Blue Cross Blue Shield is the largest health insurance provider in the United States, but it's not a single company—it's a federation of 34 independent, locally-operated companies. This means your BCBS coverage for online therapy depends heavily on which state you're in and which specific BCBS company administers your plan.
The good news: virtually all BCBS plans now cover telehealth mental health services, and major online therapy platforms have worked to establish in-network relationships across most BCBS companies.
⚠️ Important: BCBS Is Not One Company
There are 34 separate BCBS companies (Anthem, Highmark, Premera, CareFirst, etc.). What's covered under Anthem BCBS in California may differ from BlueCross BlueShield of Texas. Always verify with your specific plan.
Platforms That Accept BCBS
These platforms have established in-network agreements with most BCBS companies nationwide:
Talkspace
Most BCBS PlansExtensive BCBS network coverage across most states and plan types.
- • Services: Individual therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy
- • BCBS copay: Typically $0-$35 per session
- • Verification: Real-time eligibility check during signup
Cerebral
Most BCBS PlansTherapy + medication management with growing BCBS partnerships.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, medication management
- • With BCBS: Starting at $29/month after copays
- • Best for: Those needing both therapy and medication
MDLive
Many BCBS PlansIntegrated telehealth with behavioral health specialists.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, urgent care
- • With BCBS: Often included as default telehealth provider
- • Note: Some BCBS plans include MDLive as a built-in benefit
LiveHealth Online (Anthem)
Anthem BCBS OnlyAnthem's own telehealth platform with dedicated behavioral health.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry
- • For: Anthem BCBS members in CA, CO, CT, GA, IN, KY, ME, MO, NH, NV, NY, OH, VA, WI
- • Access: Through Anthem member portal or LiveHealth Online app
Major BCBS Companies and Their Telehealth Options
Here's a quick reference for some of the largest BCBS companies:
| BCBS Company | States | Telehealth Options |
|---|---|---|
| Anthem BCBS | CA, CO, CT, GA, IN, KY, ME, MO, NV, NH, NY, OH, VA, WI | LiveHealth Online, Talkspace, MDLive |
| BCBS of Texas | TX | MDLive, Talkspace, Doctor on Demand |
| Highmark BCBS | PA, WV, DE | Talkspace, Amwell, MDLive |
| Florida Blue | FL | Teladoc, Talkspace, Cerebral |
| Independence Blue Cross | PA (Philadelphia area) | Amwell, MDLive, Talkspace |
| CareFirst BCBS | MD, DC, VA (northern) | MDLive, Talkspace |
| Premera Blue Cross | WA, AK | Talkspace, MDLive |
How to Verify Your BCBS Coverage
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1
Identify your specific BCBS company
Look at your card—it will say "Anthem," "Florida Blue," "Highmark," etc. along with BCBS.
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2
Log into your member portal
Each BCBS company has its own website (anthem.com, bcbstx.com, etc.).
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3
Check behavioral health + telehealth benefits
Look for mental health coverage, virtual care provisions, and copay amounts.
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4
Use platform eligibility checkers
Talkspace and Cerebral verify your specific coverage instantly during signup.
The Blue Card Program
One advantage of BCBS is the "Blue Card" program, which allows members to access providers in other BCBS networks when traveling or living temporarily in another state. For telehealth, this means:
- ✓ You can often see a therapist licensed in another state
- ✓ Coverage typically transfers when you travel
- ✓ In-network rates may apply across BCBS companies
However, confirm with your specific plan—some limitations apply, especially for ongoing care.
Typical Costs with BCBS
Note: BCBS plan costs vary more than other insurers because of the federation structure. A Florida Blue PPO may have completely different copays than a Highmark PPO. Always check your specific Summary of Benefits.
Using BCBS with Platforms That Don't Accept Insurance
BetterHelp and similar cash-pay platforms don't accept BCBS directly. However, BCBS PPO plans typically have out-of-network benefits:
- • Submit superbills for out-of-network reimbursement (if your plan includes OON benefits)
- • Use HSA/FSA funds to pay for any licensed therapy service
- • Consider switching to Talkspace for similar features with BCBS coverage
The Bottom Line
BCBS provides solid coverage for online therapy across most of its 34 member companies, with platforms like Talkspace, Cerebral, and MDLive accepting most BCBS plans. The key is identifying which specific BCBS company you have and verifying your telehealth mental health benefits.
Because of BCBS's federated structure, your experience will vary by state and plan—but most members can access online therapy for $0-$40 per session through in-network platforms.