Our team spent hundreds of hours evaluating more than 50 online therapy platforms that accept insurance. From this in-depth analysis, I narrowed this list down to our top picks. Each of these platforms accepts most major insurance plans, with some also offering Medicare and Medicaid coverage, prescription medications, or specialized therapy options for women.
Our top three choices should work for most people looking for online therapy that takes insurance:
- Grow Therapy: Takes the most insurance plans we’ve seen and lets you choose your own therapist
- Brightside Health: In-network with tons of plans, great for comprehensive care
- Talkspace: Takes Medicare in all 50 states along with major commercial insurers, but not Medicaid
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Age range: 6+
Services: Therapy, Psychiatry
Service Location: US
Grow Therapy takes the most insurance plans of any company we’ve reviewed. Simply enter your state, insurance company, and your top needs, then look through a list of all the therapists who fit your requirements. Or, if you don’t want to choose, you can use its “Get Matched” program.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
Age range: 13+
Services: Therapy, Psychiatry, & IOPs
Service Location: US
Brightside Health takes several commercial insurance plans, plus a few Medicare and Medicaid plans. If you’re looking for a subscription service (in which you pay a monthly rate for weekly therapy sessions), Brightside Health has one of our favorites. Plus, if you also need medication, we like Brightside Health’s bundled plan in which providers coordinate your care.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
Age range: 13+
Services: Therapy (13+), Couples, & Psychiatry (18+)
Service Location: US & Canada
If Brightside Health doesn’t accept your insurance plan, Talkspace could be a really decent alternative. It works similarly, on a monthly subscription plan, and offers both therapy and medication plans, separately or bundled.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Age range: 5+ (psychiatry 13+)
Services: Therapy & psychiatry
Service Location: US
Rula is built around insurance. It is in-network with 120+ plans, the average cost is $15 per session, and you see a cost estimate before you book. You can filter 23,000+ licensed providers by specialty, identity and availability, and add psychiatry if you need medication. The trade-off is a platform that is less polished than the bigger names, with the patient app still in limited release.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Age range: 18+
Services: Therapy, Coaching, Meditation Library, AI Companion
Service Location: US
You probably know of Headspace as a meditation app, but did you know that it also offers insurance-based therapy? Headspace accepts a wide number of insurance plans, including some Medicare and Medicaid plans, and signing up directly through the app is a quick, seamless process.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Age range: 10+
Services: Therapy & Psychiatry
Service Location: US
Amwell is a full-service online telehealth platform, offering therapy and medication services on top of its urgent care, primary care, pediatrics, and women’s health services. It could be a good one-stop-shop for those with an in-network insurance plan, which include Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Highmark, and United Healthcare.
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Age range: 18+
Services: Therapy
Service Location: US + International
BetterHelp runs the largest therapist network of any platform we’ve reviewed, with flexible session formats and typically a match in as little as two days. Insurance options may be available for eligible members,* and financial aid can bring costs down further.
Other Specialty Options
While the insurance-covered online therapy options we’ve highlighted are likely to meet the needs of most people, there are other platforms that didn’t make our main list but offer unique features that could be the perfect fit for certain folks.
- For online therapy + medication: If you’re needing insurance-based medication in addition to therapy, Talkiatry is our top pick. It offers coordinated care between a psychiatrist who can offer medication for symptoms and a therapist for ongoing support. Talkiatry is in-network with major commercial plans such as Aetna, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, and with Medicare, but it does not take Medicaid (checked October 19, 2026). Check out our list of other online psychiatry platforms if you’re looking for more comprehensive care.
- For women-centered care: Lunajoy is our favorite online therapy platform for women seeking care for specific issues like post-partum depression, menopause-related symptoms, and more. It takes most major insurance plans, but is currently only available in 12 states.
- For minorities: If you want to ensure you’re seeking care from someone with direct lived experience similar to yours, Inclusive Therapists could be a great place to start. It’s an online directory that allows you to search by insurance coverage and your specific needs.
