Finding affordable mental health care has become easier as more online therapy platforms partner with major insurance companies. According to the American Psychological Association, nearly 80% of adults cite cost as a primary barrier to accessing mental health support. The good news? Insurance coverage for telehealth mental health services has expanded dramatically since 2020.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about using insurance for online therapy, including which platforms accept your plan, how to verify coverage, and what to do if you're uninsured or underinsured.
Platforms That Accept Insurance
Not all online therapy platforms work with insurance. The market is split between subscription-based "cash-pay" models and platforms that have integrated with the traditional healthcare system. Here's where you can use insurance:
Talkspace
Insurance AcceptedOne of the largest platforms accepting insurance with over 70% of users paying through their health plan.
Accepts: Aetna, Cigna, Optum, BCBS, Anthem, Carelon, Regence, TRICARE, Medicare (Parts B & C)
Average copay: $0–$30 (25% of users pay $0)
Services: Individual therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry, teen counseling
Cerebral
Insurance AcceptedCombines therapy with medication management. About 78% of users pay with insurance.
Accepts: Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, Magellan Health, United Healthcare, Optum, Aetna
With insurance: Starts at $29/month
Services: Therapy, psychiatry, medication management (no controlled substances)
Brightside Health
Insurance AcceptedSpecializes in depression and anxiety treatment with strong clinical outcomes.
Accepts: Aetna, Cigna, BCBS plans, United Healthcare, and others
With insurance: Copay-based pricing
Services: Therapy, psychiatry, medication management, crisis care
Amwell
Insurance AcceptedFull-service telehealth with 77% of mental health users paying through insurance.
Accepts: Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Medica, United Healthcare, ~50 carriers
Without insurance: ~$109/session
Services: Therapy, psychiatry, 24/7 availability
Talkiatry
Insurance OnlyInsurance-first psychiatry platform—requires in-network coverage to use.
Accepts: Most major insurers (check eligibility on their site)
Cost: Standard copays only
Services: Psychiatry, medication management
Platforms That Don't Accept Insurance
Some popular platforms operate on a cash-pay subscription model and don't bill insurance directly. However, many accept HSA/FSA cards and can provide superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement:
BetterHelp
$65–$100/week. Accepts HSA/FSA. No insurance billing.
Calmerry
$50–$90/week. Provides superbills for reimbursement.
Online-Therapy.com
$50–$110/week. Cash-pay only.
Regain (Couples)
$65–$90/week. Accepts HSA/FSA. No direct billing.
How to Verify Your Insurance Coverage
Before signing up for any platform, take these steps to confirm your benefits:
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1
Check the platform's eligibility tool
Most platforms like Talkspace and Cerebral have real-time insurance verification during sign-up. Enter your insurance details to instantly see if you're covered.
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2
Call your insurance company
Use the number on the back of your card. Ask specifically about "telehealth" or "telemedicine" coverage for mental health services, and whether the platform is in-network.
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3
Confirm specific services
Ask about coverage for individual therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry, and medication management—these may be covered differently under your plan.
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4
Understand your costs
Get clarity on your copay, coinsurance, deductible, and any session limits. Mental health parity laws require most plans to cover mental health like physical health, but details vary.
What to Ask Your Insurance Company
When you call your insurer, have your member ID ready and ask these specific questions:
- • "Is [platform name] an in-network provider for behavioral health?"
- • "What is my copay for telehealth mental health visits?"
- • "Do I need a referral or prior authorization for online therapy?"
- • "Is there a limit on the number of therapy sessions covered per year?"
- • "What's my out-of-network benefit for behavioral health if the platform isn't in-network?"
Understanding Copays, Deductibles, and Out-of-Pocket Costs
Even with insurance, you'll likely have some out-of-pocket costs. Here's what to expect:
Deductible: If you have a high-deductible plan, you may need to pay full price until you meet your deductible. After that, your copay or coinsurance kicks in.
Coinsurance: Instead of a flat copay, some plans cover a percentage (like 80%) of the session cost after your deductible, leaving you responsible for the rest.
Options If You're Uninsured
No insurance? You still have options for affordable online therapy:
- • Sliding scale platforms: BetterHelp offers 10–40% discounts based on financial need
- • Open Path Collective: Sessions from $30–$80 through a membership directory
- • Community mental health centers: Often offer services on a sliding fee scale
- • University training clinics: Supervised graduate students offer low-cost therapy
- • HSA/FSA cards: If you have these accounts, most platforms accept them even without insurance
See our guide to cheap online therapy options for more affordable alternatives.
Mental Health Parity: Your Rights
Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, most insurance plans must cover mental health services at the same level as physical health services. This means:
- • Your copay for therapy shouldn't be higher than for a regular doctor visit
- • Session limits must be comparable to limits on physical health visits
- • Prior authorization requirements must be similar to other medical services
If you believe your plan is violating parity laws, you can file a complaint with your state insurance commissioner or the Department of Labor.
The Bottom Line
Insurance coverage for online therapy has expanded significantly, making mental health care more accessible than ever. If you have coverage through Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, United Healthcare, or other major insurers, platforms like Talkspace, Cerebral, and Brightside can help you access therapy at a fraction of the out-of-pocket cost.
Before signing up, always verify your specific benefits with both the platform and your insurance company. And if you're uninsured, remember that many platforms offer financial assistance or sliding scale pricing to make therapy affordable.