Best Online Therapy Platforms That Take Insurance in 2024

In 2024, several top-rated platforms not only offer exceptional therapy services but also accept insurance, making mental health care more accessible and affordable. Here, we review the best online therapy platforms that take insurance, helping you decide on your mental health needs.

Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy

 

Initially, health insurance doesn’t sell standalone mental health plans, but often includes coverage for therapy to an insurance policy, as a part of its benefits program. Insurance rarely covers all the therapy session costs but reduces its value from $200 to $30 per session on average. This ensures that individuals can seek help from licensed therapists without the burden of prohibitive costs.

 

Mental health insurance can cover services like talk therapy, inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization, substance abuse treatment, emergency care: or so-called crisis intervention, and medication treatment.

 

The most common insurance providers that partially or fully cover mental health treatment are:

 

  • Cigna,
  • Optum,
  • Humana,
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • United Health Care
  • Aetna
  • Medica
  • Emblem Health
  • Regence

Online Therapy Platforms Covered by Insurance

Talkspace Review

Rating stars
4.7 / 5
Cost icon
65-115 Per Week
Talkspace is one of the largest online therapy platforms, featuring thousands of licensed therapists spanning all 50 states. The service has helped over 1 million people deal with addiction, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ struggles, and other issues. In addition to standard services, Talkspace offers couples and teen counseling. All services are HIPAA-compliant.
  • Simple sign-up & easy-to-use app
  • You pick a licensed therapist yourself
  • Communication via text and live video sessions
  • Accepted insurance: Cigna, Optum, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Visit website Read more
Pros & Cons
  • You can talk to a mental health professional with no need to leave your home
  • You can find a psychiatrist who can prescribe medication
  • You can choose a therapist from among three options selected for you by a consulting therapist
  • All therapists and counselors are licensed in their states
  • You can change a therapist at any moment for free
  • All your conversations with your therapist are securely encrypted
  • Many insurance packages cover the Talkspace therapy cost
  • Talkspace cost may be quite high for many people
  • Live video sessions with a therapist are only available within more expensive subscription plans
  • Medicaid and Medicare don’t offer Talkspace insurance
  • Medicaid and Medicare don’t offer Talkspace insurance
  • Your conversations with a therapist can be analyzed by an AI algorithm. Although the algorithm removes a client’s name, some people may still feel uncomfortable with such a practice.
  • Talkspace also receives some negative reviews from clients who note that they’ve been ignored by their therapists or received short and almost useless replies.

Grow Therapy Review

Rating stars
4.6 / 5
Cost icon
150-200 Per Session
Grow Therapy connects clients with licensed therapists for individual and family counseling. The platform emphasizes matching clients with professionals based on their unique needs and preferences. The company’s mission is to make therapy accessible for US individuals by providing insurance coverage for mental health services. The platform itself is user-friendly and has a simple yet stylish and intuitive design. The offline therapy option is the company’s feature that sets it apart from competitors. You can schedule an in-person session and enjoy classic eye-to-eye contact with a counselor.  
  • Personalized therapist matching
  • Variety of therapeutic approaches
  • Extensive insurance partnerships
  • Accepted insurance: Aetna, Cigna, Optum, United Health Care
Visit website Read more
Pros & Cons
  • User-friendly interface that is simple and intuitive, facilitating easy navigation and booking of therapy sessions
  • Diverse network of therapists so you can access a wide range of licensed therapists with various specialties
  • If you struggle to choose a therapist support team will match you with the most suitable professional
  • Offline therapy option, which is convenient for those who prefer classic in-person therapy
  • Insurance acceptance of the most major US insurance providers
  • Payment model can lead to high out-of-pocket expenses compared to a subscription-based plan
  • No additional features or resources are included
  • Communication is limited to live video sessions; no other channels are available
  • The availability of therapists may be limited based on geographic location and insurance coverage.

