Online Therapy that Takes Insurance, Top 4 Services Reviewed in 2022

This is a list of recommendations and in no way a guide to self-diagnose. To seek a licensed professional for mental health issues, please contact your doctor.

(Ad) Online therapy is a great alternative to in-person therapy. 

Not only does it allow you to receive professional assistance from the comfort of your home or office, but it also adds a lot of convenience, as it rarely interferes with your schedule—no booking appointments weeks in advance and definitely no more waiting in traffic to see your therapist.

But, as you might be aware, online therapy can also be expensive, especially if you want regular sessions with mental health professionals. The good news, however, is that several top-level online therapy companies accept insurance. 

In this article, we’ll look at some of the leading online mental health care providers that take insurance. 

We’ll also review some online therapy sites that don’t accept insurance and answer some FAQs to help you choose the best online therapy service for your unique needs. 

Ready? Then let’s get straight to our review. 

Do Most Online Therapy Providers Accept Insurance?

Before Covid-19 shook the world, most health insurance providers didn’t cover teletherapy. 

However, as times continue to change, more and more health insurance agencies have updated their terms to cover a wider range of medical issues, with online mental health services being at the top of the list. 

And with the average cost of therapy likely to rise in the coming years due to increased demand, the need for health insurance coverage has never been greater.

Fortunately, most insurance companies have noted this trend and adjusted accordingly to ensure that clients can afford online therapy sessions from credible companies. 

The bad news, however, is that not all online therapy apps accept insurance, at least not yet. 

But you’ll be glad to learn that several online therapy providers do accept insurance, meaning that you might not have to make out-of-pocket payments to access online mental health or medical services. 

Although our review covers some of the best online therapy providers that accept insurance, it’s highly advisable to consult with your health insurance company to find out more about the extent of coverage and whether it will cover your online therapy sessions in the first place. 

Which Online Therapy Services Will Take Insurance?

1. Talkspace - Best Virtual Therapy Covered by Insurance

Pros:

• Accepts insurance
• Easy to switch therapists 
• Medication management services 
• Covers a wide range of mental health issues
• Flexible plans 
• Teen program
• Allows several communication methods

Cons:

• Algorithm recommends therapists
• Extra mental health services can prove costly.

Since launching in 2012, Talkspace has established itself as one of the leading online therapy providers in the country. 

Unlike most online mental health services that specialize in specific mental health services, Talkspace administers a wide range of services that include psychiatry, teen therapy (for patients who are 13–17 years old), and couples therapy. 

Signing up on Talkspace is pretty straightforward and shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes.

However, during the sign-up, you’ll need to complete a questionnaire to provide more information about yourself and your preferences, which will help the site’s algorithm recommend the most suitable therapists. 

But what if you’re not comfortable with the suggested therapists? 

Easy, Talkspace allows clients to change therapists at no extra cost, making it easier to find a match that suits you best. 

One of Talkspace’s standout features is its approach to recruitment, as it upholds the highest standards to ensure that it hires the most qualified personnel. All therapists and psychiatrists that partner with the service must be fully licensed and highly experienced. 

Talkspace verifies all professional credentials through a professional background check. 

As a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act(HIPAA) compliant online therapy provider, Talkspace values user privacy and will not share any communication or details with third parties. 

Talkspace’s psychiatry service is ideal if you’re interested in prescription management and mental health care. The presence of licensed psychiatrists means you may be able to use the online therapy app for your medical management needs. 

You might also appreciate that Talkspace offers specialized mental illness services for veterans and members of the LGBTQIA community. 

Some specialties covered by Talkspace include: 

• Depression 
• Chronic illness 
• Eating disorders
• Anxiety and stress
• Parenting
• Mood disorders
• Substance abuse 
• Trauma and grief
• OCD
• Anger management

Pricing 

Talkspace partners with insurance providers, educational organizations, and employee assistance programs (EAP) to make therapy affordable for its clients. Below is Talkspace’s pricing policy at the time of writing. 

A point to note, though, is that Talkspace’s psychiatry services are not included in the above pricing plan. Psychiatry services are charged per session, with the initial valuation costing $249 and follow-up sessions $125 for each session. 

