Your health insurance covers many things. In some cases, it is difficult to know exactly what it covers. Even if you have good insurance, you may still hesitate to seek health services if you do not know what it will cover. So, does health insurance cover therapy?
Let’s find out here.
Will Your Health Insurance Cover Therapy?
It depends on your policy. But most insurance plans in the US will pay for mental health. It is treated the same way as other medical costs. In that case, your therapy session could have a co-pay. It may also go to your deductible.
Study Your Plan
The best way to know whether or not your health insurance will cover the cost of your therapy is to study your plan.
If your insurance plan has a co-pay, you will pay a certain amount for every therapy session then your insurance will cover the rest.
If your plan has a deductible, you will have to pay for your therapy sessions first until you reach a certain amount. When you meet your deductible, your insurance will start covering a percent of your costs.
You should know how much your therapy session will cost. This information is vital if your plan has a deductible. Even though you can check the rates on your therapist’s website, your plan might have negotiated rates through in-network providers.
That’s why you should only go for a therapist who is part of your insurance network.
Read: Does Oscar offer affordable health insurance for the unemployed?
The Cost of Therapy
It depends on the provider. Some providers may charge $65 per session others will require $200 per session.
The more popular the therapist is, the higher his/her rate will be. But the cost will also depend on your location and the specialized care.
Call your insurance company to know what type of plan you have and find out whether or not it covers therapy.
Does It Cover Online Therapy?
Online therapy is now available. Referred to as telehealth, people prefer it over traditional in-person therapy because it saves them time. After all, they don’t have to commute to and from the office.
Furthermore, online therapy may offer additional privacy because you don’t have to encounter other clients who are in the waiting room.
In the past, insurance did not cover telehealth services. However, since the pandemic started, many insurers are now covering this type of service.
Finding an In-Network Therapist
Since an in-network therapist will offer you better, discounted rates, you should consider finding one. The good thing is that most therapists have a website where they list all insurances they accept.
You can use the information to help you find a therapist who will take your insurance and offer you a discounted rate.
Another way to find an in-network therapist is to just call your insurance. You may ask for the names of therapists that are part of their network.
Read: What are American Health Insurance Plans?
Saving Money on Therapy
It is a wonderful step that you decide to start therapy. However, when you find out the cost of a therapy session, you may be disheartened and choose not to seek help.
The overall cost of the therapy is indeed a common barrier. Millions of Americans have experienced mental health challenges. It is said that in every 5 people, one experiences mental health issues per year.
Mental health issues are real. Unfortunately, they don’t just affect adults. Kids aged 6 to 17 are also experiencing a form of mental health condition.
If you are worried about the cost, some tips can help you save money on therapy.
Call Your Insurance Company
The therapist that you prefer may not be a part of your insurance network. Hence, if you move with the treatment, the cost will not be covered by your plan.
That’s why you should receive therapy from in-network therapists. Call your carrier to send you a list of in-network therapists.
It is important to note, though, that some companies don’t cover therapy. And if they do, they may only cover a certain number of sessions.
But don’t be upset. You will be surprised that your insurance has decent coverage. So, call your insurance carrier now to know more about in-network providers in your area.
On the other hand, if your insurance does not cover therapy, there are still cost-saving options you can have.
Budget-Friendly Options
If your insurance does not include therapy sessions, you can go to training clinics or low-cost clinics. Online therapy is also a good option. But be wary of the doctors who offer this type of service.
Make sure that you read the review of these doctors who provide online therapy. Some of them are just phonies so be sure to read real testimonials from their past patients.
A training clinic may not be attractive to you. After all, they are just student therapists. However, they are still highly trained professionals. They don’t prescribe medications without the supervision of an experienced instructor. Even though they are still in training, you still get quality services.
Read: Is It Better to Pay a High Deductible Health Plan?
Go for Online Support Groups
If you really can’t afford the cost, you can just join an online support group. Search on Google groups that are specific to your mental health condition.
But keep in mind though that online forums are not being monitored. Thus, take the advice with a grain of salt. Keep in mind that their advice may be different from a trained professional.
Don’t Delay Seeking Help
If you are living with a mental health condition, it is difficult to carry out your daily activities. What’s more frustrating is that you can’t afford a therapy session. It can be an unfair added stress.
Before you get frustrated, though, you should call your insurance company to find out if your health insurance covers therapy. Make sure to go to an in-network provider to pay for a discounted rate. You may also try those budget-friendly options if your insurance will not cover therapy costs.
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