Access to mental health care is absolutely essential for anyone to lead a fulfilling life and for societies to thrive. Mental health affects every aspect of our wellbeing, to our relationships and productivity at work. However, despite growing awareness of the importance of mental health, access to care remains a significant challenge for many.
One of the primary barriers to accessing mental health services is the issue of coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Without adequate insurance coverage, many people find themselves struggling to get the care they need, further adding to stress and anxiety. Insured mental wellness is critical to bridge this gap, so that we can overcome the mental health crisis that we find ourselves facing.
Insured Mental Health Services
In the United States and much of the developed world, mental health services have evolved rapidly, with a notable expansion in the availability and acceptance of insured mental health services. Part of this shift occurred with the onset of the COVID pandemic that sent levels of depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues spiraling, while forcing therapists and patients to go online.
Online therapy, also known as teletherapy or telehealth, is now one of the most popular mediums for mental healthcare, giving people the flexibility to connect with licensed professionals remotely, overcoming geographical barriers, transportation challenges, costs of care, and continuity of care. However, navigating insurance coverage for online therapy can be complex, with varying levels of reimbursement and acceptance among different providers and for different plans.
Despite these challenges, insured online mental health services serve as the best pathway for expanded access to care and mental wellness for all. With a little guidance from experts it’s also possible to do a comparison of online therapy platforms and you can also use promo codes and discounts to get the best deals on insured online therapy.
The Best Insured Online Therapy Platforms in 2024
Here are some of the best online therapy platforms that accept insurance, with each addressing a unique category of mental healthcare services.
For Comprehensive Care: LifeStance Health offers a comprehensive approach to mental health care, with a focus on accessibility, quality, and affordability. Patients can access a variety of therapy services, including CBT, as well as psychiatry from licensed professionals. Without insurance, sessions can cost between $75 to $300, but they typically accept insurance from the biggest insurers. Visit their website for insurance coverage options as your options will vary depending on your location.
For Psychiatry: Talkiatry offers comprehensive psychiatric care delivered by board-certified psychiatrists who are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more. The average copay for Talkiatry is about $30 a session, but this can vary depending on your insurance provider. They also bill insurers directly and patients will only be billed after this, so talk to your insurer to confirm out-of-pocket costs. You can find more details about their insurance coverage here.
For Couples: Talkspace doesn’t just offer couples counselling and marriage therapy, but it’s one of the best platforms for such services. Talkspace is notable for its flexible subscription plans that allow for customization to accommodate your needs and budgetary considerations. The weekly rates for sessions can range from $69-$109, but actual costs will depend on your insurance provider and the kind of subscription plan that you choose. They also give you the option to access services through employer provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Employee Wellbeing Program (EWP).
For Children: Finding mental health services for children can be incredibly challenging, which is why most kids with mental health problems don’t receive the care they need. That’s what makes Little Otter so special. It is one of the few platforms that specializes in the treatment of children, not just teens, providing therapy sessions and psychiatric services. Although the costs without insurance are as high as $195 a session, their therapy services are HSA/FSA eligible. You can explore Little Otters’ pricing page for more info on their insurance coverage and the rates.
For Substance Use Disorders: Overcoming a substance use disorder is incredibly challenging, but very few platforms offer online therapy to help such patients. iRecovery stands out as they offer specialized care for substance use disorders, while also providing treatment for common mental health conditions. Their recovery programs don’t just include therapy and support for the patient but also involve family members in recovery and rehabilitation. Rates for treatment and financing options on iRecovery can vary greatly, but they do accept insurance and only charge weekly rates.