You can, however, take advantage of bundle discounts offered by Talkspace by booking more follow-up sessions at once. 

Platforms

Communication on Talkspace is a breeze, as the service allows members to communicate with therapists through a wide range of platforms, including video, audio, unlimited messaging, and live chat. 

2. Doctor on Demand — Online Therapy Program for Adults and Children

Pros:

• Accepts a wide range of health insurance plans
• Medication management services 
• Live video chat
• Therapist bios available 
• Clients choose preferred practitioners 
• Fast appointments 
• Mental health diagnosis for both children and adults 
• Physical health services also administered 

Cons:

• Doesn’t use a subscription model 
• Consultations aren’t free 
• Not big on discounts or free trials

Doctor on Demand is a telehealth company launched in 2013 with the aim of making healthcare more accessible to patients. 

Besides providing access to psychologists and psychiatrists for mental health benefits, Doctor on Demand also gives clients access to primary care doctors for physical health services. 

Signing up on Doctor on Demand is easy and should take roughly five minutes. You can either choose to sign up on the website or after downloading the app (available for Android and iOS). 

During sign-up, you’ll need to provide your preferred email address, date of birth, and agree to the platform’s terms and conditions before setting up a secure password. The next step is to set up your profile by keying in your name, phone number, and gender. 

Doctor On Demand will then prompt you to check to see if your insurance provider is in network and whether your employer provides access to the platform as a benefit. 

After you’re done signing up, you’ll be redirected to your member portal, where you’ll get to view practitioner bios and choose whether or not to schedule an appointment. 

Sign-up is that easy and straightforward!

Unlike most online therapy providers that use algorithms to recommend therapists, Doctor on Demand gives you full control over who you want to consult with. You get to view the profiles of hundreds of therapists and psychiatrists before choosing one whose bio suits your preferences best. 

Disclaimer: Scheduling an immediate appointment with one of Doctor on Demand’s therapists might be difficult as some of the best-rated therapists usually have several scheduled appointments. 

The good news, however, is that there are hundreds of therapists to choose from, and you can always find one who is available and ready to schedule an immediate appointment. 

Another major selling point of Doctor on Demand is that its board-certified practitioners can prescribe medication for infections, allergies, and several mental health issues after a consultation and a series of reviews. 

Some of the mental illness issues tackled by Doctor on Demand include:

• Anxiety 
• Trauma and loss
• Panic attacks 
• Insomnia
• Workplace issues 
• Relationship issues 
• Postpartum depression 
• Depression

Pricing 

Doctor On Demand doesn’t use a subscription model; instead, it charges on a by-visit basis. The platform accepts insurance/employer benefits and shows all costs when scheduling your appointment. 

• You’ll need to part with $75 for a 15-minute consultation with a board-certified clinician (for medical issues). 

• For therapy services, you’ll pay $129 for a 25-minute consultation or $179 for a 50-minute consultation. 

• Psychiatry services cost $299 for the first 45-minute consultation and $129 for 15-minute follow-ups. 

Doctor on Demand allows you to extend the call before your consultation ends at an additional fee. 

Platforms 

Unfortunately, Doctor on Demand does not accept communication methods like text or live chat. You can only use live video during your consultation with a therapist. 

3. MDLive — Can Prescribe Medication

Pros:

• Accepts insurance 
• Medication management services 
• Pay per session 
• Strict recruitment standards 
• Offers mental health services to patients above the age of 10
• Clients get to choose therapists 
• Customer service hotline 

Cons:

• Does not use a subscription model
• No offers or discounts 
• No couple, group, or family counseling 

MDLive is one of the most experienced telehealth services and works by connecting patients with licensed doctors, therapists, and psychiatrists. 

Although mostly known for its general health services, MDLive offers some of the country’s best virtual mental health diagnosis and treatment services, which explains its massive popularity in the behavioral health space. 

The official MDLive website is simplistic and easy to use, even for first-timers or non-tech savvy clients. 

Signing up will take you slightly under 10 minutes, and you'll need to enter your email address, date of birth, gender, zip code, and preferred password. 

MDLive will then prompt you to check your insurance coverage through its lookup tool. Impressively, the platform allows you to add dependents to your account, making it easy to store records and access services for your loved ones later on. 

