Is BetterHelp Covered by Insurance? (Everything You Need to Know)

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By Jacob Maslow

BetterHelp, an online therapy provider, might be a good choice for those looking for a quick and private way to find a therapist. Online therapy has become more prevalent in recent years, and BetterHelp is one of the most common ways to find a licensed therapist. It is an affordable way to get the help you need for a happier and more productive life. But does insurance cover it?

This article will tell you everything you need to know about BetterHelp, and cost breakdowns and will provide advice for understanding insurance coverage for mental health.

What is BetterHelp?

BetterHelp is an online counseling service that makes it easier for people to get high-quality therapy from the convenience of their own homes. According to its website, it is the largest online therapy service in the world, assisting more than 2.7 million patients since 2013.

BetterHelp provides individual and couple counseling for those over 18, and it presently has over 24,000 licensed therapists on its website. Although live video chats are the most popular choice for therapy with BetterHelp, other choices include phone conversations and even online messaging.

BetterHelp Costs

BetterHelp is a membership service that costs between $60 and $90 per week or between $240 and $360 per month. The pricing of the service is affected by your location, your preference for a therapist, and the therapist’s availability.

The BetterHelp subscription and one weekly live video session include unlimited texting and phone calls with your counselor.

BetterHelp Financial Aid

BetterHelp also offers financial aid for those who are struggling with the cost of the subscription. They will ask you to fill out a short survey about your employment and monthly income to determine whether or not you’re eligible for financial aid. Once they’ve determined your financial situation, they may offer you a membership plan at a lower price or a plan with more flexibility.

Does BetterHelp Take Insurance?

According to BetterHelp, their services are not covered by health insurance. However, it is still worth asking your insurance provider if they can reimburse you for the cost of your therapy from BetterHelp. Some insurance providers and Medicare may be willing to cover all or part of your therapy expenses.

Insurance and Mental Health Services

There is a reasonable probability that your health insurance plan covers at least some mental health therapies if you have one. Even though BetterHelp does not accept health insurance, in some circumstances, you might be eligible for reimbursement by your insurance provider.

It’s also important to remember that even if your insurance covers all the cost of your online counseling, your copay can be more than BetterHelp’s full rate.

You may need to pay a copay for each session out of your wallet but check with your insurance plan before beginning therapy.

How to Check Your Insurance Plan for Mental Health Coverage

You can check your online account, phone your insurance provider, contact your company’s human resources department, or ask the healthcare provider you want to see whether your insurance is accepted to find out what your plan covers.

In some circumstances, getting coverage will require preauthorization. Furthermore, other insurers require you to pay a deductible before they pay any claims. Ask your insurer about deductibles, as they might be pretty hefty.

How Deductibles Work

When selecting a health insurance plan, consider your overall healthcare expenses, including your monthly premium payment, deductible, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses.

A deductible is an out-of-pocket amount for medical services covered by your insurance plan before it begins to pay anything out. Your plan will determine how much you have to pay yourself. Find your ideal health plan by speaking with your employer or insurance company.

How to Find Mental Health Care Covered by Insurance

Once you understand your plan, you can look for the best mental health service provider.  The following resources can be used to find a therapist:

  • Referrals from healthcare professionals, family members, or friends.
  • Online databases, such as the American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator.
  • Your insurance plan’s list of mental health care providers.
  • Local options include non-profit organizations, educational institutions, or community mental health clinics.

Other Affordable Options

There are many options for cost-effective mental health care out there. If you don’t have health insurance or want to save money, here are some counseling options that might suit you.

Join a Support Group

Support groups are an affordable in-person therapy option, and many support groups are free to attend. They usually focus on particular issues, such as substance abuse, depression, or terminal illness. 

A support group allows you to connect with others dealing with similar issues to you and provide support in solidarity. This can help you overcome the challenges you might face and even make friends along the way.

Try Online Counseling

There are benefits to online therapy, even though it isn’t suitable for everyone. In comparison paying for counseling, it is typically less expensive. It is also more convenient for some people, allowing you to speak to mental health care providers on your terms. BetterHelp is just one of the many online counseling services available.

Look at Community Mental Health Centers

Another affordable option for counseling services is a community mental health center. Here, you might be able to find a low-cost or free therapy option. This is especially beneficial if you have Medicaid or Medicare, as both cover these services. You can find one of these centers by contacting your state health department or using an online search engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BetterHelp cheaper than therapy with insurance?