- For ADHD: If you have (or suspect you have) ADHD, using a more comprehensive platform like Talkiatry (with psychiatrists who can prescribe medication) is often the way to go. See more options in our list of the best online ADHD treatment options.
- For OCD: While many online therapists say they can help treat OCD symptoms, there is a specific, research-based approach that NOCD follows that is proven to be the most successful in treating OCD. If you have OCD or think you might, we think NOCD is your best bet.
Why Trust Us
300+
Companies Reviewed2,350+
Hours of Testing1,150+
Data Points AnalyzedThe reviews on ChoosingTherapy.com are fair, honest, thorough, and based on firsthand experience. To date, we’ve reviewed mental health solutions offered by more than 300 companies. That has involved more than 2,350 hours of firsthand use and consideration of over 1,150 data points. Our editorial policies outline a rigorous review process, but they all boil down to this: produce reviews that our own friends and family can rely on. Learn more here.
Best Online Therapy Options Covered by Insurance
- Insurance: Aetna, Ambetter, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Carefirst, CareSource, Cigna, Highmark, Horizon, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, UnitedHealthcare, WellCare, several Medicare and Medicaid plans, and more
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
- Age range: 6+
- Services Offered: Individual and couples therapy, medication management
- Service Location: US
Grow Therapy offers online therapy and psychiatry to those across the US. Users can search the directory of 26,000+ providers, filtering by states, insurance plan, and specific needs. Providers on the platform set their own rates, but many take a wide range of insurance plans, so you’re likely to find someone in-network on Grow Therapy.
Pros & Cons
- The largest amount of insurance coverage we’ve seen
- Filter the directory for your exact preferences and insurance plan
- Get therapy and medication management services on one platform
- Many providers offer quick availability, and Grow claims you can see a therapist within two days of signing up
- No provider matching service, so you search the directory yourself
- Some states may have fewer provider options
- Cash-pay prices vary by provider
Cost
Every provider on Grow Therapy sets their own rates, but users can sort by insurance coverage or sliding scale rates to find someone they can afford. Your copay depends on your plan, but Grow Therapy says sessions cost $21 on average with insurance, and some clients pay as little as $0 (checked October 19, 2026).
Overview
Grow Therapy is an excellent choice for insurance-based online therapy due to its affordability, accessibility, and comprehensive support. The platform works with 125+ insurance plans, including Aetna, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicaid plans in some states, so it is open to a wide range of clients.
Grow Therapy also simplifies the process of finding an in-network therapist by allowing clients to filter their search by insurance type and book appointments instantly.
Grow Therapy prioritizes quality care by offering a diverse network of licensed therapists who cater to various needs, including individual, couples, family, and child therapy. The platform also provides robust support for navigating insurance complexities, such as coordination of benefits for those with dual coverage or assistance with out-of-network claims.
Read more in our comprehensive Grow Therapy review.
- Insurance: Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Anthem, Ambetter, some Medicare and Medicaid, and more
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
- Age range: 13+
- Services Offered: Therapy (13+), Psychiatry (18+), & Crisis Care
- Service Location: US
Brightside Health is a standout platform for people seeking therapy, medication, or both. Beyond its acceptance of most major insurance plans, including Medicare, Brightside integrates personalized psychiatry, medication management, and therapy. Brightside’s Suicide Prevention program—a first-of-its-kind offering in the online mental health space—can also help stabilize and support people with an elevated risk of suicide. It also offers therapy and medication management for teens (13+) in 38 US states so far, with plans to continue expanding.
Pros & Cons
- Accepts a broad range of insurance plans, including some Medicare plans
- New AI tool called “Precision Rx” to help psychiatrists match prescriptions to client needs
- Accepts HSA/FSA
- Anytime messaging with provider
- Medication can be shipped directly
- Customer service can be slow
- Doesn't accept Medicaid in most states
- Teen care not available nationwide (currently in 38 states)
Cost
Brightside accepts most major insurance providers, including Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Ambetter, Anthem, and some Medicare and Medicaid plans. Brightside says the average copay with insurance is $25 a session (checked October 2026). You are also responsible for any coinsurance and deductible, and you can pay with an HSA or FSA card. If your insurance doesn’t cover Brightside, you can request a superbill to try to get out-of-network coverage.