The online therapy platform partners with licensed mental health professionals to prescribe medication and has hundreds of therapists and licensed clinical social workers on standby to help out 24 hours a day.

Besides behavioral health therapy and psychiatry, MDLive also administers urgent care and dermatology services. The costs, however, vary depending on insurance coverage. 

We also appreciate that, unlike most online therapy providers that have age limits, MDLive is open to treating patients above 10. This means that you can enroll your child in therapy without having to look for an in-person therapist. 

Some of the main mental health conditions covered by MDLive include: 

• Addictions 
• Anxiety 
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Grief and loss 
• Life changes 
• Parenting support 
• Panic disorders 
• Phobias 
• Stress management 
• Relationship issues 
• Trauma and PTSD

Pricing

MDLive’s payments tend to vary depending on the services offered and the extent of coverage. For instance, urgent care from a primary care physician will cost you an average of $82, while dermatology consultations usually cost $95. 

For behavioral health therapy, you’ll need to part with $108, or around $284 for behavioral health psychiatry. 

The above prices are general and can increase or decrease depending on your health insurance coverage. 

MD Live offers a full refund on cancellations made at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. 

Platforms

MDLive uses two main types of communication methods, live video, and live chat. The live chat option is only available on the browser version, meaning you’ll have to contend with video chats when using the MDLive app (Android or iOS). 

4. Amwell — Plenty of Licensed Professionals

Pros:

• Flexibility in scheduling appointments 
• Accepts health insurance 
• Teen and couples therapy available 
• Client choice of preferred therapists 
• Partners with licensed therapists, MDs, and psychiatrists
• Offers medication management services
• Some therapists available on weekends 

Cons:

• No free consultation 
• No text or live chat options 
• Not exclusively for therapy

Amwell is a Boston-based telemedicine service founded in 2006 to connect patients with medical practitioners remotely. 

The telehealth company partners with licensed doctors, psychiatrists, and therapists to treat a number of physical and mental health issues. 

What stands out the most about Amwell is its simplistic, neatly organized website. The home page has only five buttons, how it works, conditions, services, and on the far right side, you’ll spot the login and sign-up buttons—pretty easy to use, right? 

Amwell is also among the few online therapy services that highlight pricing plans on the home page, which is highly convenient, especially for patients in need of urgent services. 

And while clients can only view therapist bios after signing up, the good news is that the sign-up process is fairly easy and won’t take more than 10 minutes. 

Some of the things listed on each professional’s bio include areas of specialty, qualifications, and client reviews to help you choose the right expert to suit your unique needs. 

Be warned, though, that same-day appointments can be quite a hustle to secure, especially if you choose some of the highest-rated Master’s level therapists. In such a situation, it would be best to schedule an appointment a couple of days to a week in advance. 

Did we mention that Amwell allows clients to enroll in teen and couples therapy programs? Not too many apps that accept insurance have this feature, which makes it a steal if you’re in search of such specialized programs. 

Below are some of the common behavioral health issues tackled by Amwell: 

• Depression 
• Grief 
• Confusion 
• Couple issues 
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety 
• Insomnia 
• Life transitions
• OCD
• Panic attacks 
• PTSD

Pricing 

• Consultation with a master’s degree therapist: $109 
• Consultation with a Ph.D. therapist: $129 
• Initial psychiatry consultation: $279
• Follow up psychiatry visits: $109

Platforms

Unfortunately, Amwell doesn’t have text or live chat options. The only way you can communicate with your preferred therapist is through live video, which is still good as it delivers a personalized experience. 

Are There Any Free Alternatives to Online Therapy?

5. 7 Cups — Best for Free Online Sessions

Pros:

• Free 
• Available in over 180 countries and 140 languages
• Chat rooms for a variety of mental health topics 
• Chat rooms constantly monitored

Cons:

• Listeners are volunteers and unlicensed 
• Payment is required to consult a licensed therapist. 

Founded in 2013 by Glen Moriarty, a well-known clinical psychologist, 7 Cups is a free online therapy service that aims to provide a supportive online network where users can receive mental and emotional support from concerned listeners and peers. 

