Medicaid provides health coverage to over 90 million low-income Americans, including essential mental health services. The good news: most states have dramatically expanded telehealth coverage since 2020, making it easier to access therapy from home. The challenge: coverage varies significantly by state, and most popular online therapy platforms don't accept Medicaid.
This guide explains what Medicaid covers, how policies vary by state, and your best options for accessing affordable online mental health care.
Does Medicaid Cover Online Therapy?
Yes, but it depends on your state. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program, which means each state sets its own rules for what's covered and how. While federal law requires states to cover certain mental health services, telehealth policies—including where you can receive care, which providers qualify, and whether audio-only visits are allowed—vary widely.
The Good News
Since the pandemic, most states have expanded telehealth coverage significantly. Many have made these changes permanent, allowing Medicaid recipients to receive mental health therapy from home via video or phone.
State Telehealth Policies at a Glance
As of November 2025, here's where states stand on key Medicaid telehealth policies:
Telehealth reimbursed same as in-person
Parity with some exceptions
Rates may differ from in-person
What Services Are Typically Covered?
Most state Medicaid programs cover these mental health telehealth services:
- ✓ Individual psychotherapy with licensed therapists, psychologists, or psychiatrists
- ✓ Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
- ✓ Substance use disorder treatment including counseling and medication-assisted treatment
- ✓ Mental health assessments and diagnostic services
- ✓ Crisis intervention services in many states
Can I Receive Care at Home?
In most states, yes. Many states now allow your home to serve as an "originating site" for telehealth—meaning you can receive therapy from your living room rather than traveling to a clinic. Some states also allow audio-only (phone) visits for mental health services.
⚠️ Check Your State
While most states expanded home-based telehealth during the pandemic, some have stricter rules. Contact your state Medicaid office or managed care plan to confirm current policies in your area.
Online Therapy Platforms and Medicaid
Here's the challenging reality: most popular online therapy platforms don't accept Medicaid. This includes BetterHelp, Talkspace, Cerebral, and most others you've likely heard of. These platforms typically work with commercial insurance or operate on a cash-pay model.
| Platform | Accepts Medicaid? |
|---|---|
| BetterHelp | No |
| Talkspace | No (does not accept Medicaid) |
| Cerebral | No |
| Brightside | No |
| Headspace | Some plans (in select states) |
| Amwell | Through some Medicaid MCOs |
Your Best Options for Medicaid Online Therapy
Even though most commercial platforms don't accept Medicaid, you still have options for accessing telehealth mental health care:
1. Your Medicaid Managed Care Plan
If you're enrolled in a Medicaid managed care organization (MCO), they likely offer telehealth mental health services. Call the number on your Medicaid card and ask about:
- • Available telehealth mental health providers in your network
- • Whether you can receive care at home
- • Any copays or cost-sharing requirements
- • How to schedule a telehealth appointment
2. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
Community health centers that receive federal funding accept Medicaid and often provide telehealth services. They offer mental health care on a sliding fee scale based on income.
Find one near you: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
3. Community Mental Health Centers
Many community mental health centers accept Medicaid and have expanded telehealth services. These centers often specialize in serving Medicaid recipients and low-income patients.
4. Provider Directories
Platforms like Grow Therapy and Headway help therapists get credentialed with insurance, including some Medicaid plans. Search these directories with your Medicaid plan to find providers offering telehealth.
How to Access Medicaid Telehealth
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1
Contact your Medicaid plan
Call the member services number on your card. Ask specifically about telehealth mental health services and how to find providers.
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2
Find an in-network telehealth provider
Use your plan's provider directory or ask for a list of mental health providers offering telehealth. Make sure they're accepting new patients.
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3
Schedule your appointment
When booking, confirm the visit will be via telehealth. Ask whether they offer video, phone, or both.
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4
Prepare for your session
Find a private, quiet space. Test your internet connection or phone ahead of time. Have your Medicaid ID ready.
What If Telehealth Isn't Available in My Area?
If you're having trouble finding Medicaid-covered telehealth services, consider these alternatives:
- • Community mental health centers: Often have shorter wait times than private providers and accept Medicaid
- • University training clinics: Graduate students provide supervised therapy at low or no cost
- • Open Path Collective: Membership directory with sessions from $30–$80 (not insurance-based)
- • Crisis services: If you need immediate help, text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
State-Specific Resources
For detailed information about telehealth policies in your state, contact:
- • Your state Medicaid office: Find contact info at Medicaid.gov
- • Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP): Maintains detailed state telehealth policy guides
- • National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers: Provides state-by-state telehealth resources
The Bottom Line
Medicaid coverage for online therapy has expanded significantly, but accessing it requires navigating your state's specific policies and finding providers who accept Medicaid. While popular subscription-based platforms typically don't accept Medicaid, your managed care plan, community health centers, and local mental health providers often offer telehealth options.
Start by contacting your Medicaid plan directly—they can point you toward available telehealth mental health services in your area. If you're struggling to find covered services, community health centers and mental health centers are often your best bet for affordable, accessible care.