Find Therapists That Accept Your Insurance
Connect with therapists who accept your insurance. Search our network for providers covered by insurance plans and understand your mental health benefits.
Connect with qualified therapists who accept your insurance plan and start your therapy journey today.
Finding a therapist who accepts your insurance shouldn't become another hurdle in your mental health journey. At GoodTherapy, we make it easier to connect with qualified therapists covered by your plan, so that financial barriers don't hinder your path to the mental health support you deserve. Just enter your zip code into our search bar and start filtering therapists and psychiatrists by insurance provider, therapy type, conditions treated, and more.
Popular Insurance Plans Accepted by GoodTherapy Therapists
Blue Cross Blue Shield Coverage for Therapy
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans offer varying degrees of mental health coverage. In-network therapy sessions with Blue Cross Blue Shield typically cost between $15 to $50 in copay per session after you meet your deductible.
If you choose a therapist who is not in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and you have a PPO Plan, your therapy session will likely cost between $50 to $100 per session, or 20% to 50% of the full amount that your therapist charges per session. If you choose a therapist who is not in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and you have an HMO or EPO Plan, your plan will likely not reimburse you for sessions with a therapist who is not in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Refer to your plan details or contact BCBS for more information.
Blue Cross Blue Shield generally provides coverage for a range of health services including individual therapy, child therapy, virtual therapy, and evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Couples counseling is excluded from coverage, unless related to a diagnosable mental health condition.
Find Blue Cross Blue Shield Therapists on GoodTherapyAetna Insurance Coverage for Therapy
Aetna offers a variety of mental health resources and support options for members at every stage of their mental health journey. Therapy sessions typically cost $15 to $50 in copay per session after meeting your deductible. You must meet your annual deductible before Aetna begins covering therapy costs.
In some cases, therapy may be fully covered, meaning you pay nothing at the time of the session. For out-of-network visits, if you have an Aetna PPO plan, therapy sessions may cost $50 to $100 per session, or 20% to 50% of the therapist's full fee. You must pay the full session fee upfront (typically $80–$200 per session), submit a claim to Aetna, and receive reimbursement for the covered portion after meeting your deductible. Out-of-network costs are generally higher than in-network costs, and some plans may not cover out-of-network services at all. Online therapy may have lower copays compared to in-person visits, offering a more cost-effective option. For precise cost details, consult your Summary of Benefits or contact Aetna directly.
Services typically covered by Aetna include individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, couples therapy, online therapy, and specialized treatment options ( like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy) under specific plan conditions.
Find Aetna Therapists on GoodTherapyCigna Insurance Coverage for Therapy
Cigna offers mental health and substance use benefits through employer-sponsored health plans. In-network therapy sessions typically cost between $15 and $60 in copay per session after meeting your deductible, depending on your plan. Some plans, such as Copay Plus, may offer no-cost outpatient visits, meaning no copay or coinsurance is required. Virtual therapy options are covered in-network by select plans, with average copays around $20 per session.
For out-of-network costs, you are required to pay the full session fee upfront (typically $80–$200 per session). If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may be reimbursed for a portion of the costs after meeting your deductible. Reimbursement rates typically range from 20% to 50% of the therapist's fee, depending on your plan. Costs and coverage can vary widely based on your specific Cigna plan and location. For example, therapy costs in some states range from $0 to $100 per session. To learn more about your benefits, review your plan information or contact Cigna.
Services covered by Cigna may include individual therapy, group therapy, family and couples counseling, virtual therapy, specialized therapies (such as evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy), access to recovery specialists, and outpatient programs. These services are offered with no separate deductible from your employer medical plan, though coverage details, such as copays and session limits, depend on your specific plan and employer provisions. Contact Cigna for more details.