7 Cups is a great platform if you’re looking to receive mental health care without breaking the bank and works really well for users without insurance coverage. 

But despite the positive reviews and free services, is 7 Cups as legitimate as other paid online therapy platforms? 

While you can’t compare the effectiveness of a therapy session with a licensed professional to a conversation with a volunteer listener, 7 Cups is still legitimate, as it trains (through a brief online course) all its listeners on how to handle and respond to clients in need. 

Want to access chat rooms on the go? 

No problem, as 7 Cups is available on Android and iOS. Even better, you get to choose which chatroom to join from a variety of options like depression support, relationships, LGBTQ+, anxiety, and more. 

Teenagers (13–17) can also chat confidentially with listeners who are specifically trained to handle teen issues. 7 Cups’ teen community chat rooms and forums are great for teens to share and interact with peers who face the same mental and emotional issues. 

If you need extra help, then you’ll be glad to learn that 7 Cups has several licensed therapists on standby. 

This option is only available for users above 18 and costs $150 a month, which is relatively cheap compared to what other agencies charge monthly. 

Some of the issues addressed by 7 Cups include: 

• Stress 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Relationships 
• Sexuality concerns 
• Breakup counseling 
• Peer pressure 

Please note that 7 Cups does not provide medical, psychiatric, or emergency services. If you or a loved one is in a crisis, 7 Cups recommends dialing the National Suicide prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text HOME to741741 for crisis assistance. 

Pricing 

7 Cups is a free online therapy app that allows members to interact in issue-specific chat rooms or engage in a variety of discussions with unlicensed trained listeners. But should you wish to consult with a licensed therapist, then you’ll need to part with $150 a month to access its professional services. 

Platforms 

You can access 7 Cups’ main services through chats. Members who opt to consult with licensed therapists do so through text and not through other platforms like video calls. 

Online Therapy Services That Don’t Take Insurance—But Are Still Worth It

6. BetterHelp — Most Popular Mental Healthcare Service

Pros:

• Multiple ways to communicate with therapists 
• Easy to switch therapists
• Over 20,000 licensed therapists 
• Easy to use 
• Teen, couple, and individual therapy options

Cons:

• Therapists are suggested by algorithm 
• Doesn’t accept insurance

BetterHelp boldly claims to be the largest online therapy service globally, as it boasts over 20,000 licensed and accredited therapists on its roster. 

The online therapy platform offers individual, couples, and teen therapies and has a wide line of communication options including text, live chat, phone, and video. 

The use of multiple communication channels makes it easy to reach out whether you are at home, on the road, or at the office, ensuring that you get on-time services. 

Upon signing up, you’ll be required to answer a couple of questions for BetterHelp to suggest a therapist that meets your unique needs and preferences. No need to worry if you don’t find a good match, as you can easily switch therapists at no extra cost. 

BetterHelp allows members to text therapists without prior scheduling. However, for a live session, you’ll need a prior appointment to ensure that the therapist is online. 

And although BetterHelp offers a wide range of mental health services, it’s crucial to note that it cannot prescribe drugs and does not accept insurance payments. 

This means you’ll need to pay out of pocket to access professional therapist services on the app. 

Some of the main mental health services offered by the platform include: 

• Stress 
• Anxiety 
• Grief
• Anger 
• Personality disorders 
• Relationships 
• Mental health 
• Self esteem 
• Eating disorders 
• Depression

Pricing 

BetterHelp does not have a fixed price for its services. The cost of online therapy can range from $240–360 a month, depending on the services offered. 

Unemployed clients in need of online therapy can apply to join BetterHelp’s financial assistance program.

7. ReGain—Best Counseling Services for Couples

Pros:

• Exclusively for relationship counseling 
• Over 10,000 relationship therapists on board 
• Multiple communication methods 
• Easy to use 

Cons:

• Suitable for people in relationships only

Regain is a couples therapy app designed to help couples rekindle lost flames. The online therapy service partners with over 10,000 licensed therapists and uses an algorithm to match clients with experts. 

You can, however, change therapists, should you have issues with a suggested one. 

One thing we like about Regain is its wealth of therapists who are experienced in the relationship counseling niche, which greatly boosts the chances of overcoming relationship issues no matter how complex they may be. 