Here are Brightside’s self-pay subscription plans—note that if you’re using insurance benefits you’ll pay much less:
- Medication: $95 monthly, includes a virtual evaluation with a psychiatric provider and ongoing support. There is unlimited messaging with your provider and plenty of self-care tools.
- Therapy: $299 monthly, includes four weekly video therapy sessions, unlimited messaging with your therapist, and self-care tools.
- Medication + Therapy: $349 monthly, includes everything from the medication plan and the therapy plan as one bundle.
- Psychiatric Maintenance Plan: $45 monthly, after becoming established with your prescriber for 90 days, you can opt for a maintenance plan that includes unlimited prescriber messaging and a monthly online check-in. Note: If your provider determines that you require more active care, they may require you to upgrade back to the standard plan.
Schedule extra video appointments with your therapist for $59 per 30-minute session. All medications are a $15 copay with insurance; out-of-pocket costs vary per medication.
Overview
Brightside Health offers providers that can help treat a broad range of mental health conditions. I picked it as the best platform for those needing both therapy and medication management, as it offers a bundled subscription for medication + therapy. Plus, providers on the platform can collaborate on care plans to work toward the best possible outcomes for clients.
Uniquely, Brightside Health also addresses elevated suicidal risk through its Suicide Prevention Program. Another special offering is its AI-driven PrecisionRx tool. With it, Brightside providers can analyze over 1,000 personal data points and evaluate more than 1,000 potential medication and dosage combinations to predict the most effective and tolerable prescription for each individual.
For an in-depth look, read our comprehensive Brightside Health review.
- Insurance Accepted: Aetna, Cigna, Optum, TRICARE East, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Medicare in all 50 states, and Medicare Advantage plans (no Medicaid)
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Subscription
- Age range: 13+
- Services Offered: Therapy (13+), couples counseling, & psychiatry (18+)
- Service Location: US & Canada
Talkspace offers widespread insurance coverage. It is also in-network with Medicare in all 50 states, though it does not take Medicaid (confirmed by Talkspace, September 2026). From couples treatment to teen therapy, all the way to grief management and life changes, all sorts of people can receive support via virtual sessions, medication, and webinars with Talkspace.
Pros & Cons
- In-network with Medicare in all 50 states
- Easy to switch therapist
- Live video, audio, chat, or ongoing messaging
- Monthly costs depend on your location
- Psychiatry only for individuals 18+ in US
- No option to bundle therapy & psychiatry
Cost
Talkspace accepts insurance from most major providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Premera, Anthem, Medicare, Regence, Gatorcare, and more. Talkspace says most insured members have a $0 copay, and it does not take Medicaid (checked October 19, 2026). Many employers also cover Talkspace for free, either directly with an employer code or through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
For those using their insurance, if you haven’t met your deductible, you may be responsible for additional fees. You can also use your FSA or HSA card for Talkspace therapy.
Talkspace has three self-pay subscription packages, but cost depends on your geographic location:
- Messaging-only: Starts at $69 per week
- Live therapy: Starts at $99 per week
- Messaging + live therapy: Starts at $109 per week
Talkspace Psychiatry costs $299.00 for an initial assessment and $175 for all follow-ups. There are discounts available, as well as an option to bundle follow-up appointments when you purchase an initial assessment.
Overview
Talkspace provides treatment for over 150 mental health conditions. The platform also offers specialized therapy for LGBTQIA+ individuals and veterans, catering to more diverse needs.
Talkspace takes care of the therapist matching process, ensuring personalized care within your state and insurance network (when applicable). If you don’t feel your therapist is a good fit, you can easily switch to a new provider, something our team has appreciated when they’ve used Talkspace.
For more information, read our detailed Talkspace review.
