The Best Online Therapy Platforms That Take 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.

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.

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.

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.

Ask your insurance provider these important questions before starting online therapy:

1. Does my plan have mental health benefits through another carrier?
2. Are there any deductibles that must be met before these benefits are active?
3. Can you tell me how much I will owe for a copay or coinsurance for a visit?
4. 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?
5. 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?
6. Do I need a referral or prior authorization for treatment with [Company Name]?
7. Are there any limits on the number of therapy visits I can have in a given time period?

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.

Not all online therapy platforms accept Medicare or Medicaid, but many do. Brightside Health, Talkspace, and Grow Therapy all take certain forms of both Medicare and Medicaid. Many online therapy platforms take Medicare Advantage plans.

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.

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.

BetterHelp doesn’t currently take insurance, but Talkspace is in-network with all the major insurance providers, and even takes some Medicare and Medicaid plans.