Therapy Covered by Insurance

If you are seeking therapy, it is important to know whether your insurance will cover the costs. Unfortunately, insurance coverage for therapy can be complex and confusing. This article will help you understand what types of therapy are typically covered by insurance, how to determine your coverage and what to do if your insurance will not cover therapy.

What Types of Therapy Are Typically Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance plans cover psychotherapy or talk therapy, which is a form of therapy that involves talking with a therapist about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is also generally covered by insurance.

Other types of therapy, such as art therapy or dance therapy, may not be covered by insurance. Some insurance plans may cover group therapy or family therapy, but others may not.

If you are unsure whether your insurance plan covers a particular type of therapy, you should contact your insurance provider for more information.

How Do I Determine My Insurance Coverage for Therapy?

The best way to determine your insurance coverage for therapy is to contact your insurance provider directly. You can find the contact information for your insurance provider on your insurance card or by contacting your employer’s HR department.

When you contact your insurance provider, you should ask about the following:

• Whether therapy is covered under your plan
• What types of therapy are covered under your plan
• Whether you need a referral from a doctor to see a therapist
• Whether there are any limits on the number of therapy sessions you can have
• What your copayment or coinsurance will be for therapy sessions

What is a Copayment?

A copayment is a fixed amount that you pay for a covered service. For example, your insurance plan may require a $30 copayment for each therapy session you attend.

What is Coinsurance?

Coinsurance is a percentage of the cost of a covered service that you are responsible for paying. For example, if your insurance plan has a 20% coinsurance for therapy sessions, you would be responsible for paying 20% of the cost of each session, while your insurance would cover the other 80%.

What Should I Do if My Insurance Does Not Cover Therapy?

If your insurance does not cover therapy, or if your copayments or coinsurance are too high, there are several options you can explore:

• Look for a therapist who offers a sliding scale or reduced fees for people who cannot afford to pay the full cost of therapy.
• Check to see if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may provide free or low-cost therapy sessions.
• Look for nonprofit organizations in your area that offer low-cost or free mental health services.
• Consider using online therapy services, which may be more affordable than traditional therapy.

FAQ

What if my insurance only covers a certain number of therapy sessions?

If your insurance plan has a limit on the number of therapy sessions you can have, you should talk to your therapist about how to make the most of your sessions. Your therapist may be able to provide you with resources or techniques that you can use on your own to continue your therapy outside of your sessions.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a therapist?

Some insurance plans require a referral from a doctor before you can see a therapist. You should check with your insurance provider to see if this is a requirement for your plan.

What if I can’t afford therapy even with insurance?

If you cannot afford therapy even with insurance, there are other resources available to you. Some nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost mental health services, and many therapists offer sliding scales or reduced fees for people who cannot afford to pay the full cost of therapy.

Is online therapy covered by insurance?

Some insurance plans cover online therapy, but others do not. You should check with your insurance provider to see if online therapy is covered under your plan.

Conclusion

Understanding your insurance coverage for therapy can be confusing, but it is an important step in getting the help you need. If your insurance plan does not cover therapy or if your copayments or coinsurance are too high, there are other options available to you, including sliding scale fees, Employee Assistance Programs, nonprofit organizations, and online therapy services.