During sign-up, Regain allows you to invite your partner, but you can skip this option and choose to invite them later on. 

You can also opt to receive individual relationship counseling to learn more about being a better partner and what you can do to fix the issues rocking your relationship. 

Although exclusively a relationship counseling platform, ReGain does not support 3-way remote live sessions. This means that you must be in the same location as your partner for live video or phone calls with ReGain's therapists. 

You can also learn more about overcoming relationship issues and how couples therapy works by clicking on the advice button on the top right side of the home page. 

Some of the relationship issues addressed by Regain include: 

• Trust issues 
• Infidelity 
• Lack of communication 
• Post conflict healing 
• Reunification 
• Sex issues 
• Forgiveness 
• Coping with separation 

Pricing 

Regain does not have a fixed pricing plan, as the cost of a monthly subscription largely depends on the number of sessions you require. However, the average cost of treatment ranges from $240–360. 

8. Pride Counseling — Best Online Counseling Services for LGBTQ+

Pros:

• Exclusively for the LGBTQ community
• Fast and easy sign up 
• Detailed FAQ page
• Large number of skilled therapists 

Cons:

• Not recommended for psychiatric services 
• Mostly suited for members of the LGBTQ community

Pride Counseling is a well-known online platform that provides therapy services for clients belonging to the LGBTQ community. 

It’s an ideal platform for people dealing with identity issues and mental health issues. It can also work well if you want someone compassionate and nonjudgmental to talk to about your sexual orientation. 

One issue that might be a slight turn-off for clients is that licensed therapists are not available on a 24/7 basis, meaning that you must choose your timing right when scheduling appointments. 

However, you’ll appreciate that the website is relatively easy to use and available for iOS and Android devices. 

Some of the issues tackled by Pride Counseling include: 

• Identity crisis
• Stress 
• Anxiety 
• LGBTQ-related issues 
• Depression 
• Relationship advice 

Pricing 

The cost of therapy ranges from $60–90 a week and is billed every 4 weeks. This means you can end up paying from $240–360 a month, as the cost of therapy depends on client preferences, therapist availability, and location. 

9. Faithful Counseling — Christian Online Mental Health Therapy Platform 

Pros:

• Communication via video, phone, and messaging
• Religion-based counseling 
• Simplistic website 
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Might not be ideal for non-believers

Faithful Counseling is an online therapy service that provides counseling and therapy from a Christian-based perspective. 

The platform allows you to connect with your therapist through messaging, video calls, or phone, giving you the much-needed flexibility when attending your sessions. 

All therapists that partner with Faithful Counseling are licensed and accredited, ensuring they administer the best possible services to clients. These therapists are practicing Christians who offer a religious-based perspective on mental health issues. 

Although they are practicing Christians, it’s important to note that Faithful Counseling’s therapists are not in any way religious experts. They just share their perspectives and testimonies during sessions to help establish a deeper connection. 

Therefore, Faithful Counseling might not be ideal if you’re a nonbeliever or if you’re in search of spiritual guidance and/or conversion. 

Pricing

You can expect to pay from $240–360 a month for Faithful Counseling. The rates usually vary depending on a variety of factors like location and availability. 

Virtual Therapy Covered by Insurance: FAQs

Do insurance companies pay for online therapy?

Most health insurance companies now cover online therapy, which helps bring down the overall cost of therapy. However, since not all insurance agencies cover online therapy, it’s highly advisable to consult your provider to find out if you’re covered and the extent of coverage. 

Is face-to-face therapy better than online virtual therapy?

Researchers have completed various studies on the differences between video therapy and face-to-face traditional therapy sessions. 

For example, one researcher compared 20 studies and found the equivalent overall effect of telehealth services and face-to-face therapy.

What are the benefits of online therapy?

Online therapy comes with tons of benefits. 

Not only is it flexible as you can access therapists from the comfort of your home or office, but it is also a lot cheaper than outpatient mental health services. With online therapy, you won’t have to deal with traffic and can always access your therapists via text or scheduled video calls. 

Here are some other benefits of online therapy:

• It is accessible to almost everyone, regardless of geographic location.
• It may help to relieve the social stigma attached to traditional therapy.
• It helps to cultivate a more consistent schedule due to a reduced likelihood of delays and absences.

