Best Online Therapy That Takes Insurance 2025
Find affordable online therapy platforms that accept insurance, offering significantly reduced costs through in-network coverage and manageable copays.
Top Picks for Insurance-Covered Therapy at a Glance
Talkspace
Comprehensive therapy and psychiatry platform accepting most major insurance providers with low copays and excellent billing support.
MDLive
24/7 healthcare platform with therapy and psychiatry services accepting extensive insurance network with same-day appointments.
Amwell
Comprehensive telehealth platform with mental health services integrated with primary care, accepting major insurance providers.
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Online Therapy
How Does Insurance Work with Online Therapy?
Insurance coverage for online therapy works similarly to in-person therapy, with platforms either being in-network or out-of-network providers. Understanding these options can save hundreds of dollars monthly.
- In-Network: Platform has contract with your insurer, resulting in lower copays ($0-$50 per session)
- Out-of-Network: You pay upfront and submit claims for partial reimbursement
- Deductibles: May need to meet annual deductible before coverage begins
- Session Limits: Some plans cover a limited number of sessions annually
Platforms that accept insurance handle billing directly, making the process much simpler than out-of-network reimbursement.
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
Most online therapy platforms that accept insurance work with major providers, though specific coverage varies:
- Aetna: Widely accepted across platforms, typically low copays
- Cigna: Good coverage for telehealth services
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: Coverage varies by state plan
- United Healthcare/Optum: Extensive telehealth network
- Anthem: Increasingly covering online therapy platforms
- Medicare: Limited but growing coverage for telehealth
Always verify your specific plan's coverage before starting treatment, as benefits vary significantly.
Cost Comparison: Insurance vs. Self-Pay
With Insurance (In-Network)
- Typical Copay: $0-$50/session
- Monthly Cost (4 sessions): $0-$200
- Annual Savings: $2,400-$4,000
Self-Pay (No Insurance)
- Per Session Cost: $65-$120/session
- Monthly Cost (4 sessions): $260-$480
- Annual Cost: $3,120-$5,760
Detailed Reviews of the Best Insurance-Accepting Platforms
Talkspace
Why We Recommend It for Insurance Coverage
Talkspace offers online therapy and psychiatry services with insurance coverage options, providing access to licensed therapists and psychiatrists through text, audio, and video.
Insurance Providers Accepted
Pros
- Accepts many major insurance plans
- Medication management available through psychiatrists
- Text, audio, and video therapy options
- Specializes in specific conditions (anxiety, depression, etc.)
- Corporate wellness programs available
- Teen therapy services (13-17 years old)
Cons
- More expensive than some competitors
- Insurance coverage can be confusing
- Video sessions require separate subscription tier
- Fewer therapists than BetterHelp
- Some complaints about customer service response time
Best For
Cerebral
Why We Recommend It for Insurance Coverage
Cerebral provides comprehensive online mental health care combining therapy and medication management, specializing in anxiety, depression, ADHD, and insomnia treatment.
Insurance Providers Accepted
Pros
- Medication management included in all plans
- Specializes in ADHD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia
- Accepts some insurance plans
- Prescription delivery available
- Care counselors for ongoing support
- Comprehensive treatment approach
Cons
- More expensive than therapy-only services
- Experienced regulatory challenges in some states
- Therapy sessions are limited per month
- Customer service complaints
- Not available in all states
Best For
MDLive
Why We Recommend It for Insurance Coverage
MDLive offers comprehensive virtual healthcare including therapy, psychiatry, and primary care services with insurance coverage and 24/7 availability.
Insurance Providers Accepted
Pros
- Accepts most major insurance plans
- 24/7 access to healthcare providers
- Offers therapy and psychiatry services
- Same-day appointments available
- Integrated with many health systems
- Comprehensive healthcare platform (not just mental health)
Cons
- More expensive without insurance
- Focuses on medical model vs. ongoing therapy
- Less personalized than dedicated therapy platforms
- Session-based pricing (not subscription)
- Interface feels more clinical than user-friendly
Best For
Brightside
Why We Recommend It for Insurance Coverage
Brightside combines therapy and psychiatry with a data-driven approach, specializing in depression and anxiety treatment with medication management.
Insurance Providers Accepted
Pros
- Combines therapy and medication management
- Data-driven personalized treatment plans
- Accepts some insurance plans
- Specializes in depression and anxiety
- Regular provider check-ins
- Medication delivery included
Cons
- More expensive than therapy-only services
- Limited therapy session frequency
- Not available in all states
- Primarily medication-focused approach
- Newer platform with less reviews
Best For
Amwell
Why We Recommend It for Insurance Coverage
Amwell provides comprehensive telehealth services including mental health therapy, psychiatry, and primary care with insurance coverage and 24/7 availability.
Insurance Providers Accepted
Pros
- Accepts most major insurance
- Comprehensive healthcare platform
- 24/7 provider availability
- Therapy and psychiatry services
- Integrated with health systems
- Same-day appointments
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- Less focused on ongoing therapy relationships
- Per-session pricing adds up
- More clinical than user-friendly
- Not therapy-specialized
Best For
Doctor On Demand
Why We Recommend It for Insurance Coverage
Doctor On Demand offers virtual healthcare including therapy, psychiatry, and primary care with board-certified providers available 24/7 and insurance coverage.
Insurance Providers Accepted
Pros
- Accepts major insurance plans
- Board-certified providers
- 24/7 availability
- Therapy and psychiatry services
- Same-day appointments
- Integrated with many employers
Cons
- Expensive without insurance
- Session-based (not subscription)
- Less personalized than dedicated therapy apps
- More medical than therapeutic approach
- No messaging therapy
Best For
How to Choose the Right Insurance-Covered Platform
Verify Coverage
Call your insurance company or check your benefits online to confirm which platforms are in-network and what your copay will be.
Understand Your Benefits
Know your deductible, copay amount, session limits, and whether pre-authorization is required before starting therapy.
Platform Features
Beyond insurance, consider communication methods, therapist availability, and whether you need medication management services.
Our Recommendation
For most individuals with insurance coverage:
- Talkspace for the most comprehensive service with extensive insurance network and both therapy and psychiatry
- MDLive for 24/7 access and urgent mental health consultations with most major insurers
- Amwell for integrated healthcare approach connecting mental health with primary care
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a platform accepts my insurance?
Most platforms have an insurance verification tool on their website. You can also call your insurance company's behavioral health line to confirm coverage. Always verify before your first session to avoid unexpected costs.
What's the difference between copay and coinsurance?
A copay is a fixed amount you pay per session (e.g., $30), while coinsurance is a percentage of the session cost you pay (e.g., 20% of $120 = $24). Most therapy plans use copays for simplicity.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds for online therapy?
Yes! Online therapy is typically HSA/FSA eligible when prescribed by a licensed provider. You can use these funds for copays, deductibles, or full session costs if paying out-of-pocket.
Do I need a referral for online therapy with insurance?
This depends on your specific insurance plan. PPO plans typically don't require referrals, while HMO plans often do. Check your benefits or contact your insurance provider to confirm.
What if my insurance denies coverage?
You can appeal the decision with your insurance company. Many platforms also offer self-pay options at competitive rates, and some provide financial aid programs if you don't have coverage.
Will my therapist handle insurance billing?
Yes, platforms that accept insurance handle all billing directly. You'll typically just pay your copay at the time of service, and the platform submits claims to your insurer on your behalf.
Ready to Use Your Insurance Benefits?
Check which platforms accept your insurance and start affordable therapy today with low copays.