- Insurance accepted: Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Oscar, Medicare, some Medicare Advantage plans, some Medicaid managed care plans in select states, and 120+ plans in all
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
- Age range: 5+ (psychiatry 13+)
- Services Offered: Therapy & psychiatry
- Service Location: US
Rula works almost entirely through insurance: it is in-network with 120+ plans and says the average cost is $15 per session, which is as low as any platform on this list. Unlike directories where each provider bills separately, Rula handles the insurance check and gives you a cost estimate up front. With 23,000+ licensed providers treating 90+ conditions, most people with a major commercial plan will find someone who takes it.
Pros & Cons
- In-network with 120+ insurance plans, average $15 per session
- Therapy for individuals (ages 5+), couples, and families, plus psychiatry (13+)
- Appointments available as soon as the next day
- Pay per session, no membership or subscription fee
- Patient app still in limited release; sessions run over Zoom
- Platform is not intuitive to use, especially during sign-up
- Some reports of therapist no-shows and slow customer service
Cost
With insurance, Rula says the average cost is $15 per session, and your exact copay depends on your plan. Rula shows a cost estimate before you book, so there are no surprises. Without insurance, individual therapy is $150 per session and couples or family therapy is $165. Psychiatry is $225 for the first visit and $175 for follow-ups. There is no membership fee, and you only pay for the sessions you attend.
Overview
Getting started with Rula takes a few minutes. You enter your state and insurance, answer a short set of questions about what you are looking for, and Rula shows you providers who take your plan, with their bios, specialties, and next available times. You can see a cost estimate before you book, and first sessions are often available the next day.
Our reviewer found the provider list well matched to the intake answers, with each bio showing the therapist’s approach, specialties, and openings. Sessions are 60 minutes over live video; the day before each session Rula emails a Zoom link, and joining was simple.
The weak spot was the platform itself: the patient app is still in limited release, and the sign-up process was not intuitive, which made the first weeks more confusing than they needed to be. Customer service was slower than we would like when we needed a link resent.
Learn more in our Rula review.
- Insurance accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Medicaid, Medicare, Oxford, United Healthcare, and many more
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
- Age range: 18+
- Services Offered: Therapy, Coaching, Meditation Library, AI Companion
- Service Location: US
Headspace began as a meditation app, but has recently added talk therapy. It’s super simple to get started and takes most major insurance plans. We love that Headspace offers multiple levels of care to its users, from sleep scapes and meditations to an AI companion to one-on-one therapy, and much more.
Pros & Cons
- Quick sign-up process
- Next-day appointments often available
- Multiple levels of care in one app
- Difficult to access on desktop
- $125 cancellation fee
Cost
If you’re paying with cash, therapy sessions cost a set rate of $149. However, those using insurance (it’s in-network with over 45 providers) can expect a copay of $0–$35 per session. Coaching can’t be covered by insurance, but costs $99.99 monthly after a month at half price.
These costs are separate from Headspace’s subscription, available for $12.99 monthly or $69.99 yearly, which gives you access to its meditations, sleep scapes, yoga sessions, and more.
Overview
Headspace is known as one of the largest, most extensive meditation apps, but it also offers therapy and mental health coaching. Its therapy services are in-network with over 45 therapy providers, and if you already use the Headspace app, or you’d like to get started, signup is incredibly simple.
Note that a Headspace subscription requires a separate monthly cost from its therapy and coaching services, so there’s no requirement to pay for a monthly subscription in order to use the app for therapy. However, we love that Headspace offers all these different tiers of care, from meditation, to coaching, to therapy, so it can flex with you as your needs change.
Read our Headspace Therapy review for more details.
- Insurance accepted: Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Beacon Health, Emblem Health, United Healthcare, CorVel, & more
- Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
- Age range: 10+
- Services Offered: Therapy (10+) & Psychiatry (18+)
- Service location: US
Amwell not only accepts insurance from the majority of providers, it also treats a variety of both physical and mental health concerns—meaning you can use it as a one-stop-shop for therapy, medication management, and primary and urgent care.
Pros & Cons
- Therapy & psychiatric medication available
- Choose your own provider from directory
- Prenatal, postpartum, & menopause counseling available
- Psychiatry only available for 18+
- No discount for bundling services
Cost
Amwell’s self-pay options are as follows:
- Therapy sessions: Costs range from $109–$129 for a 45-minute appointment, depending on the qualifications of the provider you choose.
