Unraveling Therapy Coverage: Navigating Medical Insurance Benefits

Most health insurance plans cover individual therapy and counseling, but it depends on your particular plan. Since 31st October 2022, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated coverage for mental health for all health insurance companies. Close to 44 million adults in the United States experience mental illness in any given year, yet close to 60% don’t receive mental health services. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can seriously deteriorate the quality of life. Therapy can literally be a lifesaver for many of those affected, but it can sometimes be hard to find a therapist.

Therapy coverage varies by insurance plan

Most health insurance plans cover individual therapy and counseling, but it depends on your particular plan. Close to 44 million adults in the United States experience mental illness in any given year, yet close to 60% don’t receive mental health services. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can seriously deteriorate the quality of life. Therapy can literally be a lifesaver for many of those affected, but it can sometimes be hard to find a therapist.

Since 31st October 2022, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated coverage for mental health for all health insurance companies. While health insurance companies offer mental health coverage, owing to the rise of mental illness and the lack of treatment awareness, ‘Will my insurance cover Mental Health?’ should be the first question to pop up in your mind while choosing a health insurance plan.

Your health insurance plan’s website should contain information about your coverage and the costs you can expect. Since insurers offer a variety of plans, make sure you’re logged on and viewing your specific insurance plan and profile. If you’re required to choose a therapist who’s in your plan’s network, a list of providers should be available online. These lists aren’t always updated in a timely manner, so double-check with the therapist you’re interested in before you book an appointment.

Over the last few years, many insurers (such as Amwell) are covering this service for in-network providers. Some online therapy companies, like BetterHelp, still do not accept insurance, but increasingly, more online services are now doing so.

Online therapy is increasingly covered by insurance

Most health insurance plans cover individual therapy and counseling, but it depends on your particular plan. Close to 44 million adults in the United States experience mental illness in any given year, yet close to 60% don’t receive mental health services. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can seriously deteriorate the quality of life. Therapy can literally be a lifesaver for many of those affected, but it can sometimes be hard to find a therapist.

Medically reviewed by Gregory Minnis, DPT, Physical Therapy — Written by Corey Whelan — Updated on January 20, 2024 · Considering therapy but worried about the cost? If you have insurance, you can check to see if your plan covers therapy services. Read on for more tips on how to find affordable care.

Since 31st October 2022, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated coverage for mental health for all health insurance companies. While health insurance companies offer mental health coverage, this blog includes our expert’s take on your query- “Does my health insurance cover therapy? Owing to the rise of mental illness and the lack of treatment awareness, ‘Will my insurance cover Mental Health?’ should be the first question to pop up in your mind while choosing a health insurance plan.

Your health insurance plan’s website should contain information about your coverage and the costs you can expect. Since insurers offer a variety of plans, make sure you’re logged on and viewing your specific insurance plan and profile. If you’re required to choose a therapist who’s in your plan’s network, a list of providers should be available online. These lists aren’t always updated in a timely manner, so double-check with the therapist you’re interested in before you book an appointment.

Some online therapy companies, like BetterHelp, still do not accept insurance, but increasingly, more online services are now doing so. Over the last few years, many insurers (such as Amwell) are covering this service for in-network providers.

Mental health coverage is mandated by some insurance regulators

In the United States, close to 44 million adults experience mental illness in any given year, yet close to 60% don’t receive mental health services. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can seriously deteriorate the quality of life. Therapy can literally be a lifesaver for many of those affected, but it can sometimes be hard to find a therapist.

Most health insurance plans cover individual therapy and counseling, but it depends on your particular plan. Your health insurance plan’s website should contain information about your coverage and the costs you can expect. Since insurers offer a variety of plans, make sure you’re logged on and viewing your specific insurance plan and profile. If you’re required to choose a therapist who’s in your plan’s network, a list of providers should be available online. These lists aren’t always updated in a timely manner, so double-check with the therapist you’re interested in before you book an appointment.

Some online therapy companies, like BetterHelp, still do not accept insurance, but increasingly, more online services are now doing so. Over the last few years, many insurers (such as Amwell) are covering this service for in-network providers.

In-network providers are covered by insurance

Most health insurance plans cover individual therapy and counseling, but it depends on your particular plan. Insurers offer a variety of plans, so make sure you’re logged on and viewing your specific insurance plan and profile. If you’re required to choose a therapist who’s in your plan’s network, a list of providers should be available online. These lists aren’t always updated in a timely manner, so double-check with the therapist you’re interested in before you book an appointment.

Since 31st October 2022, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated coverage for mental health for all health insurance companies. While health insurance companies offer mental health coverage, owing to the rise of mental illness and the lack of treatment awareness, ‘Will my insurance cover Mental Health?’ should be the first question to pop up in your mind while choosing a health insurance plan.

Close to 44 million adults in the United States experience mental illness in any given year. Yet close to 60% don’t receive mental health services. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can seriously deteriorate quality of life. Therapy can literally be a lifesaver for many of those affected, but it can sometimes be hard to find a therapist.

Affordable care is available through insurance

Most health insurance plans cover individual therapy and counseling, but it depends on your particular plan. Close to 44 million adults in the United States experience mental illness in any given year, yet close to 60% don’t receive mental health services. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can seriously deteriorate the quality of life. Therapy can literally be a lifesaver for many of those affected, but it can sometimes be hard to find a therapist.

Before purchasing a health insurance, people often wonder, 'Does my insurance cover therapy?' Thankfully, since 31st October 2022, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated coverage for mental health for all health insurance companies. While health insurance companies offer mental health coverage, this blog includes our expert’s take on your query- “Does my health insurance cover therapy? Owing to the rise of mental illness and the lack of treatment awareness, ‘Will my insurance cover Mental Health?’ should be the first question to pop up in your mind while choosing a health insurance plan.

Your health insurance plan’s website should contain information about your coverage and the costs you can expect. Since insurers offer a variety of plans, make sure you’re logged on and viewing your specific insurance plan and profile. If you’re required to choose a therapist who’s in your plan’s network, a list of providers should be available online. These lists aren’t always updated in a timely manner, so double-check with the therapist you’re interested in before you book an appointment.

Some online therapy companies, like BetterHelp, still do not accept insurance, but increasingly, more online services are now doing so. Over the last few years, many insurers (such as Amwell) are covering this service for in-network providers.

Frequently asked questions