Cerebral Review

Rating stars
4.6 / 5
Cost icon
85-325 Per Week
Cerebral offers a comprehensive range of mental health service, including therapy, medication management, and care counseling, all accessible through their robust online platform.
  • Focus on medication and therapy integration
  • Affordable subscription plans
  • Insurance acceptance simplifies payment
  • Accepted insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare
Visit website Read more
Pros & Cons
  • Several subscription plans to choose from
  • Individual therapy & medication management
  • Accepts insurance
  • Users can pay with HSA and FSA cards
  • Prescriptions are mailed directly to your home
  • Insurance coverage varies by state
  • No services for couples, families, and teens

Online Psychiatrist That Takes Insurance

AmWell Review

Rating stars
4.5 / 5
Cost icon
79-109 Per Week
Amwell is a virtual healthcare platform that connects people in all 50 states with board-certified medical practitioners and licensed therapists who offer a variety of mental health services. The company makes it simple to access quality care, anywhere and whenever you need it, providing a safe virtual space to get the necessary treatments, qualified advice, or professional assistance.
  • High-quality video sessions
  • Broad insurance coverage
  • Wide range of telehealth services
  • Accepted Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medica, Aetna
Visit website Read more
Pros & Cons
  • HIPAA-compliant
  • Transparent pricing
  • Licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and MDs
  • Covered by many insurance providers
  • Services available 24/7
  • Couples and teen therapy available
  • Mobile app support
  • There are no subscription plans
  • Inaccurate billing practices
  • No messaging therapy

Teladoc Health Review

Rating stars
4.4 / 5
Cost icon
89-119 Per Session
Teladoc is a holistic telehealth platform that offers various healthcare services to individuals and organizations. It was launched in 2002 and was one of the first telemedicine solutions on the market, offering online healthcare services. Currently, the platform serves more than 80 million clients worldwide.
  • Available therapy types include individual sessions, and medication management
  • Ability to select your own therapist
  • Appointments available on nights and weekends
  • Payments can be made using HSA/FSA accounts
  • Accepted insurance: Emblem Health, Aetna, Cigna, and Optum
Visit website Read more
Pros & Cons
  • Trusted platform with more than 20 years of experience in filed 
  • Covered by various insurance plans and employee benefit systems 
  • A psychiatric provider can make a diagnosis and prescribe medications 
  • One account for various healthcare purposes
  • No messaging feature 
  • Limited pricing plans 
  • Costly comparable to other platforms

Dr on Demand Review

Rating stars
4.6 / 5
Cost icon
99-299 Per Session
Doctor on Demand offers a range of telehealth services, including online therapy. The platform provides video sessions with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, catering to various mental health needs. One of the highlighted features of this platform is personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs. This allows for convenient appointment scheduling, including availability during evenings and weekends. Continuous support is provided through regular follow-ups to ensure effective treatment. The payment model for Doctor on Demand is flexible, allowing you to pay for each visit individually without the need for a subscription. Many major insurance plans are accepted, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, you may have access to services through your employer’s health benefits plan if you hold one. Doctor on Demand is in-network with many insurance providers, ensuring affordable care for many users. Accepted Insurance: Emblem Health, Carelon, My Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and Regence
  • Comprehensive telehealth services
  • High-quality video sessions
  • Accepted insurance: Emblem Health, Carelon, My Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and Regence
Visit website Read more
Pros & Cons
  • Comprehensive telehealth services
  • High-quality video sessions
  • Extensive insurance partnerships
  • Limited flexibility in communication methods
  • Higher cost for uninsured users

MDLive Review

Rating stars
4.7 / 5
Cost icon
179-299 Per Session
MDLIVE offers online therapy and psychiatry services, focusing on accessible and timely care. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and quick appointment scheduling.  MDLIVE's mental health services are extensive, offering therapy and psychiatric care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, and more.  One of MDLIVE's notable features is its 24/7 availability, which ensures that users can receive care whenever they need it, even during evenings and weekends. As with other comprehensive telehealth solutions, MDLIVE works with major insurance providers, covering the bulk of its clients' overall session costs.
  • Comprehensive telehealth services
  • Broad insurance coverage
  • 24/7 access to medical care
  • Accepted Insurance: Regence, Cigna, and Optum
Visit website Read more
Pros & Cons
  • Offers 24/7 access to healthcare professionals for urgent care needs.
  • Accepts major insurance plans, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
  • User-friendly app and website interface that supports virtual appointments.
  • Wide range of services including primary care and dermatology.
  • Has limited network of therapist an psychiatrists
  • Prising without insurance is higher than average