- Psychiatric services: An initial 45-minute evaluation costs $279, while follow-up appointments are priced at $109 for a 15-minute session (or $169 for a 30-minute follow-up if you need more time).
Using insurance can substantially lower out-of-pocket costs for mental health services. Patients can also receive a superbill for potential reimbursement or utilize their FSA or HSA funds.
Amwell partners with over 55 major health plans, including:
- Anthem
- Beacon Health
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Capital Health Plan
- Emblem Health
- Health Alliance Plan
- Highmark
- MVP Healthcare
- Smart Health
- Sonder
- United Healthcare
Overview
Amwell offers online therapy to kids and teens (10-17), adults, and couples, in addition to providing medication management services and primary and urgent care. As it takes many insurance plans, Amwell could be a great option for those looking for multiple forms of care in one platform.
Prior to gaining access to its site, Amwell requires you to create an account. At this point, you can add your insurance information and personal details and schedule your first appointment. Amwell allows you to filter the providers on its directory by gender, language, and whether you want to see a therapist or psychologist.
For more about how to attend your first live session, read our in-depth Amwell review.
Price: $280–$400 Monthly
Takes insurance: Yes, 125+ commercial plans in all 50 states and DC, with an average copay of $23 a session (no Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE)*
Pay-per-session vs subscription: Pay-per-session
Medication available: No
Age range: 18+
Nationwide: Yes (also international)
Options for sessions: Live chat, phone, and video sessions
Therapy may be more accessible than you think: insurance options may be available for eligible BetterHelp members.* BetterHelp offers flexible online therapy with video, phone, or live chat sessions, plus messaging and weekly group webinars. With one of the largest networks of licensed providers, you can typically get matched with a therapist in as little as two days.
Pros & Cons
- Over 30k therapists available
- Between-session therapist messaging
- Offers live-chat sessions
- Prenatal, postpartum, and menopause counseling available
- Insurance availability varies by state, plan, and therapist*
- Cost varies depending on your location
- Not much choice over initial therapist match
Cost
BetterHelp costs between $280 and $400 monthly depending on your location and therapist availability. This covers weekly therapy sessions, unlimited messaging with your therapist, access to resource materials, and one group webinar per week. Insurance options may be available for eligible members,* and the financial aid program can help you save 10% to 40% if you qualify.
If you’re looking for fewer sessions, BetterHelp offers a maintenance plan for $200 monthly, which includes one session and unlimited messaging. You can also book individual sessions for $110 each.
For a detailed breakdown, check out our full review of BetterHelp.
*Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability.
Overview
BetterHelp is one of the most accessible and convenient online therapy platforms we’ve tried. It offers flexible ways to connect with your therapist, whether through video, phone, or live chat, along with extra resources like group webinars on topics such as anxiety, stress, and depression. BetterHelp is available to anyone 18 and older, both in the U.S. and internationally, with costs ranging from $280 to $400 per month, and insurance options may be available for eligible members.*
BetterHelp’s subscription includes one live, 30- or 45-minute session per week (via video, phone, or chat), plus asynchronous messaging with your therapist, journaling tools, and group webinars. While some of our team initially had difficulty finding the right therapist match, the platform’s easy therapist-switching process allowed us to connect with therapists who truly fit our needs.
If you can find a great therapist fit, BetterHelp’s user-friendly platform makes it easier than ever to prioritize your mental health.
Visit our full BetterHelp review to explore all the platform has to offer.
Which Therapy Apps Take Insurance?
Talkspace, BetterHelp, and Grow Therapy are therapy apps that take insurance, and Rula and Brightside Health take insurance for online sessions too. They differ most on government plans: Talkspace takes Medicare but not Medicaid, while BetterHelp works only with commercial plans.
