The Best Online Therapy Providers That Take Insurance in 2022 Show
 This content is researched and written independently of the views or opinions of Everyday Health’s editorial team. Everyday Health may earn a commission from purchases of products featured in this article. Talkspace Best Online Therapy With the Highest Customer Reviews That Takes InsuranceMDLive
Best Online Therapy for Children That Takes InsuranceLiveHealth Online
Before 2020, the idea of seeing a therapist online might have seemed like a strange concept for some. But today, online therapy platforms are increasingly being used to help therapists address a spike in mental health care needs. According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists saw 84 percent more patients with anxiety disorders and 72 percent more patients with depressive disorders in October 2021 than they did before the pandemic — with most psychologists treating patients virtually. Even though there are a variety of online therapy apps to help address this need, none of them will be of any use if you can’t pay for them. If you’re looking for the best online therapy that takes insurance, here are the top platforms that do.
Why You Can Trust UsWe independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. We’ve spent many hours of in-depth research on the online therapy market. You can trust our review because we did the legwork for you in these specific ways:
Learn more about how we researched and evaluated the best online therapy brands via the methodology page. Best Online Therapy Option for Unlimited Messaging That Takes Insurance: TalkspacePros
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TalkspaceTalkspace operates under the principle that your mental health needs shouldn't be paused just because you don't have instant access to a counselor at all times. That’s why the platform offers an unlimited messaging plan that allows users to message their counselors as things come up throughout the day instead of waiting for a live session. Session TypesTalkspace offers two session formats to choose from: messaging and live therapy. Messaging TherapyWith the messaging therapy plan, you will be matched with a therapist and provided with a private chatroom where you can send text, audio, and video messages. The room is open at all times, and you can send a message whenever you feel the need. Your therapist is required to monitor the room and to respond according to a set schedule five days a week, but they may not do so outside of these scheduled hours. If you message them outside of this schedule, you may have to wait up to 24 hours for a response. If you want real-time interaction with your therapist, you can schedule a live audio, video, or chat session for an additional $65 per session. Talkspace isn’t transparent about how quickly its therapists respond to messages. It states that therapists are quick to respond but that messages sent outside of scheduled hours or late at night may not receive a response until the morning. Additionally, therapists are only required to respond five days a week, which may be a roadblock for someone hoping for a response to a message outside of their therapist’s schedule. Nonetheless, you can send as many messages as you like, even outside of your therapist’s working hours, which may be convenient for people who prefer to get things off their chest as they come up. Live TherapyThe live therapy subscription offers four 45-minute live sessions per month. It does not include messaging, but you can subscribe to a live plus messaging therapy plan for a combination of the features of both the messaging and live therapy plans. The BBB gives Talkspace a B rating, yet customers who reviewed Talkspace on the BBB gave it 1.09 out of 5 stars. Cost and Payment OptionsTalkspace pricing varies, based on where you live and the availability of therapists who are licensed to practice in your state of residence. Here’s what you can expect to pay without insurance, depending on the subscription you choose:
What Insurance Does Talkspace Accept?Talkspace partners with a lengthy list of insurance providers, employer-based insurance plans, and employee assistance programs. Enter the name of your insurance company on the Talkspace partners page to see whether the company accepts your insurance. Best Online Therapy With the Highest Customer Reviews That Takes Insurance: MDLivePros
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MDLive is a comprehensive online medical platform that connects users with both mental health care professionals and nonemergency medical care via telehealth for issues that may arise such as migraine, pink eye, and sinus infections. MDLive also has psychiatrists on its platform, meaning users can get a prescription if advised as part of a treatment plan. Its consumer ratings set it apart from other online therapy platforms that take insurance. Consumer review site Trustpilot gives MDLive a TrustScore of 4.6, which is considered excellent. A TrustScore is the overall measurement of reviewer satisfaction based on all the service and location reviews a business receives on Trustpilot on a scale of 1 to 5. MDLive users appreciate the convenience of the therapy, with one Trustpilot review stating, “I’ve always wanted to try therapy but found it difficult to fit into my schedule. I have high hopes for success moving forward because MD Live makes it easy.” We also looked at the BBB ratings, which are based on information that the BBB obtains about a business, including complaints received from the public. The BBB gives MDLive an A+ rating, although it averages 1 out of 5 stars from 28 customer reviews. In contrast, the BBB gives Talkspace a B rating and 1.09 out of 5 stars from customer reviews. LiveHealth Online isn’t BBB-rated. Session TypesMDLive offers sessions by both phone and live video chat. This includes counseling and medication services. Cost and Payment OptionsMDLive charges $108 for a counseling session. For medication management, it charges $284 for the first visit with a psychiatrist and $108 for follow-up appointments. Insurance will lower the cost of therapy, but specific pricing depends on your insurance. What Insurance Does MDLive Accept?MDLive accepts most insurance plans, including Cigna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Aetna. To find out whether MDLive accepts your insurance, you can register for a free account and input your insurance information. Best Online Therapy for Children That Takes Insurance: LiveHealth OnlinePros
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Most online therapy services only serve adults. Some platforms offer therapy to children ages 13 and older, but LiveHealth Online will provide online therapy for children as young as 10. Make sure that this type of therapy is right for your child and their needs. For example, if they are having difficulty managing their feelings or are feeling anxious, angry, or sad, online therapy may be beneficial, according to The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Keep in mind, however, that online therapy isn’t for everyone. “While many therapists have successfully engaged children in online therapy, especially during the pandemic, and have done so with much success, it may be harder for kids to remain engaged online,” says Sarah Epstein, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Dallas. Session TypesLiveHealth Online provides therapy via live video sessions with a therapist or a psychiatrist. Simply sign up using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Once registered, you’ll be able to choose from a list of therapists and doctors who are licensed in your state and schedule an appointment. It’s free to sign up, and there are no monthly subscription fees. Cost and Payment OptionsWithout insurance, an initial video session with a LiveHealth Online psychiatrist is $175, with follow-up visits costing $75 each. Video sessions with online therapists are $80 each, and video sessions with online psychologists are $95 each. Insurance will lower the cost of therapy, but specific pricing depends on your insurance. What Insurance Does LiveHealth Online Accept?LiveHealth Online’s video sessions are covered by several insurance plans. These include Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Empire Blue Cross, and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield health plans. Other plans may cover some of the cost but aren’t considered in network, according to LiveHealth Online.
