The popularity of online therapy has grown significantly since 2020, driven in part by the pandemic but sustained by the convenience and flexibility it offers. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, online therapy provides access to care from the comfort of your own home. Beyond convenience, research shows that online therapy is effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, with patient satisfaction comparable to traditional online therapy.

One of the biggest questions for many people seeking online therapy is cost-related. Therapy is typically a weekly commitment, and fees can add up quickly. Understanding whether your health insurance covers online therapy is important to making it affordable.

Does health insurance cover online therapy?

The most important factor in determining the cost of therapy is whether your insurance plan includes mental health benefits. Many health insurance plans do cover online therapy, though coverage varies by provider and plan.

Here are some key things to know:

  • In-network therapists: Coverage is often higher when you see a therapist who is in-network with your insurance plan.
  • Out-of-pocket costs: Even if your plan covers online therapy, you may still be responsible for co-pays or deductibles.
  • Platform restrictions: Not all online therapy platforms accept insurance. Subscription-based services may require full payment out-of-pocket, so it’s important to confirm these details before starting therapy.

If your insurance covers mental health services, you may be able to access more affordable online therapy with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

How do therapy platforms verify insurance coverage?

Each therapy platform and provider handles insurance verification differently, so it’s important to understand how coverage is checked before booking your first therapy session. Some platforms leave it entirely up to the client to verify their own benefits, while others verify as a part of their intake process.

For example, at findmytherapist.com:

  1. Insurance verification: When you schedule your first therapy session online, we verify your specific health insurance benefits.
  2. In-network confirmation: We check that the therapist you have chosen is in-network with your insurance plan.
  3. Cost estimate provided: Before your first therapy session, you’ll receive a cost estimate for your therapy session.

If you want to do your own research to find out if your health insurance covers therapy, you have several options. You can log in or create an account on your health insurance plan’s website and find information about your specific plan’s coverage. You can also call the phone number on the back of your insurance card; sometimes, there will be a specific phone number for verifying mental health benefits. Either way, you should be able to get detailed information about your coverage, deductible, and any out-of-pocket costs you should expect. Once you’ve verified that you have coverage for mental health services, you’ll want to make sure you find a therapist who is in-network with your plan. 

How to find an online therapist

Finding a therapist who fits your needs and accepts your insurance is important for successful treatment. Here are tips on how to start:

  • Check your insurance plan: Look up coverage details online or call your provider. Make sure online therapy is included.
  • Look for in-network therapists: Confirm that your preferred therapist is in-network with your insurance.
  • Use a trusted platform: Platforms like findmytherapist.com simplify the process by verifying insurance and helping you find a therapist who fits your schedule and needs.

Takeaway

Online therapy covered by insurance is increasingly accessible, and understanding your benefits can make mental health care more affordable. Whether you choose to verify coverage on your own or use findmytherapist.com to find a therapist covered by insurance, taking the time to find an in-network therapist ensures a smoother, more cost-effective therapy experience.

If you’re ready to find a therapist who fits your needs, start your search today at findmytherapist.com.