No, unfortunately not. While BetterHelp is more affordable than traditional therapy, insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of online counseling. However, some employers are beginning to offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that reimburse employees for a portion of the therapy costs, so it’s worth checking with your HR department to see if this is something your company offers. You may also be able to use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for BetterHelp counseling services.

What are the benefits of using BetterHelp?

There are many benefits to using BetterHelp, including convenience, flexibility, and anonymity. With BetterHelp, you can receive counseling from the comfort of your own home, on your schedule. You don’t have to take time off work or worry about childcare to attend therapy sessions. In addition, you can be assured of complete confidentiality – your conversations with your counselor are private and will not be shared with anyone without your consent.

What is the average cost of therapy with insurance?

The average cost of therapy with insurance will depend on your specific insurance plan. You can generally expect to pay a copayment or coinsurance for each session and a deductible if you haven’t met your annual out-of-pocket maximum. Often, BetterHelp may be just as affordable as traditional therapy with insurance.

If I use BetterHelp, will my insurance company know?

No, your insurance company will not know if you use BetterHelp

What is the difference between BetterHelp and traditional therapy?

There are several critical differences between BetterHelp and traditional therapy. First of all, BetterHelp is more affordable than traditional therapy. Insurance companies do not cover the cost of online counseling, but some employers offer reimbursement programs that can help offset the cost. In addition, BetterHelp is more convenient than traditional therapy, as you can receive counseling from the comfort of your own home, on your schedule. Finally, BetterHelp is entirely confidential – your conversations with your counselor will not be shared with anyone without your consent.

What are the qualifications of the counselors on BetterHelp?

All of the counselors on BetterHelp are licensed and accredited. To be a counselor on BetterHelp, an individual must have a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field. In addition, all counselors must pass a rigorous screening process and complete ongoing training.

Is online counseling as effective as traditional counseling?

Yes, online counseling can be just as effective as traditional counseling, as long as you feel comfortable with your counselor and can communicate with them openly. If you don’t feel comfortable with your counselor, or if you’re not able to communicate openly with them, online counseling may not be suitable for you.

Is BetterHelp considered an in-network or out-of-network provider?

Most health insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of therapy, whether it’s conducted online or in person. The average cost of therapy with insurance is $20-$50 per session, with most plans covering at least a portion of the cost. BetterHelp is an out-of-network provider, meaning you will be responsible for the total cost of therapy. Still, you may be able to receive reimbursement from your insurance company. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer out-of-network benefits.

Is Talkspace or BetterHelp cheaper?

BetterHelp is generally more affordable than Talkspace, although the cost of therapy will vary depending on the specific therapist and treatment plan. BetterHelp also offers a sliding scale fee for those who qualify, making therapy even more affordable.

What are some alternatives to BetterHelp?

There are several alternatives to BetterHelp, including:

Talkspace: Talkspace is a similar online counseling service to BetterHelp. However, Talkspace does not offer a sliding scale fee, making it more expensive than BetterHelp.

Therapy Guys: Therapy Guys is an online counseling service offering individual and group therapy.

ReGain: ReGain is an online counseling service specializing in relationship counseling.

Is BetterHelp affordable?

Yes, BetterHelp is an affordable option for online therapy. In addition, BetterHelp offers a sliding scale fee for those who qualify, making therapy even more affordable.

What are some alternatives to insurance?

Some alternatives to insurance include:

Sliding scale fees: Many therapists offer sliding scale fees, which means that the cost of therapy will be based on your income.

Private pay: You can also choose to pay for therapy out-of-pocket. The average cost of therapy without insurance is $75-$150 per session.

Employee assistance programs: Some employers offer employee assistance programs, which provide employees free or discounted counseling services.

Community mental health centers: Community mental health centers offer affordable counseling services to those in need.

What is the BetterHelp cancellation policy?

The BetterHelp cancellation policy states that you can cancel your subscription anytime and will not be charged for future sessions. However, you will still be responsible for paying for any sessions that have already been completed.

How do I cancel my BetterHelp account?

To cancel your BetterHelp account, simply login to your account and click on the “Cancel Subscription” link. You will then be prompted to confirm your cancellation.

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