Online therapy that takes insurance

BetterHelp accepts major insurance plans for online therapy, giving eligible members more ways to access mental health care—$23/session for eligible members.*

Find a covered therapist *Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
 
Cigna Aetna Optum UnitedHealthcare Anthem CareFirst Highmark Curative

Mental health care benefits and insurance coverage

Many health plans include outpatient mental health benefits, which can make therapy more accessible than some members expect. BetterHelp accepts insurance through major providers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare, so eligible members may be able to use their coverage toward online therapy. Coverage can vary from one plan to the next.*

Federal mental health parity laws typically require health plans to cover mental health care comparably to medical care. Many states also require virtual therapy to be covered much like in-person care, and online therapy is typically billed as telehealth.

  • BetterHelp accepts insurance for online therapy through major insurance plans
  • If your therapist is in-network, you may pay a copay per session rather than the full session rate
  • Eligible members pay a copay instead of the full session cost, which can make care more affordable
  • Without insurance, BetterHelp offers affordable subscription pricing at $70 to $100 per week*–including messaging, live sessions, and in-app features
  • In-person therapy without insurance can run $100 to $350 per session
talking with therapist on laptop Lady

What mental health services are typically covered by insurance

Insurance plans may cover outpatient mental health services for various conditions, including:

talking with therapist on laptop Lady

Coverage varies, so it can help to check with your insurance carrier before you start. You can contact your insurance company or member portal to confirm what your plan includes. For more detail, see the full guide on insurance coverage for online therapy.

*Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

Insurance and out-of-pocket online therapy options

BetterHelp offers two ways to get started with online therapy, so you can choose what fits your needs and budget.

Insurance-based visits

  • One covered live session per week
  • Copay applies (avg. $23/session* for eligible members)
  • Deductible may apply
  • Available nationwide

Subscription plan

  • Live sessions plus messaging
  • Digital journal & worksheets
  • Flexible scheduling & pricing
  • Available in many locations worldwide

Online therapy covered by insurance

BetterHelp is in network with 125+ health insurance plans, including:

On average, eligible members pay a $23 copay per session. Coverage options vary by plan and location, and access to an in-network therapist depends on provider participation and availability in your state.

Get started

Don’t see your insurance carrier?

BetterHelp is actively working to expand coverage across the United States, so it can help to check back later as more plans are added.

In the meantime, the subscription plan remains a quality option with the same matching process and licensed therapists. Many members may also be able to use HSA or FSA funds toward care, depending on their plan.

How online therapy costs compare: insurance, subscription, and pay-per-session

Compare online and in-person therapy options at a glance

Factor (Online Therapy with Insurance) (Online Therapy Subscription) Typical Pay-Per-Session Platform
Average session cost
~$23 average copay* for eligible members $70–$100/week $100–$350/session**
Billing model
Insurance copay Weekly or monthly subscription Per session
Messaging between sessions
Not included Included ✓ Rarely included
Therapist matching
Tailored matching Tailored matching Self-directed search
Insurance accepted
Accepted through major insurance plans N/A Varies by provider
Time to first session
As little as 2 days As little as 2 days Varies widely

BetterHelp’s broader network includes more than 30,000 licensed therapists. Whether you use insurance or a subscription plan the matching process, the quality of care, and the flexibility of the platform stay the same.

*Average co-pay is based on BetterHelp members who have a co-pay. Insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status. Weekly cost is based on your location, source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions. **Source *Source

Browse therapists who accept insurance

BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist who accepts insurance,* so you can find care that fits your plan and your life. Explore a few of the providers in our network below.

Connect with a licensed therapist
Samantha Blackwell

Samantha Blackwell

Virginia

Licensed Social Worker (LISW, LCSW

20 years of experience
StressAnxietyFamily conflictsTraumaAbuseGriefDepression

Licensed therapist across five states with two decades of experience providing compassionate, culturally responsive care for adults navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions.

View Profile
Felipe Sepulveda

Felipe Sepulveda

New York

LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

12 years of experience
StressSelf EsteemMotivationDepressionCoping with life changes

Licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, stress, and financial wellness for adults navigating the pressures of everyday life.

View Profile
Talia Scott

Talia Scott

North Carolina

LCMHC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor

5 years of experience
StressAnxietySelf EsteemMotivationFamily ConflictsCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Licensed psychotherapist and board certified art therapist with 17 years in mental health and 5+ years of licensed clinical experience helping adults navigate anxiety, trauma, family conflict, and personal growth.

View Profile
Sergio Fernandez

Sergio Fernandez

Texas

LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor

26 years of experience
StressAnxietyRelationshipsTraumaAbuseGriefDepression

Mental health professional with almost 24 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in various settings with various challenges like depression, anxiety, and relationship issues.

