The need for affordable mental health services is rising rapidly, as many people face financial challenges when trying to access therapy. This makes it important to find providers who accept insurance to help reduce these costs.
Online therapy has emerged as a valuable option for those with busy schedules or limited local resources. It allows people to receive mental health care from the comfort of their own homes. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), about 96% of psychologists consider online therapy very effective, making it a strong alternative to traditional in-person sessions.
Key takeaways
- Just like any other form of mental health care, it’s important to understand the basics of your coverage before starting treatment.
- You’ll need to know about any out-of-pocket expenses, provider networks, and if the type of therapy you’re seeking is covered.
- Online therapy has been on the rise in popularity due to its accessibility, convenience, elevated privacy, and the fact it increases the number of providers available to you.
- Grow Therapy makes it simple and convenient to find an in-network provider who offers the online therapy you need to reach your goals.
What is online therapy?
Online therapy — also known as telehealth, teletherapy, or virtual therapy — is a type of mental health care that takes place virtually. In live video sessions, licensed mental health providers provide psychotherapy, talk therapy, and with certain providers, medication management. Online therapy exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic due to two large factors: the increase in need for mental health care, and the inability for patients and clients to attend in-person sessions.
Tracy-Lee Neville, LPCC, a Grow Therapy provider says that “When people want to begin psychotherapy with a new online therapist, what they should look for would be no different from what they should look for when seeking a new in-person therapist. Focus on qualifications, compatibility, and comfort level — just as you would with an in-person provider.”
How online therapy works with insurance
Think of online therapy like any other medical care: If you have insurance, you’ll want to make sure the care you’re seeking is covered before you see the provider. You’ll also want to know what you’ll need to pay in deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Most insurance covers individual, group, and family therapy under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. However, the details of coverage vary across insurance companies and plans. Common insurance providers that may cover online therapy include:
- Aetna
- All Savers
- AmeriHealth
- AvMed
- Cigna
- Evernorth
- Florida Blue
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Optum
- Oscar
- Oxford
- Surest
- Tufts
- UnitedHealthcare
Medicare and Medicaid both cover mental health services including online therapy. Your coverage may vary by plan, and in the case of Medicaid, by state.
In-network vs. out-of-network providers
It’s also important to understand the difference between choosing an in-network or out-of-network provider. In-network providers have a contract with your health insurance plan (or work for a practice that has a contract) to provide services to members. This means your insurance plan has agreed to cover some or all of the cost of that provider’s services. Out-of-network providers do not have an agreement with your insurance company, so you’ll need to pay them directly. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you may be eligible for reimbursement.
If the provider you want or need to see is out-of-network, ask about the “sliding scale” options that some therapists offer. Sliding scale fees are adjusted based on your income, making therapy more affordable for those with lower financial means.
How to find online therapy that accepts your health insurance plan
To find an online therapist who accepts your health insurance, you can contact your insurance provider. Call the number on the back of your ID card, or visit your insurance plan’s website to see if they have an online directory. Ask or search for therapists who offer online sessions.,
You can also use platforms like Grow Therapy. On Grow therapy, you can search for online therapists who accept your insurance, and filter by preferences like age, race, gender, and more. Before booking with a therapist, you’ll want to verify your insurance coverage:
- Gather necessary information from your insurance company (e.g., policy number, mental health benefits details).
- Use the platform’s insurance verification tool or contact their customer support.
- Provide the required information to check your coverage.
- Review the results, including any co-pays, deductibles, or session limits.
Benefits of online therapy
There are many reasons why people choose online therapists:
Convenient scheduling options
With online therapy, it’s easier for people to fit therapy into their busy lives. Finding a therapist with availability before or after work, during a lunch break, when children are at school, can be easier with online therapy. Online sessions also remove the need to commute to and from a therapist’s office, which can be appealing for people with very tight schedules.
Accessibility
For those in rural areas, there may not be any mental health care providers nearby; it can also be a benefit to see a provider without ties to your small community. In addition, people with disabilities or limited resources may not be able to travel to and from a provider’s office, or not have anyone to take over childcare or other caregiving responsibilities. Online therapy increases accessibility in all these situations and more.
Privacy and comfort
For those who don’t require sessions away from home for privacy or safety, online platforms often provide a discreet and flexible option for seeking help. Clients can have sessions at home, which may reduce the anxiety of entering a therapist’s office. Clients can also have more control over their surroundings, attending sessions from a place in their home that makes them feel safe with access to the things that make them feel comfortable such as pets.
Wider pool of therapists
Online therapy offers access to a broader range of therapists and specialties. Even if you live in an urban area, there may only be a handful of therapists who meet your needs and preferences — and they may not be taking new clients. With online therapy, you have access to therapists well beyond your own geographical area.
Making online therapy accessible and affordable
While in-person therapy can be beneficial for some, online therapy services provide a convenient and accessible alternative for many others. By understanding your online therapy options, you can achieve better mental health without the burden of high costs. Are you ready to find an online therapist who accepts your insurance? Start here by exploring our community of in-network, qualified therapists and psychiatrists today.
