Health insurance cover therapy can be confusing, and it can be difficult to know exactly what your plan covers. Even those with good insurance might be hesitant to seek health services when you are unsure what will or will not be covered.


Does health insurance cover the cost of therapy? The short answer is: it depends. Most plans in the United States cover mental health similarly to how they cover other medical costs, meaning that sessions could be billed with a co-pay or go toward your deductible.


So, what do you need to know about health insurance when it comes to paying for therapy?


What Kind of Insurance Plan Do You Have?
Most insurance plans either have a co-pay or deductible. A co-pay means you pay a set amount for each appointment, and your insurance covers the rest. A deductible plan means that you pay all your medical expenses up to a certain amount, at which time insurance starts covering a specific percent of your costs.


If your plan has a deductible, you will want to know how much each session will cost you before your insurance coverage starts. Most therapists post information about their rates on their website, but your insurance plan might have a negotiated rate with in-network providers. This means that your rate per session is discounted.


Options available to you depend on which company is your health insurer. Companies vary on what plans they offer and what services they cover. Since many people are insured through their employer, you might not get to choose which insurance company covers you and your family. Still, if you own your own business or purchase privately, you want to research your options before committing to a plan.


The cost of therapy varies significantly, with many providers in the United States charging between $65 to $200 per session. The cost depends on your location, the therapist's training, and any specialized care you might need.


Usually, your insurance card lists which type of plan you have, but you can get this information from their website or by calling the customer service phone number on your card.


What If I Can't Afford My Deductible?
Some insurance plans have very high deductibles, and paying this amount may be a challenge. Your therapist might offer affordable payment plans to allow you to pay over a longer time period. Communicate with your therapist, and ask for information about these options.


Maybe you cannot afford your deductible even with a flexible payment plan. In this case, you might choose not to use your insurance and instead find a therapist who offers sliding scale fees based on your income and ability to pay. Since your therapist will not bill your insurance, these payments will not go towards your deductible for the year, but they can make therapy services more affordable.


Historically, insurance has not always covered telehealth services for therapy. However, since March 2020, many insurers are covering this service for in-network providers. Typically, insurance does not cover therapy costs through companies like Talk Space and Better Help.


Telehealth is an excellent option for many people, but some might prefer in-person services. Although many people benefit from telehealth services, you can decide which type of service best fits your needs.


Many therapists list on their website which insurances they accept. Directory websites list providers by location and allow you to filter by your presenting concern to help you find a therapist who takes your insurance and is trained to help you with your unique challenges.


You can also call your insurance company or visit the company's website and ask for the names of therapists in their network. Although the company typically will not have information on the therapist's specialization, this is a good starting point.


Is the therapist that specializes in your issue out-of-network? Sometimes, insurance companies limit how many therapists they will accept on their panel at a time, and therapists who want to accept your plan are unable to. You can call the company and ask them to panel more therapists.


Sliding scales are also an excellent resource for individuals who do not have health insurance. Many universities will have mental health clinics staffed by graduate student therapists under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional, which also offer a sliding scale fee structure.