Talkiarity Review

Rating stars
4.8 / 5
Cost icon
Individual, as platform accept only insurance payments
  • Provides both online and in person sessions
  • Wide network of certified therapists and psychiatrists
  • Serve only patients with insurance coverage
  • Accepted insurance: Cigna, Humana, Optum and more
Visit website Read more
Pros & Cons
  • Access to licensed psychiatrists
  • Comprehensive psychiatric care
  • Accepts a range of insurance plans
  • Initial appointment wait times can be long
  • Doesn't serve individuals without insurance

How we chose

Our website’s information, rankings, and reviews are meticulously crafted through comprehensive analyses conducted by our team. We review each platform, drawing on customer success stories, feedback from other professional therapists, and our own extensive experience.

We evaluate the qualifications, expertise, and effectiveness of the mental health professionals associated with each service.

The range of services offered is thoroughly examined by professional therapists, including different types of therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and specialized treatments for conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

We consider user interactions with the platform, assessing factors such as ease of use, the simplicity of the registration process, the effectiveness of the therapist matching system, and overall user satisfaction.

Pricing is carefully analyzed for transparency, the availability of subscription models or pay-per-session options, and overall value for money.

Finally, we ensure that each platform adheres to privacy laws and regulations, such as HIPAA in the U.S., and incorporate aggregated viewpoints from various review websites and user interviews to provide a well-rounded perspective.

 

Our assessments incorporate customer success stories, feedback from other therapists, and user reviews to offer a thorough and balanced perspective.

What is online therapy and does health insurance cover it?

Online therapy is a type of mental health support provided by licensed counselors via the Internet. It includes all classic therapy instruments and approaches but is more accessible and cheaper than classic offline therapy. Depending on the provider and the specifics of the insurance policy, many online therapy services are covered by health insurance plans. Major online therapy services have insurance coverage and reduce costs from an average of $200-300 to $20-30 per session.

What should I consider when choosing an online therapy platform that accepts insurance?

When choosing an online therapy platform that accepts insurance, consider factors such as the types of therapy offered, the therapists’ credentials, the ease of verifying insurance coverage, user reviews, and the platform’s privacy and security measures.

Is online therapy covered by insurance as extensively as in-person therapy?

Insurance coverage for online therapy is increasingly comparable to in-person therapy. Many insurance companies recognize the effectiveness of online therapy and provide similar coverage. The number of online therapy services covered by insurance increases exponentially yearly. However, it is advisable to review your specific plan details to understand the extent of coverage.

Can I see an online psychiatrist that takes insurance for medication management?

Yes, many online psychiatrists accept insurance for medication management and other psychiatric services. Platforms like Teladoc and MDLIVE offer psychiatric care, and you can verify insurance acceptance on their websites or through your insurance provider.

What types of mental health treatment are covered by insurance online?

Insurance often covers various types of online mental health treatments, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatric evaluations. Coverage specifics will depend on your insurance plan and the therapy platform.

How do I verify if my insurance covers online mental health services?

To verify if your insurance covers online mental health services, you can:

  • Contact your insurance provider directly.
  • Check the online therapy platform’s website for information about insurance coverage.
  • Review your insurance policy details regarding mental health services and telehealth coverage.

How do I submit a claim for online therapy to my insurance provider?

Submitting a claim for online therapy typically involves the following steps:

  • Obtain a detailed invoice or receipt from your online therapy provider.
  • Complete any required claim forms from your insurance provider.
  • Submit the documentation through your insurance provider’s website, mail, or mobile app.
  • Follow up with your insurance provider to ensure the claim has been processed.