Find Cigna therapists on GoodTherapyUnitedHealthcare Coverage for Therapy
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) plans offer mental health coverage with in-network copay costs typically between $15 and $70 per session after meeting your deductible, depending on your plan. Some plans waive the deductible for mental health therapy, meaning you only pay the copay. If the deductible is not waived, you must meet it before the copay applies. Additionally, many plans offer teletherapy sessions with a $0 copay through network providers, and most UnitedHealthcare plans do not limit the number of therapy sessions covered annually.
If you have a PPO plan, out-of-network therapy may cost 20% to 50% of the therapist's fee, which typically ranges from $80 to $200 per session. This means you pay the full fee upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement. Out-of-network services are usually covered only after meeting a higher deductible. Costs and coverage vary widely depending on your specific UnitedHealthcare plan, so it's important to check your policy details or contact UHC directly with questions.
Services covered by UnitedHealthcare generally include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, virtual therapy, and specialized treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and certain outpatient programs. Marriage counseling is deemed medically unnecessary, and is therefore usually excluded from coverage.
Find UnitedHealthcare Therapists on GoodTherapyMedicare and Medicaid Coverage for Therapy
Both Medicare and Medicaid cover therapy and other mental health services. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers some in-person and telehealth services for mental health and substance use disorders, and after meeting the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the annual deductible ($226 for 2023). Medicaid typically covers mental health therapy at little to no cost. Copays range from $2 to $5 per visit, depending on the state and eligibility requirements. Both programs generally do not cover out-of-network providers unless prior authorization is obtained. Patients must pay the full session fee if services are outside of Medicare or Medicaid's network.
Services usually covered by Medicare and Medicaid include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, virtual therapy, medication management, and intensive outpatient programs. Some states impose limits on the number of sessions annually.
Find Medicare & Medicaid Therapists on GoodTherapy See All Other Insurance ProvidersUnderstanding Your Insurance Coverage for Therapy
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Therapy
When determining affordability for care options, it's incredibly important to know if a therapist or other health service provider is within your insurance network. In-network therapists have agreements with your insurance company to provide services at predetermined rates, typically resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs for you.
Conversely, out-of-network therapists do not have set rate agreements, which can lead to higher expenses. To determine if a therapist is in-network, consult your insurance provider's directory or contact the therapist directly. You can also make use of GoodTherapy's search tool tailored to your insurance provider.
Common Insurance Terms for Therapy Coverage
Insurance language and terminology can often be confusing. Here are some key terms to know:
- Copay: A copayment is the fixed amount of money you pay out-of-pocket for each in-network therapy session or mental health service. This can range from $20 to $50, or more, depending on your plan.
- Deductible: This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company begins to cover therapy costs.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of therapy costs you share with your insurance after meeting your deductible. For example, if your coinsurance is 20%, you pay 20% of the session cost, and your insurance covers the remaining 80%.
- Out-of-pocket maximum: The maximum amount you will pay for covered services in a plan year. Once this number is reached, your insurance covers 100% of covered services for the remainder of the plan year.
How to Verify Your Insurance Benefits for Therapy
- Review Your Policy: Examine your insurance policy documents or online portal to better understand your mental health benefits.
- Contact Customer Service: Call the number on your insurance card to inquire about coverage specifics, including copays, deductibles, session limits, and in-network providers.
- Ask In-Depth Questions: Inquire about pre-authorization requirements, coverage for different therapy modalities important to you (e.g., individual, group, family therapy), and any necessary referrals.
- Document Information: You'll likely want to have a pen and paper or laptop handy to write down information received from your insurance provider. Keep records of conversations, including dates, representatives' names, and details discussed.
Mental Health Parity Laws and Insurance Coverage
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act mandates that insurance coverage for mental health and substance use disorders must be comparable to coverage for physical health conditions. This means insurers cannot impose more restrictive limitations on mental health benefits than on medical/surgical benefits. The Affordable Care Act further reinforced these provisions, expanding access to mental health services.