The table compares what each one accepts, based on what the companies told us in writing and what their websites said on October 19, 2026.
| Platform | Insurance plans | Average cost with insurance | Medicare | Medicaid | TRICARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grow Therapy | 125+ plans | $21 a session | Some plans, varies by state | Some plans, varies by state | Not yet |
| Rula | 120+ plans | About $15 a session | Medicare and some Medicare Advantage plans | Some managed care plans in select states | TRICARE West, California only |
| Talkspace | Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Oscar, and more | Most insured members pay $0 | Yes, all 50 states | No | TRICARE East |
| BetterHelp | 125+ commercial plans in all 50 states and DC* | $23 a session* | No | No | No |
| Brightside Health | Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans | $25 a session | Original Medicare in all states, plus many Medicare Advantage plans | Plans in 5 states (NC, NE, OR, VT, WA) | No |
*BetterHelp insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability.
Your own cost depends on your plan and your deductible, so run each company’s coverage check before you book. For plan-by-plan detail, see our guides to Grow Therapy insurance, Rula insurance, whether Talkspace takes insurance, and BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online therapy that takes insurance?
Our favorite online therapy platforms that take insurance are Grow Therapy, Brightside Health, and Talkspace. Each accepts a ton of different insurance plans, though Grow Therapy has the largest selection of in-network options.
Can therapy sessions be covered by insurance?
Yes, most therapy sessions can get covered by insurance, as long as you have behavioral health benefits. Most insurance plans cover a range of therapy types, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based treatments. Some plans may also cover group therapy, family therapy, and medication management.
How do I find an online therapist covered by my insurance?
The easiest way to find an online therapist who takes your insurance is to start by knowing what your insurance plan will cover. Then, almost all online therapy platforms have a way to search by your insurance and see if you qualify for coverage. Our favorite way to find a therapist covered by your insurance is through Grow Therapy, which allows you to search by insurance, specialty, gender, and more.
Should I check with my insurance provider before starting online therapy?
Yes, you should make sure you know what your insurance plan will cover before signing up for online therapy. Even if an online therapy platform accepts your insurance, your plan might not offer the necessary coverage. That’s why it’s crucial to contact your insurance provider before signing up for any services. While many companies will run an eligibility check for you, it’s always wise to do preliminary research on your own.
How do I know if my insurance will cover online therapy?
Ask your insurance provider these important questions before starting online therapy:
- Does my plan have mental health benefits through another carrier?
- Are there any deductibles that must be met before these benefits are active?
- Can you tell me how much I will owe for a copay or coinsurance for a visit?
- Are there any out-of-network benefits? If so, is there an out-of-network deductible? How much is reimbursed? How do I submit an out-of-network claim for reimbursement?
- Does my plan cover a subscription with [Company Name]? How long will my subscription be covered/at what point does my subscription stop being covered?
- Do I need a referral or prior authorization for treatment with [Company Name]?
- Are there any limits on the number of therapy visits I can have in a given time period?
What do I need to know about limits and out-of-network benefits?
Consider therapy session limits, out-of-network benefits, deductibles and coinsurance, prior authorization and referrals, the reimbursement process, and long-term coverage.
- Therapy Session Limits: Some insurance plans may cap the number of therapy sessions you can have within a certain time period (e.g., annually). It’s important to know if there are any limits so you can plan accordingly.
- Out-of-Network Benefits: If the online therapy platform you choose is out-of-network, you should ask your insurance provider if your plan offers any out-of-network benefits. Understand the out-of-network deductible, how much of the therapy cost will be reimbursed, and the process for submitting reimbursement claims.
- Deductibles and Coinsurance: Find out if there are deductibles that need to be met before your insurance covers therapy sessions, as well as any coinsurance responsibilities you might have for out-of-network care.
- Prior Authorization and Referrals: Some insurance plans require prior authorization or a referral from your primary care provider before they will cover therapy, especially for out-of-network providers.
- Reimbursement Process: If using out-of-network providers, understand the steps required to submit claims for reimbursement, including any necessary documentation and timelines for claims.
- Long-Term Coverage: To avoid unexpected lapses in coverage, ask if there are any time limits on how long your therapy sessions or subscriptions with a specific company will be covered.
