Short answer: yes, most health insurance plans cover therapy. But there is a difference between coverage existing on paper and actually understanding what you owe per session. Here is what you need to know.
Mental health parity: why this matters
Under federal mental health parity law, most insurance plans are required to cover mental health services at the same level as medical services. That means if your plan covers physical therapy or specialist visits, it generally has to cover therapy at a comparable level.
This does not mean everything is free. But it does mean coverage usually exists. The question is what your specific plan's terms are.
In-network vs out-of-network
When a therapist is in-network with your insurance, they have an agreement directly with your plan. You pay a copay per session, usually between $0 and $50. This is the most affordable option.
When a therapist is out-of-network, they do not have that agreement. You pay the full session rate upfront. However, many plans still reimburse you a percentage through out-of-network benefits. You submit a receipt called a superbill and your insurance sends you a check. The reimbursement varies, but it can be significant.
Do you know whether your current therapist (or the one you are considering) is in-network with your plan?
Copay vs coinsurance vs deductible
- Copay: a fixed amount you pay per session regardless of cost, like $20 or $40
- Coinsurance: a percentage of the session cost you pay, like 20% after your deductible is met
- Deductible: the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance starts contributing. If your deductible is $1,000 and you have not met it yet, you may pay the full session rate until you do.
Many people start the year with a deductible to meet, which means the first few sessions cost more. Once it is met, the cost drops significantly.
Which insurances I accept
I am in-network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Carelon, and Cigna. If you are on one of those plans, you can check your benefits and book directly through Headway, which handles all insurance verification.
Not sure what your plan covers? Call the member number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically about outpatient mental health benefits and your copay for in-network therapy.
Does insurance cover telehealth therapy?
In most cases, yes. Since 2020, the majority of major insurance plans have expanded telehealth coverage significantly. For most plans, a virtual therapy session is covered at the same rate as an in-person session. Some plans still have different rules for telehealth, so it is worth confirming when you check your benefits.
What if you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover it?
There are still options. Many therapists offer a sliding scale rate based on income. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) through employers often cover a set number of free sessions. Community mental health centers in New York offer income-based fees. And platforms like Open Path Collective connect people with therapists offering reduced rates.
Cost should not be what stops you. It is worth taking ten minutes to actually check what your options are before assuming therapy is out of reach.
When you are ready
Aetna, BCBS, Carelon, and Cigna accepted.
Online therapy in New York and New Jersey. Book directly through Headway and your insurance is verified automatically.