How do you choose the right kind of therapist?

The first step to choosing the right kind of therapist is ensuring that you sign up on a credible website. 

All the online therapy services we’ve reviewed in this article partner with licensed and accredited therapists, which ensures they provide professional and highly reliable therapy services to clients. 

How can you prepare for an online therapy session?

If you’re ready for your first online counseling session, it’s completely normal to feel nervous.

However, you should take extra time to relax before the session, find a comfortable private space, block the noise, take deep breaths, and expect issues. 

Most importantly—remind yourself that everything will be okay. 

How much does online therapy typically cost?

The cost of online therapy tends to vary from platform to platform. Some online therapy services, like Talkspace, Doctors on Demand, and MDLive, accept insurance from in-network agencies, which means you might not have to pay out of pocket for therapy services. 

However, for online therapy services that don’t accept insurance, you can end up paying from $150–400 a month, depending on services offered, your location, and the availability of therapists. 

Can you talk to therapists online for free?

It is really hard to find therapists who offer free services. However, a site like 7 Cups offers free services, as you can chat with unlicensed trained listeners and join chat rooms and forums that deal with issues affecting you. 

You can also try sites like Talkspace and Doctors on Demand, as they accept insurance, which means you might not pay out of pocket (depending on coverage). 

What is cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT for short is a specific branch of therapy where licensed clinical social workers or qualified online therapists help to break negative patterns of thought that often lead to depression.

Many online therapy platforms, like BetterHelp, offer these types of mental health services for individuals who need them.

What should you expect during online therapy?

Once you’ve signed up and created an account, the online therapy platform will either match you with a therapist or provide suggestions depending on your preferences. You’ll then need to schedule a meeting with your therapist and choose your preferred communication methods (phone, messaging, live video). 

Your licensed therapist will take it from there, ensuring they answer all your questions and provide the required professional assistance. 

Are BetterHelp mental health professionals licensed? 

Yes, BetterHelp makes sure its therapists have received a full license before undergoing therapy sessions. 

It’s the same for most online therapy companies. But before you choose a company, find out what qualifications the therapists have. 

You’ll sometimes have to pay extra for a highly qualified online therapist. 

Is online therapy safe and secure?

Online therapy sessions are safe and secure because the companies take strict precautions to ensure that they protect your privacy. 

Some companies allow you to stay confidential, ensuring that nobody knows your real name and identity. You can find out the company’s security policies through their websites. 

Does BetterHelp sell your data? 

According to BetterHelp’s privacy policy, BetterHelp may disclose information to third parties, including vendors and service providers, data hosting and storage partners, and analytics and advertising providers. 

However, BetterHelp will ask for your consent to share your information with third parties, meaning that you can always opt out of it sharing your data. 

Are BetterHelp mental health professionals licensed? 

Yes, BetterHelp makes sure its therapists have received a full license before undergoing therapy sessions. 

It’s the same for most online therapy companies. But before you choose a company, find out what qualifications the therapists have. 

You’ll sometimes have to pay extra for a highly qualified online therapist. 

Is BetterHelp covered by insurance? Unfortunately, BetterHelp doesn’t accept insurance. However, this online subscription therapy service offers reduced rates to eligible individuals, such as students or for those on a lower income. This makes the therapy service a lot more accessible to most parties!

Online Therapy that Accepts Insurance—Wrapping Up 

When choosing an online therapy service, it’s highly advisable to consider costs, as payment policies differ from platform to platform. 

And although cheaper than traditional in-person therapy, online therapy services can still prove costly, especially if they’re not covered by insurance. 

To save as much as possible, we’d recommend trying out services that accept insurance like Talkspace, Doctors on Demand, MDLive, and Amwell. A service like 7 Cups is also ideal if you’re on a budget and want someone compassionate to talk to. 

Services like BetterHelp offer great subscription plans and other alternatives for those on a lower income.

Whatever service you choose to enroll in, it’s crucial to note that most online therapy services are not meant for crisis or emergency situations, and in those situations, you should instead dial emergency hotlines, or contact your local doctor for additional information.

Contact information to the National Suicide prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. 

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