensive co-pays to mind. If you’re like most people, you don’t even consider therapy because of the cost. And who could blame you? Traditional therapy can be expensive. And for some people, their insurance doesn’t cover it. Still, the options are many when it comes to online therapy that takes insurance.
Online therapy that takes insurance is not only more affordable than traditional therapy, but it’s also convenient. Thankfully, there are many options now for getting the help you need without leaving your house or breaking the bank.
With online therapy that takes insurance, you can access your therapist from anywhere. You not only save time and commuting costs but pay less out of pocket for covered plans.
In this article, we will review how to determine whether the therapist you’ve found offers online therapy that takes insurance. We’ll also highlight some of the best online platforms that offer online therapy that takes insurance.
How Easy is it to Find Online Therapy that Takes Insurance?
Telemedicine is the practice of consulting with doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals remotely via the internet from the comfort of your own home.
While telehealth technology has been around for some time, the COVID-19 epidemic has made online care necessary. This was not only due to the emergent need for virtual communication. The rapid rise in mental health concerns has also played a significant role in the widespread availability of online therapy that takes insurance throughout the past two years.
Previously, most health insurance providers covered policyholders for traditional, in-person therapy, just not online therapy. Thanks largely to these dramatic changes, more and more insurance companies have begun to cover this vital service. This means more platforms offering online therapy that takes insurance and more people getting the help they need.
While not every therapy platform or practice offers online therapy that takes insurance, most do.
Today, many online platforms, such as Talkspace, accept insurance for therapy services. These are two larger and more well-known providers, but individual therapy offices offer online therapy that takes insurance.
How Can I Determine Whether a Platform or Practice Offers Online Therapy that Takes Insurance?
Contact your insurance provider.
You might decide to call your insurance company first, as they tell you first and foremost whether online therapy is covered.
Some insurance firms even collaborate with specific therapy platforms. Your insurance company will inform you if this is the case and how to access the platform.
Whether your provider works with a few specific platforms or many, they can direct you to their in-network therapists. They can also talk to you about costs for copayments or coinsurance fees if you’re ready.
Perform a search for online therapy that takes insurance.
Availability of therapists and costs depend on where you live, even nationwide online therapy platforms. You can begin by searching online for mental health professionals, offices, or platforms. If it’s a certain professional or practice, you’ll want to ensure they are in your area, despite whether they offer online therapy that takes insurance.
Most therapy offices will outline the insurance plans they accept on their website. However, it’s always a good idea to contact the office of any therapist you’re thinking about for the most updated information. They’ll be able to tell you whether your specific insurance plan is accepted for online therapy.
Explore online therapy platforms.
Searching through major online platforms may be an easier place to start – especially if you don’t have a specific provider in mind. The majority of platforms offering online therapy that takes insurance will have a link you can visit to see a list of insurance providers they work with.
Some of these platforms may even have a short form you can fill out to check your coverage right away. In this case, you will want to be prepared with your policy number to see if you’re covered.
All in all, you should be able to locate an online therapy provider who will accept your plan if you have health insurance. Your insurance plan, the therapist you pick, and state regulations determine the exact coverage and costs.
Do Medicaid or Medicare Cover Online Therapy?
If you have insurance through Medicaid or Medicare, you may also find it easier to access therapy as of late. These companies have also been expanding their coverage since the pandemic.
Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plan policyholders can now receive coverage for online therapy. If you have Medicaid, coverage for therapy depends on where you live, although most states accept Medicaid for online therapy.
The best way to know whether online therapy takes insurance takes Medicaid or Medicare is to contact either company. Alternatively, you can contact the provider or platform.
The Best Online Therapy that Takes Insurance
Finding the best online therapy that takes insurance depends on individual needs, preferences, and coverage. While some online therapy platforms do not take insurance, some excellent services do.
Here are a few providers worth exploring that offer online therapy that takes insurance:
Talkspace
Talkspace is a subscription-based platform that offers online therapy that takes insurance. This platform also takes some EAP plans and payments from FSA and HSA cards. Talkspace works with a few insurance providers.
Cerebral
Cerebral is considered one of the best options for online therapy that takes insurance. With one of their in-network plans, monthly costs for Cerebral could be as low as $29 per month, excluding your copayment.
Amwell
Amwell is an online therapy service that accepts several forms of insurance to cover access to licensed therapists and medical doctors every day of the week.
Teladoc
While Teladoc can be pricey without reimbursement or coverage, this online therapy that takes insurance is well known for out-of-pocket costs as low as $0. To check on your plan’s coverage, you must create an account first.
MDLIVE
MDLIVE is a low-cost alternative to in-person and care clinic services. They help with diagnosing symptoms and prescribing medications and accept many providers. These include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Humana, Cigna, and others.
Doctor on Demand
Urgent care, behavioral health, preventative health, and chronic care services are available through Doctor on Demand. Because they accept various insurance plans, these services are generally available at an affordable cost. You must begin the registration process first online to see if your plan is accepted.
Final Thoughts on Finding Online Therapy that Takes Insurance
Thanks to its affordability and convenience, online therapy that takes insurance is becoming more popular. If you’re considering therapy, a little bit of research can lead you to the right provider for you! With so many excellent platforms that accept insurance, it shouldn’t be hard to find one that meets your needs. Don’t wait any longer to get help – start your search today!