View Profile
Raelene Faught

Raelene Faught

Illinois

LCPC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

14 years of experience
Family conflictsTraumaAbuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemMotivation

Licensed therapist with 14 years of experience offering humanistic, trauma-informed support for adults navigating anxiety, relationships, parenting challenges, and life transitions.

View Profile
Ryan Derico

Ryan Derico

Florida

LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

7 years of experience
StressSelf EsteemMotivationCoping with life changesADHD

Licensed clinical mental health counselor with 6 years of counseling experience and 19+ years in human services, specializing in anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum support, and life transitions across Florida and Indiana.

View Profile

All therapists are licensed, verified, and background-checked

View all 30,000+ therapists

How to check if your insurance covers online therapy

Online therapy with BetterHelp is designed to be simple, affordable, and effective.
Get started to check your coverage. Here's how it works:

Take a short quiz

Answer a few questions about your needs, goals, and preferences to help us find your right match.

Check insurance availability

If insurance is available as a payment option, you’ll be prompted to enter your insurance information to check cost and coverage.

Get matched with a licensed therapist

If your provider on BetterHelp is in-network, schedule one covered live session each week.

With BetterHelp, you can go from sign-up to your first session in as little as two days.

Get started today
72%

of BetterHelp users experienced a reduction in symptoms in 12 weeks*

4.9 out of 5

average rating for a live session, from over 1.7 million client ratings*

82%

of clients in treatment likely to recommend their therapist to others*

93%

of use preferences met when matching with a therapist*

Source: BetterHelp Platform Quality & Outcomes (2024)    *Metrics reflect outcomes from BetterHelp subscription clients (not insurance-based visits). Results may vary.

Benefits of using an online therapy platform with insurance

Why BetterHelp works for insurance & out-of-pocket members

pricing icon

Affordable pricing

With or without insurance

appointments icon

Discreet appointments

Sessions from anywhere with an internet connection

network icon

One of the world's largest networks of therapists

More than 30,000 providers globally

matching icon

Tailored matching

that considers your needs, preferences, and goals

check icon

The right therapist for you

Switch therapists at no extra cost

results icon

Proven results

Industry-leading member satisfaction

 

Frequently asked questions

More FAQs

Does BetterHelp accept insurance for online therapy?

Yes, BetterHelp accepts insurance for online therapy through 125+ major insurance plans, and eligible members pay an average copay of $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage vary by state, plan, insurance network, and therapist availability. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see our detailed guide on BetterHelp insurance coverage.

Does health insurance cover online therapy?

Yes, most health insurance plans that include mental health benefits also cover online therapy, also called telehealth or virtual therapy. Federal mental health parity laws generally require plans that offer mental health benefits to treat them comparably to medical benefits. BetterHelp accepts many insurance plans, helping more people access therapy with licensed providers online. Your actual coverage depends on your specific health plan, whether your therapist is in-network, and your deductible, copay, or coinsurance. To confirm whether your plan covers online therapy, contact your insurance provider or check your member portal.

Which insurance plans does BetterHelp accept for online therapy?

BetterHelp accepts insurance through 125+ major insurance plans, including Cigna, Aetna, OptumCurative, UnitedHealthcare, and several state-specific Blue Cross Blue Shield plans such as Anthem, CareFirst, and Highmark. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability.

BetterHelp is actively working with additional carriers to expand access. If your plan isn't available at this time, our flexible subscription model starting at $70 to $100* per week is a quality alternative. Additionally, members may be able to use HSA and FSA funds to help pay for therapy services. *Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.

How can I check if my insurance is accepted on BetterHelp?

You can check if your insurance is accepted directly during BetterHelp signup, where you may be prompted to choose between using insurance or paying out of pocket, if insurance is available as a payment option. Insurance availability, coverage, and costs vary based on factors such as your state, insurance plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status. Existing members may also be able to switch to insurance as a payment option through their account settings in the BetterHelp app, where available.

How does insurance coverage for online therapy work?

Insurance coverage for online therapy works the same way it does for other outpatient mental health care: your plan covers part of the session cost, and you cover the rest through a copay, coinsurance, or deductible. If your therapist is in-network, your insurer has a contracted rate and you typically pay less out of pocket. If your therapist is out-of-network, you may need to pay the full fee upfront and file a claim for partial reimbursement. On BetterHelp, if insurance is available as a payment option in your state, you'll see it during signup along with your estimated out-of-pocket cost. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.

Is online therapy covered the same as in-person therapy?

In most cases, yes. Many states have telehealth parity laws requiring insurers to cover online therapy sessions at the same rate as in-person visits when both are covered benefits, and federal mental health parity laws generally require plans that offer mental health benefits to cover them comparably to medical benefits. That said, coverage can still differ based on your specific plan, whether your therapist is in-network for telehealth specifically, and your state's regulations. Check your plan documents or member portal to confirm how your insurer handles online versus in-person therapy coverage.