Do online therapy companies accept Medicare and Medicaid?
Yes, many online therapy companies accept Medicare, and some accept Medicaid, but not all of them do. Talkspace takes Medicare in all 50 states but does not take Medicaid, while Brightside Health takes Medicare in every state and Medicaid plans in five states.
Grow Therapy and Rula take some Medicare and Medicaid plans, depending on your state, and many online therapy platforms take Medicare Advantage plans. BetterHelp does not take Medicare or Medicaid (checked October 19, 2026).
Will I still have a copay if my insurance says it covers online therapy?
Yes, you might still have a copay, deductible, or coinsurance depending on your plan. It’s important to clarify these costs with both your insurance provider and the therapy platform before beginning treatment.
What should I do if my insurance won't cover therapy?
If your insurance doesn’t cover online therapy, you might consider platforms that offer affordable self-pay options. BetterHelp often offers financial aid, and Grow Therapy lets you sort by sliding-scale cash pay. Open Path Collective is specifically for people whose households make less than $100k yearly and don’t have mental health insurance.
Is BetterHelp or Talkspace covered by insurance?
Yes, BetterHelp and Talkspace can both be covered by insurance. BetterHelp is in-network with 125+ commercial plans in all 50 states and DC, where insured members pay an average copay of $23 a session, but it does not take Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE.
Talkspace is in-network with major insurers such as Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, plus Medicare in all 50 states and TRICARE East, but it does not take Medicaid. For both, coverage varies by state, plan, and provider network (checked October 19, 2026).
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Rueger, Abigail. (2025, June 3). “NOCD Review 2025: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/nocd-review/
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Rueger, Abigail. (2026, October 13). “Rula Health Review 2026: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For.” Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/rula-health-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Added a section comparing which therapy apps take insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE. Updated insurance plans, copays and provider counts for Grow Therapy, Talkspace, Rula, Brightside Health and BetterHelp, and corrected the FAQs on Medicare, Medicaid and BetterHelp insurance.
Author: ChoosingTherapy.com Editorial Team
Primary Changes: Updated Rula’s entry to match our refreshed Rula review: app availability, sign-up experience, session options, and insurance details.
Author: ChoosingTherapy.com Editorial Team
Primary Changes: Replaced Headway with Rula in the fourth position: updated the summary slider entry and the provider accordion entry with Rula’s insurance, pricing, and age details, and 2 tracked links. Updated the Final Verdict.
Author: ChoosingTherapy.com Editorial Team
Primary Changes: Added BetterHelp as a 7th platform: 1 new provider accordion entry and 1 new summary slider entry with insurance-availability language, required disclaimer, and 2 tracked links.
Author: ChoosingTherapy.com Editorial Team
Primary Changes: Added a contextual internal link to our cpt codes for psychotherapy guide.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Added Headway and Headspace. Added “Other Specialty Options” section. Fact-checked and edited entire article.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (No Change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Added Grow Therapy as our Best Overall choice. Changed Brightside Health to “Best for Combined Therapy + Medication.” Fact-checked and rearranged information throughout to create a better reader experience.
Author: Melissa Boudin, PsyD (New Author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (No Change)
Primary Changes: Removed five platforms (Grow Therapy, MDLive, Thriveworks, Bend Health, and Workit Health), narrowing the top picks down to five; edited for overall usefulness to readers; added pros and cons; made information more helpful/specific to our audience.
Author: Emily Laubham, B.A. (New Author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New Medical Reviewer)
Primary Changes: Added five new platforms (Brightside, Grow Therapy, MDLive, Amwell, Inclusive Therapists) and removed two platforms (Teladoc, Cerebral). Removed section “More Online Therapy Options That Accept Insurance.” Fact-checked and edited entire article for improved readability and clarity. New content written by Emily Laubham, B.A. and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, M.D.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Updated Teladoc entry with the newest information from Teladoc review.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA (No change)
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD (No change)
Primary Changes: Complete revamp of overall style; updated logos for all companies.
Author: Caitlin Bell, MA
Medical Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
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