How to Find Out Whether an Online Therapy Provider Accepts Your InsuranceMost online therapy providers have some indication on their site of what forms of insurance they take. If your health insurance provider isn’t listed, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card or look on their website to see whether they cover online therapy and from which providers. Do Online Therapy Providers Take Medicare or Medicaid?Under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, Medicare plans are required to include online therapy. Medicare Part B will cover online therapy and charge the same for it as in-person therapy. Different states have different rules about covering online therapy under Medicaid, so you need to check your state’s Medicaid plan to see if you could get online therapy with it. If your plan does cover online therapy, the platform you’re interested in using will usually indicate on its website whether it accepts either Medicaid or Medicare. Other Ways to Save on Online TherapyIf your insurance doesn’t cover online therapy, check with your employer. They may offer an employee assistance program that covers some visits with an online therapy provider. Many online therapy platforms offer a free trial of their services or a monthly subscription plan that may save you money. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also offers various resources for those who are having trouble affording therapy, such as a list of prescription assistance programs for psychiatric medications. Additionally, your local NAMI affiliate may be able to connect you with housing resources and support. Pros and Cons of Online TherapyPros
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Who Is Online Therapy For?Online therapy is best for those who are comfortable using technology to communicate, who don’t mind waiting for a response to whatever issues they bring up in therapy, and who are potentially willing to pay out of pocket. On the other hand, if you prefer discussing issues in person, don’t have a strong internet connection, and aren’t willing to wait for a response, online therapy might not be right for you. In addition, online therapy is not for individuals who have thoughts of hurting themselves or others, as they need immediate professional care. Individuals with severe mental health issues such as mania, psychosis, and traumatic stress response may consider consulting with a professional before engaging in online therapy, since telehealth for people in distress can be challenging, according to an article published in January 2020 in the Journal of Psychotherapy Integration. In case of an emergency or plans to harm yourself or others, call 911. Some aspects of online therapy and in-person therapy are universal. “The most important factor to know before choosing a therapist, online or otherwise, is fit, both in terms of personality and their approach to treatment,” says Aaron Weiner, PhD, a licensed, board-certified psychologist and master addiction counselor in Chicago. “The biggest difference between online therapy and in-person therapy is that it’s easier to be distracted or disengaged online — all the normal distractions in your environment are still there,” he says. Specifically, online therapy can help with a wide variety of conditions and concerns:
What to Consider Before Purchasing an Online Therapy SubscriptionWhether you’re going with an online therapy subscription or paying per visit, there are several things you should know about the plan you are interested in. Take notice of the prices for various providers on the online therapy platform (you’ll probably have to pay more if you need to see a psychiatrist). If you’re allowed to choose a provider from a group of them, make sure they have experience treating your specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, or certain phobias, for example. You should also make sure that you have space at home to participate in your appointments in a private area without distractions. How to Prepare for Your First Online Therapy AppointmentTo make your first online therapy appointment easier for both yourself and your therapist, consider the following tips:
The Bottom LineA variety of online therapy providers take insurance. Which provider you should choose depends on your needs. If you’re primarily looking for medication management, MDLive or Talkspace may serve you best. If you’re looking for therapy for a child under age 18, LiveHealth Online may be a good fit. How We Research and Evaluate Online Therapy PlatformsOur services reviews team extensively scrutinizes any service we research and recommend, including the online therapy market. We only recommend online therapy platforms that we believe will make a difference for our readers. Together, we’ve researched prominent brands through the experiences of real customers collected by trusted third-party reviews sites such as the BBB and Trustpilot. We’ve also consulted with independent psychologists and other mental health professionals to better understand why people seek out online therapy and read the latest research on the efficacy of online therapy versus in-person therapy. When evaluating each company, we consider the session types they offer, the modes of therapy they specialize in, the credentials of their therapists, their business reputation and reported customer satisfaction, as well as the ease of registration and how easy it is to use the service. Price, payment options, and whether the company accepts insurance are all crucial components to consider. We always try to recommend a range for all budgets, with special consideration for lower budgets. After our experts have selected the best online therapy platforms on the market, a practicing and independent licensed therapist reviews our picks to audit each company as a whole and ensure that every selection we recommend is appropriate for the users we identify. In Emergency SituationsIf you are in crisis, waiting for an online therapy appointment may not be safe. In case of an emergency, call 911. This includes plans to harm yourself or others. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Help is available 24/7. You can also reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357). The SAMHSA help line is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-days-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals facing mental or substance abuse disorders. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow can I find online therapy that accepts my insurance? Some online therapy providers are vague in their responses to the question “Do you accept insurance?” You may find that consulting your insurance carrier first, instead of the provider, is a better place to start. You can typically find a customer service number on the back of your insurance card or contact them online by visiting their website. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
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