In today’s world, where life’s pace often feels unrelenting, the quest for mental well-being has never been more crucial. Yet, for many, the journey to find quality mental health support can be daunting, especially when considering the costs involved. This is where online therapy services that take insurance become a beacon of hope.
They are not just platforms; they represent a compassionate embrace, extending support to those who might otherwise struggle in silence.
As we step into 2024, these services are not just about convenience; they symbolize a significant shift towards inclusivity and accessibility in mental healthcare.
This article aims to guide you through the heart of this shift. We will explore 10 remarkable online therapy services that accept insurance, each uniquely poised to offer not just clinical expertise but a space where your concerns are heard, and your challenges met with understanding and skill.
So, let’s begin.
Average Cost of Online Therapy
Determining a precise average cost for online therapy in 2024 is challenging due to the variability in pricing models, services offered, and whether insurance is accepted.
However, based on the available data, we can provide a general range:
Basic Plans: These often include services like unlimited messaging or limited live sessions. Prices can start as low as $50 per week, as seen with platforms like Online-Therapy.com.
Standard Plans: These typically offer more comprehensive services, including live video sessions. Prices for such plans can range from $80 to $110 per week.
Premium or Specialized Services: For more extensive services, including combinations of therapy and medication management, prices can be higher. For instance, Brightside offers plans starting at $95 per month for psychiatry and up to $349 per month for combined therapy and psychiatry.
Couples and Specialized Counseling: Services like ReGain, which specialize in couples counseling, can cost between $65 and $90 per week.
Flexible or Promotional Plans: Some services like Calmerry offer flexibility with weekly subscriptions, which can be a more budget-friendly option for users.
Free Options: Platforms like 7 Cups provide free online counseling, although these might be limited in terms of services and professional access.
Therefore, while it’s difficult to state a single average cost, online therapy services in 2024 typically range from free or low-cost community support options to more comprehensive plans that can cost several hundred dollars per month.
The actual cost for you will hinge on various factors, including your unique needs, the chosen type of service, and the potential for insurance coverage to mitigate expenses.
This naturally brings us to an important consideration: Is Online Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Is Online Therapy Covered by Insurance?
The landscape of insurance coverage for mental health services, particularly online therapy, is varied and complex.
Historically, many insurance plans have been slow to include online therapy as a covered service. They left leaving a significant portion of these valuable services outside the scope of insurance benefits. However, the tide is gradually turning.
Amidst a sea of services typically not covered by insurance, there exists a noteworthy selection of online therapy platforms that break the norm.
These platforms not only recognize the importance of accessible mental health care but also align with insurance providers to make this a reality for many.
Our focus here is on these exceptional services – the ones that understand the importance of both accessibility and affordability, and have taken steps to ensure that their support is within reach of those who need it, through insurance coverage.
Let’s have a look at the 10 best online therapy services that take insurance.
Brightside
Brightside focuses on anxiety and depression, combining talk therapy with medication.
Treatment Approach: Utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations, and medication management.
Session Format: Offers four 30- to 45-minute online video sessions monthly, plus unlimited messaging.
Credentials: Therapists and psychiatrists are highly qualified, adhering to American Psychiatric Association guidelines.
Medication: Provides nonaddictive medications like SSRIs and SNRIs, excluding controlled substances.
Pricing: Includes a therapy-only plan ($249 first month, then $299 monthly), a medication plan ($95 monthly), and a combined plan ($349 monthly).
Insurance: Accepts insurance and offers free initial assessments.
Talkiatry
Talkiatry specializes in psychiatric care for adults, children, and adolescents, focusing on a comprehensive approach to mental health that integrates medication management.
Treatment Approach: The service emphasizes a personalized treatment plan that aligns with each individual’s needs, often involving a combination of psychiatric evaluation and ongoing management.
Session Format: Consultations and therapy sessions are primarily conducted through video calls using the Healow app.
Credentials: Talkiatry boasts a team of over 400 psychiatrists and 56 licensed therapists, ensuring a high level of professional expertise and diverse specializations within mental health care.
Medication: As a psychiatric care provider, Talkiatry focuses on medication management as part of its treatment plans, tailoring prescriptions to each patient’s specific needs.
Pricing: The cost of services varies depending on the individual’s treatment plan and insurance coverage. Detailed fee information is typically provided after insurance verification.
Insurance: Over 60 health insurers recognize Talkiatry, highlighting its commitment to providing accessible and insurance-based services.
Monument
Monument specializes in treating individuals looking to change their relationship with alcohol, including those with alcohol use disorder. It provides focused care for people seeking help in this specific area.
Treatment Approach: Monument’s treatment options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, tailored to support individuals in their journey towards healthier alcohol use or abstinence.
Session Format: The service offers various plans that may include regular therapy sessions, access to support groups, and a community forum. Details about the exact format and frequency of sessions depend on the chosen plan.
