The Fast Facts
- We evaluated over 35 online therapy platforms, and these 6 are our picks of the best online therapy services that take insurance.
- Online therapy may be a cheaper alternative than in-person therapy, but insurance coverage may still help with the cost.
- Talkspace is one of the best overall as it offers several communication platforms, therapy options, and flexible subscription plans.
These days, therapy has become standardized to some extent. The only thing that hasn’t changed much is the cost. Though cheaper than in-person therapy, online therapy sessions can still be upward of $200 a month, especially if the platform is subscription-based.
Here’s where insurance comes in. If you didn’t know, insurance can cover online therapy — you just need to know where to look.
We researched some online therapy services that take insurance and chose the top six. These services offer a range of insurance coverage, have consistent services and reviews, and may be able to help a wide range of people.
Take a look at our options and see whether they can help meet your needs.
Online therapy isn’t suitable for emergency situationsIf you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out for help. Text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, which is available 24/7. You can also use the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741 in the United States and Canada.
*All insurance copays vary by insurance plan.
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We evaluate services for consistency with standards of care and best practices, and we look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the online therapy platforms on this page, we considered all the platforms that passed our vetting process. Then, we personally tested some of them to narrow down our list even further. Read more about how we review online therapy platforms.
You can start by looking at the website of the mental health professional you want to use. Most online platforms will have a link you can click to see which insurance companies they work with. Others require you to create an account to check your insurance coverage.
There might even be a form you can use that will check your coverage for you. To see whether you’re covered, you’ll just need to provide your:
- name
- plan name
- policy number
It’s always a wise idea to call the office of any therapist you’re considering and verify whether they accept your specific insurance plan for online therapy.
Another option is to start by calling your insurance company. The company can tell you whether you have coverage for online therapy and what copayments or coinsurance costs you’ll have. It can also point you in the direction of therapists in the network and the specific therapy platforms they work with.
Here’s a top-level glance at what some of the major insurance companies offer, but you’ll still want to call and confirm the coverage in your exact plan:
- United Healthcare: United Healthcare covers Talkspace and any other online therapy if the therapist is in-network.
- Aetna: Aetna members can receive online therapy through MDLIVE, Talkspace, and other in-network therapists.
- Humana: Humana plans cover online therapy from in-network professionals.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover therapy for some online services, depending on your specific plan. In-network professionals are also covered.
- Anthem: Anthem members have access to therapy from Anthem’s own telehealth service and care from in-network professionals.
- Cigna: Cigna covers Talkspace and any other in-network online therapy services.
- Kaiser: Kaiser covers online therapy from in-network professionals.
Many online therapy services accept Medicare and Medicaid, but coverage depends on the program and, in some cases, your state.
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers mental health and behavioral health services, including therapy, when they’re provided by a Medicare-approved provider. Even if you don’t live in a rural area, you can get online mental health care from home. Medicare Advantage plans may offer even more online therapy options.
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage depends on your state. Most states allow Medicaid members to get therapy through telehealth, but the rules and providers can differ.
To check your coverage, or for more information, you can:
- call the number on your Medicaid card
- contact your state’s Medicaid office
- ask the therapy platform or provider directly
If you’re considering using a private therapist or practice, someone at the office should be able to help you. If you’re considering a larger therapy platform, a customer service representative can answer your questions.
There are a few options for free or low cost online therapy. Many services are offered:
- free trials
- pay-as-you-go services
- sliding-scale payment options
- discounts
- peer counseling
For free therapy options in your area, you can call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hotline at 800-950-NAMI (6264) to connect with a mental health professional. You can also email them at info@nami.org.
If you’re a veteran, you can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by text, chat, or phone.
Need help finding a therapist?
It’s important to choose a therapist you feel comfortable with. That might seem extra challenging when you’re looking at online services. Get some insight from experts on what to consider during your search to find a therapist.
The exact coverage for online therapy available to you depends on:
- your insurance plan
- the therapist you choose
- the regulations of the state you live in
Online therapy platforms provide access to licensed therapists and mental health professionals through digital communication channels like text, audio, or video. These platforms offer a range of therapeutic services for individuals seeking support for various mental health concerns.
Talkspace
Selecting an online therapy platform that accepts insurance can be a convenient way to access mental health support while reducing out-of-pocket expenses. Using online platforms also gives you a wider range of therapists from which to choose.
You can start by contacting your insurance company to see whether you have coverage for online therapy. A representative can confirm your coverage and point you in the right direction to get the support you need.