How to Find a Therapist Who Accepts Your Insurance
- Step 1: Check Your Insurance Coverage Details
Start by reviewing your insurance plan to understand your mental health benefits. Look for details like copays, deductibles, session limits, and whether you need a referral. You can find this information in your policy documents or by calling your insurance provider. - Step 2: Use GoodTherapy's Search Tool to Filter by Insurance Provider
GoodTherapy makes it easy to find therapists who accept your insurance. Simply use our search tool to browse a network of vetted, licensed professionals covered by your plan. - Step 3: Contact Potential Therapists to Verify Current Insurance Acceptance
While our directory helps you find therapists who accept your insurance, coverage details can change. Before scheduling an appointment, reach out to your chosen therapist to confirm they still accept your plan. - Step 4: Understand Your Financial Responsibility
Even with insurance, therapy costs can vary. Ask your provider about copays, coinsurance, and any out-of-pocket expenses you may be responsible for. If you have a deductible, make sure you know how much you need to pay before your insurance starts covering sessions.
Options When Your Insurance Doesn't Cover Therapy
If your insurance plan doesn't cover therapy — or if you're struggling to find an in-network provider — there are still ways to access affordable mental health care. Here are some alternative options to consider:
Sliding Scale Payment Options
Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income, making therapy more accessible if you're paying out of pocket. When reaching out to potential therapists, ask if they provide a reduced rate based on financial need.
Out-of-Network Benefits and Reimbursement
Some insurance plans partially reimburse out-of-network therapy sessions. This means you pay upfront, but your insurer may cover a percentage of the cost after you submit a claim. Contact your insurance provider to find out if you have out-of-network benefits and what percentage they cover.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
If you have an HSA or FSA, you can use these pre-tax funds to pay for therapy. This can help lower your overall cost while ensuring you receive the care you need. Check with your HSA/FSA provider to confirm which therapy services qualify.
Other Affordable Therapy Options
If traditional therapy isn't financially feasible, you can potentially explore community mental health centers that offer low-cost counseling or nonprofit organizations that provide free or reduced-cost mental health services.
No matter your financial situation, support is available. GoodTherapy's search tools can help you find therapists who offer flexible payment options to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance Coverage for Therapy
- 1. Does health insurance cover therapy?
- Yes, most insurance plans cover therapy, but the specifics vary. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires most providers to include mental health benefits, though coverage details like session limits, copays, and in-network providers depend on your plan.
- 2. How do I know if my insurance covers therapy?
- Check your insurance provider's website, review your benefits summary, or call customer service. Ask about in-network therapists, copays, session limits, and whether pre-authorization is required.
- 3. What if my therapist doesn't accept my insurance?
- If your therapist is out-of-network, you may be able to submit claims for partial reimbursement, use an HSA or FSA for payment, or ask about sliding scale rates to reduce costs.
- 4. How many therapy sessions will my insurance cover?
- Coverage varies. Some plans offer unlimited sessions, while others limit the number per year. Some insurers require a treatment plan review before approving additional sessions.
- 5. Will using insurance for therapy affect my premiums?
- Using insurance for therapy typically won't increase your premiums. However, mental health treatment may be recorded in your medical history, which could impact future life or disability insurance policies.
- 6. Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a therapist with insurance?
- Some plans require a referral from a primary care doctor, while others allow direct access to mental health providers. Check with your insurer to avoid unexpected costs.
- 7. What's the difference between using insurance for therapy vs. psychiatry?
- Therapy covers talk-based treatment with counselors, psychologists, or social workers, while psychiatry focuses on medication management by a medical doctor. Coverage and copays may differ between the two.
- 8. Can online therapy be covered by insurance?
- Yes, many insurance providers cover online therapy, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic expanded telehealth services. Coverage depends on your plan, therapist credentials, and state regulations. Always confirm with your provider.
Start Your Therapy Journey with Insurance Coverage Today
Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and growth, and cost shouldn't stand in the way of getting the right support. GoodTherapy simplifies making mental health care more accessible and affordable by connecting you with a network of highly qualified and carefully vetted therapists who accept your insurance.
Take the first step toward better mental health today. Find a therapist covered by your insurance and move forward with confidence.
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