Does Insurance Cover Therapy | Understanding Therapy, Counseling, And Health Insurance Coverage | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to see a therapist for mental health treatment with insurance?
When seeing a health insurance therapist in America, it costs an average of $20 to $50. However, without insurance to cover the sessions, most Americans pay between $20 to $250. The amount depends on the number of sessions booked. Generally, the average cost within and outside the US is $60 to $120. Hence, it shows that the price is typically low on a moderate scale with insurance. If you need therapy, it’s essential to know the various ways in which online therapists charge. With an idea of this, you will make better decisions.
There are different ways therapists charge that may require drawing out a schedule for the treatment plan. In most mental health professions, patients are charged hourly or per session for the pre-existing mental health condition. Certain factors affect the cost of insurance and what it will cover. These different factors include your location, health insurance provider, and the number of sessions you decide to book. In therapy, there is also a principle called Sliding Scale Therapy. Here, each therapist can set a sliding scale fee to help those with less financial capability or those who may not have insurance that will cover therapy. With this, people can have the healthcare they need with minimal costs.
Meanwhile, please note that therapy is in all diverse offerings. However, the goal is always to provide support for those in need. A few examples of therapy include individual therapy, couples therapy, marriage therapy, anger management, depression therapy, and more. Each of those different examples has a unique average cost per session, and they are just as important as physical therapy. For instance, depression therapy costs $100 – $200, and anger management is between $50-$150.
Does my insurance pay for therapy, counseling, or other mental health services?
At some point, you may have asked, “Does insurance cover therapy?” Many health insurance plans cover therapeutic sessions. However, what insurance will cover depends on the method you choose. Most times, you will have to pay a deductible before having your services covered. Examples of medical services include emergency mental healthcare, group therapy, and more. Besides, reputable therapists may have low-cost options for patients like sliding scale payments.
In the United States of America, specific laws speak on mental health insurance. An example is the Mental Parity Law of 2008. The law requires that health insurance plans must cover therapy for mental issues, just as they cover traditional physical illnesses. Depending on the insurance company you use, there may be available benefits that cover mental health services. Some companies cover mental health generously, while others require patients to pay most of it out-of-pocket.
Often, people who get insurance coverage through their employers are always covered as well. Many therapists work with insurance network providers; hence, your fee to see a therapist may not be higher than that of a doctor. Ensure that you inquire about your coinsurance, current deductibles, what services insurance will cover, and copays, including out-of-pocket costs.
How does insurance work with therapy and mental health treatment?
Insurance works hand-in-hand with therapy. However, the first step is finding a therapist that is in-network with your insurance and whose services your insurance will cover. Therapists that are “in-network” have a contract with one’s health insurance company to receive predetermined payments per session.
Meanwhile, an out-of-network therapist doesn’t have any contract with your insurance company. They set their own terms and fees as well. You need to pay your in-network therapist a copay at every therapy session. After doing that, your therapist will send a claim to the company to receive the rest of their owed fee. It may look like in-network insurance is simple.
However, it’s essential that you closely consider your deductible to know the total cost of therapy from the mental health provider. Medical services with expenses like medication or a doctor’s visit help reach your deductible, even with a pre-existing mental illness. When you have paid enough for medical services cost that equals your deductible, it’s called “meeting your deductible.” Therapists are paid the full fee at each session until the patient can meet the deductible.
Does all health insurance cover therapy and other mental health services?
A good number of health insurance plans cover therapy. However, not all network providers cover all types of mental therapy. In most cases, companies with a good number of employees cover therapy. Under the Affordable Care Act that was approved in 2010, all marketplace plans or health plans must cover substance abuse and mental health services as necessary health benefits.
According to HealthCare.gov, the law requires that the plans cover inpatient services for behavioral and mental issues. Besides, it should also cover behavioral treatments like counseling and psychotherapy. Additionally, the mental health provider plans should cover the treatment of substance use disorders as well. So, any pre-existing mental issues can be things that your health insurance will cover.
How do you get therapy if you can’t afford it and don’t have health insurance coverage?
There’s a chance that you can’t afford therapy due to any number of factors, including lack of insurance, or having an insurance plan that does not cover therapy. Since many individuals have different financial capabilities, there’s an excellent way to go about therapy. If you can’t afford therapy, start by reviewing your insurance and what they cover. However, that is only applicable if you have insurance. Your company should list insurance network providers around your location and have skills in the areas you need help, even if you may have a pre-existing mental illness. Besides, you may need to pay a little copay as well. Fortunately, there are other available options, like a training clinic. These clinics can provide clients a sliding scale. In most cases, they are typically around universities where students aspire to offer medical services like counseling or clinical psychology.
Interestingly, self-help books may also help you in some cases. It may not be as efficient as therapy; however, it provides support as well. There are lots of books that can be very helpful for you. If you’re having a problem choosing one, you may try reaching out to a local therapist. Aside from books, support groups or talk therapy are very helpful as well. Most support groups provide some form of talk therapy and are more affordable than typical therapy. Fortunately, most support groups are run by mental health professionals. If you can’t be with a large group of people, you may try out the online ones. Moreover, you can try making inquiries about discounted rates. Other alternatives may include watching podcasts and videos.
Is paying for therapy worth it?
Therapy is worth the price. Happiness and a healthy state of mind are just as important as physical wellbeing. Hence, it’s advisable to invest in it. Therapy is designed to help those in need feel healthier, happier, and relieved, even those with pre-existing mental illnesses. Good therapy gives you a chance for long-term success. Platforms like BetterHelp provide all the support you need for a reasonable cost. With the presence of licensed experts, they help you through challenges every step of the way.