How can I find an online therapist who accepts my insurance?

To find an online therapist who accepts your insurance, check your insurance company's online provider directory, call the number on the back of your insurance card, and ask how your plan covers online therapy. With BetterHelp, if insurance is available as a payment option, we'll help match you with available licensed providers who are in network with your plan. When signing up for BetterHelp, insurance may appear as a payment option depending on your state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. If insurance is available, you will be able to review available provider options during signup.

What's the difference between in-network and out-of-network therapy?

In-network therapists have contracts with your insurance company and typically mean lower out-of-pocket costs, depending on your plan. Out-of-network therapists do not have contracts with your insurer. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, you may pay the full session fee upfront and submit a claim to request partial reimbursement. Out-of-network reimbursement depends on your plan's deductible, reimbursement rate, and session limits.

How much does online therapy cost with insurance?

With insurance, online therapy through BetterHelp costs an average copay of $23 per session for eligible members. Your exact cost depends on your specific insurance plan, whether your therapist is in-network, your deductible status, and your plan's mental health benefits, so your copay may be higher or lower than the average. If insurance isn't available for your plan, BetterHelp's subscription option starts at $70 to $100 per week, and HSA or FSA funds may also help cover the cost. For a full cost breakdown, see our guide on BetterHelp insurance coverage.

What is the average copay for online therapy with insurance?

The average copay for online therapy is $23 per session for BetterHelp members who use insurance. Your actual copay depends on your specific insurance plan, whether your therapist is in-network, and how much of your deductible you've met, so it may be higher or lower than the average. To find your exact copay for online therapy, check your insurance plan's member portal or call the number on the back of your insurance card.

How much does BetterHelp cost without insurance?

Without insurance, BetterHelp typically costs $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. That includes messaging with your therapist, in-app features like a digital journal and worksheets, and live sessions. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability, and any applicable discounts or promotions.

What if I don't see insurance as a payment option for BetterHelp during sign up?

We're actively expanding our network of licensed therapists who accept insurance on the BetterHelp platform. If you don’t see insurance as a payment option during signup, it may not be available based on your state, plan, provider network, or therapist availability at that time. In the meantime, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription plan remains available as another way to access care. BetterHelp also accepts HSA/FSA cards and is recognized as an eligible medical expense by most providers.

Should I use insurance or pay out of pocket for online therapy?

Whether to use insurance or pay out of pocket for online therapy depends on your mental health coverage, therapist availability, and total cost of care. Insurance may be a good fit if your plan includes online therapy benefits, your deductible is low, and an in-network provider is available. The subscription plan may be more cost-effective if you want faster access, more flexibility, or if your deductible hasn't been met yet. Out-of-network benefits may help if your plan reimburses part of the cost. Total cost can vary since deductibles, copays, and reimbursement rules all affect what you actually pay.

Does BetterHelp take Cigna?

Yes. BetterHelp accepts select Cigna and Evernorth behavioral health plans. Cigna is available through BetterHelp, with in-network provider availability varying by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members’ average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability.

Does BetterHelp take UnitedHealthcare?

Yes. BetterHelp accepts select UnitedHealthcare (UHC) plans. UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest insurers in the U.S. and is one of the insurance carriers available through BetterHelp, with provider availability varying by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members’ average copay is $23 per session.

Does BetterHelp take Blue Cross Blue Shield?

Yes. BetterHelp providers accept several regional Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, including Anthem, CareFirst, and Highmark. Because BCBS operates as a network of independent regional plans, coverage varies significantly by state. Always verify your specific BCBS plan during sign-up. Eligible members’ average copay is $23 per session.

Does BetterHelp take Aetna?

Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp accept Aetna insurance for online therapy. Availability may vary by plan, location, and other factors. Eligible members’ average copay is $23 per session.

Does BetterHelp take Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE?

At this time, providers on BetterHelp do not directly accept Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE. These government-sponsored plans often have specific network requirements for behavioral health and telehealth services. Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services, including telehealth sessions with approved providers. For the most current information on Medicare telehealth coverage, visit medicare.gov. Medicaid coverage for online therapy varies by state. Visit medicaid.gov to check your state's telehealth benefits. If you have one of these plans and need additional support finding care, contact your state Medicaid office, Medicare plan, or TRICARE regional contractor.

Get Started More FAQs

Online therapy and insurance coverage

Navigating insurance doesn't have to stand between you and the support you're looking for. BetterHelp accepts insurance through major plans, giving you more ways to start online therapy with a licensed therapist so you can focus on what matters: getting care that fits your life.

Check your coverage, see what you'll pay, and get matched with a therapist who's right for you.

Find a covered therapist