In the last few years, options for online therapy services rapidly grew to meet the increased demand for accessible, quality mental healthcare. Before the pandemic, telehealth was a relatively new form of medical care that hadn’t quite gotten total buy-in from insurance providers.
However, when most of the country was forced into quarantine and unable to attend in-person therapy or psychiatry sessions, online therapy providers became a life-saver for many. Today, the convenience and accessibility of online treatment mean more and more people are able to receive treatment for their mental health issues, making it a method that appears to be here to stay.
While online sessions remove some of the physical barriers that keep people from accessing mental health care, the main concern for many is affordability. The first question people often have is if their insurance provider will pay for an online therapist.
This article will dive into the details of online therapy and how to get your insurance to help cover the cost.
What Is Online Therapy?
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy, provides mental health and counseling services over the internet, typically via video.
Online therapy has expanded access to mental health services, bringing them to patients more efficiently and conveniently. Gone are barriers such a location and scheduling, as online therapy allows people to see a therapist on their terms and in the comfort of their homes.
Most online therapy companies provide personalized treatment to help patients manage conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, trauma, and abuse.
Potential Benefits of Online Therapy Sessions
- Convenient scheduling options
- Lower cost per session compared to traditional therapy
- Virtual visits are less stressful for some
- More accessible than in-person appointments
- A wider pool of potential therapists to choose from
You can read up on some more benefits of online therapy here.
Is Online Therapy Covered By Insurance?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires private health insurance sold on the individual and family health insurance marketplaces to include mental health insurance coverage. Medicaid also includes mental health coverage, including individual and group therapy.
What that coverage entails, however, can vary depending on your plan. Here’s more info on understanding health insurance and how it can work for therapy. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company before scheduling a virtual session to make sure it’s covered by your policy.
Some insurance providers who offer coverage for therapy include:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- UnitedHealthcare
- Optum
- Oxford
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Superior HealthPlan
- Evernorth
- Surest
- All Savers
- Tufts
- AmeriHealth
- AvMed
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost with Insurance?
Thankfully, insurance can significantly help lower the cost of online therapy. With Grow Therapy, people who use insurance to help pay for their sessions save an average of 73%. The average cost per session with insurance is $24.
With Grow Therapy, people who use insurance to help pay for their sessions save an average of 73%.
Before you book an online therapy session, you can fill out our short form to get an estimate of what your sessions will cost so there’s no surprises when it’s time to pay the bill.
How to Find an Online Therapist Covered by Insurance
Grow Therapy is your one-stop for finding an online therapist covered by insurance. Use our simple search filters to choose your insurance, location, and any other specifics you’d like your therapist to have to view a list of options.
Take your time to browse therapist profiles and choose the one who will work best for you. Then you can book a session directly through the Grow Therapy website. If you’re not sure which therapist to pick, you can book a few free consultation calls to get a better idea of which one resonates with you and can meet your needs.