Credentials: While specific credentials of the therapists and medical professionals at Monument are not detailed, the service implies a team of qualified professionals trained to address alcohol use disorder.
Medication: Monument provides medication options such as naltrexone and disulfiram as part of its treatment approach for alcohol use disorder, supporting individuals in reducing or stopping alcohol consumption.
Pricing: The pricing ranges from a free community membership to comprehensive care plans that include therapy and medication. Prices vary from $10 to $249 per month.
Insurance: Monument accepts insurance for its services, though we advise verifying coverage details directly with the service or your insurance provider.
MDLive
MDLive specializes in providing a full range of telemedicine services, including mental health care through counseling and psychiatric services.
Treatment Approach: Offers accessible counseling and psychiatric services, with the option for patients to choose between these based on their needs and budget.
Session Format: Appointments are conducted over the phone or through video chat, with flexible scheduling available for users.
Credentials: MDLive features health providers who are all licensed and highly educated, ensuring professional and quality care.
Medication: Psychiatrists at MDLive can prescribe medications in accordance with local regulations, supporting comprehensive mental health treatment.
Pricing: Counseling visits range from $0-$108, while psychiatric visits range from $0-$284.
Insurance: Accepts health insurance, which may cover the cost of services partly or even entirely.
LiveHealth Online
LiveHealth Online specializes in offering a range of telemedicine services. This includes therapy for common mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
Treatment Approach: Provides standard counseling services and access to psychologists and psychiatrists, catering to a wide array of mental health needs.
Session Format: LiveHealth conducts online therapy sessions, with the option for patients to choose between therapists or psychologists based on their preference and needs.
Credentials: Staffed with licensed professionals, including counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists, ensuring quality and expertise in mental health care.
Medication: Psychiatry services are available for medication management, with prescriptions limited by state laws.
Pricing: Therapy with a counselor starts at $80 per session, while sessions with a psychologist are $95. Psychiatry services cost $175 for an initial visit and $75 for follow-up sessions.
Insurance: Accepts many types of insurance.
Teladoc
Teladoc offers a range of mental health services, including therapy and psychiatry, addressing issues like stress, anxiety, relationship conflicts, grief, trauma, PTSD, and mood swings.
Treatment Approach: Provides confidential and supportive mental health care through video or phone visits, with services offered by psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and social workers.
Session Format: Patients can schedule video chat sessions using a computer webcam or the Teladoc mobile app, as well as phone sessions. Sessions typically last from 45 to 60 minutes, with shorter follow-up psychiatrist visits.
Credentials: All providers are licensed in the U.S., including psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, counselors, and therapists. Psychiatrists can prescribe certain medications as part of the treatment plan.
Medication: Psychiatrists at Teladoc are able to prescribe medications as part of the treatment for eligible patients.
Pricing: Therapy sessions are priced at $99 per session without insurance. Psychiatry sessions cost $299 for an initial session and $119 for follow-up sessions without insurance. With insurance, prices can vary from $0 to $299.
Insurance: Teladoc works with patients who have insurance coverage or are covered through an employer plan, and pricing may vary based on individual insurance policies.
Amwell
Amwell offers online therapy for a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, relationship conflicts, grief, and major life changes. It provides care to both adults and children (ages 10-17 with parental consent).
Treatment Approach: Amwell uses a virtual format to deliver therapy, focusing on providing reliable and convenient sessions with licensed and highly-trained therapists.
Session Format: Therapy sessions are conducted via video calls and typically last for 45 minutes. Patients have the flexibility to choose their own therapist based on various criteria like gender, availability, specialty, language, and location.
Credentials: Therapists at Amwell are part of the Amwell Medical Group, comprising licensed doctoral level psychologists and master’s level therapists. Each therapist is licensed to practice in their state and is trained in telehealth prevention and treatment techniques.
Medication: While therapists at Amwell do not prescribe medication, the platform does have physicians and psychiatrists who can prescribe most psychiatric medications for patients they see.
Pricing: Amwell charges between $109 and $129 per digital therapy session, with the costs remaining consistent regardless of the time and day of the session.
Insurance: Amwell is covered by a variety of insurance providers, allowing for more flexibility in terms of payment and accessibility.
Zocdoc
Zocdoc provides a platform for a variety of medical specialties, including online therapy services such as individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry.
Treatment Approach: Zocdoc serves as a directory, allowing users to search for and book appointments with various mental health professionals for both in-person and remote sessions.
Session Format: The platform primarily facilitates appointment booking; the session format may vary depending on the individual therapist’s practice.
Credentials: Zocdoc lists a range of licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists.
Medication: While Zocdoc itself does not prescribe medication, it lists psychiatrists who may provide medication management as part of their services.
Pricing: Costs depend on the specialization and location of the provider. Zocdoc charges a fee to therapists for new client bookings. But they do not charge the users for using the platform to find therapists.
Insurance: Zocdoc allows users to search for providers based on their insurance plan, making it easier to find therapists that accept specific insurance coverage.
Doctor On Demand
Doctor On Demand specializes in providing telehealth services including therapy and psychiatry. Their focus though lie on issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, relationship problems, and stress.
Treatment Approach: Offers online therapy and psychiatric services with a focus on patient-centric care. It conducts video therapy sessions, ensuring each patient receives tailored care for their specific needs.
Session Format: All therapy sessions are conducted via video calls. Initial psychiatric evaluations are 45 minutes, with follow-up sessions being shorter. Therapy sessions vary in length, typically 25 or 50 minutes.
Credentials: All therapists and psychiatrists are from the US and with amazing ratings, ensuring a high standard of care. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, except for certain controlled substances.
Medication: Psychiatrists are available for medication evaluation and management, providing prescriptions as needed for mental health conditions.
Pricing: Therapy sessions cost $129 for a 25-minute session and $179 for a 50-minute session. Initial psychiatric evaluations is $299, with follow-up psychiatric consultations costing between $129 and $179.
Insurance: Doctor On Demand accepts insurance, including Medicare. And the platform allows users to input their insurance information to determine coverage for services.
Thriveworks Counseling
Thriveworks offers a wide range of mental health services, specializing in areas like depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues, trauma, addiction, grief, child and adolescent therapy, couples therapy, Christian counseling, LGBTQ+ counseling, and psychiatry.
Treatment Approach: They employs a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotionally-focused therapy (EFT), and the Gottman Method, tailoring their approach based on individual needs and issues.
Session Format: Offers flexible session formats including online video conferences, phone calls, and face-to-face sessions (excluding psychiatric services). Sessions typically last up to 60 minutes, with flexible scheduling including nights and weekends.
Credentials: This online service hires less than 4% of all clinical applicants, ensuring a highly qualified and diverse team of mental health professionals, including licensed practitioners and Master’s-level clinicians and therapists.
Medication: Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners at Thriveworks can prescribe medication for mental health treatment. Although all their sessions are online.
Pricing: Their session costs vary between clinics, with prices ranging from $65 to $140 without insurance, and $10 to $40 with insurance. Psychiatry starts at $300 for the first assessment and $210 for follow-up visits without insurance. Enrollment fees may apply, providing additional benefits.
Insurance: Accepts major insurance plans, including Medicare, and provides self-pay rates for those not using insurance. Infact, they accept over 575 insurance plans, covering 180 million Americans.
What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Online Therapy?
So, there you have it. 10 online therapy services that take insurance. But what if your insurance doesn’t cover online therapy?
No need to fret just yet. There are several alternative options available to ensure you can access the support you need. Have a look.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI offers free support and education programs through its 600+ State Organizations and Affiliates across the country.
You can connect with a mental health professional by calling the NAMI hotline at 800-950-NAMI (6264). Or for specific inquiries you can also email them at info@nami.org.
To find the nearest NAMI Affiliate and discover the programs they offer, visit their support page: https://www.nami.org/findsupport
Community-Based Organizations
Look into local community centers, non-profit organizations, or faith-based groups. Many of these organizations offer free or sliding-scale mental health services, support groups, and counseling.
Online Support Groups and Forums
Various online platforms provide free support groups and forums. These can be excellent sources for peer support and advice from individuals who might be experiencing similar challenges.
Educational Institutions
If you are a student, check with your school or university’s counseling center. Many educational institutions offer free counseling services to their students.
Veterans Support
Veterans have access to dedicated services such as the Veterans Crisis Line. This resource provides immediate assistance via text, chat, or phone, catering specifically to the mental health needs of veterans.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Even without insurance coverage for online therapy, there are numerous resources available to support your mental well-being.
Final Thoughts
As we reach the end of our exploration into the world of online therapy, it’s important to remember that this journey is as unique as you are.
The realm of mental health care, much like a kaleidoscope, presents a spectrum of colors and patterns. And each of them represent different paths to healing and growth.
In a world that often moves at a dizzying pace, taking the step to prioritize your mental health is not just courageous, it’s revolutionary.
Whether you’re navigating the challenges of insurance coverage or exploring the rich tapestry of free resources like those offered by NAMI, each step you take is a testament to your resilience and commitment to your well-being.
Remember, therapy is not just a destination; it’s a journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.
As you move forward, hold onto the hope that the right support is out there. Whether it’s through the pixels of a video call, the words of a support group, or the understanding nod of a therapist in a local clinic, your journey to wellness is valid, valued, and vitally important.
Let’s not just seek wellness; let’s celebrate it, one step, one breath, one heartbeat at a time.
Here’s to your journey, your bravery, and the brighter days ahead. You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.