The short answer: yes, most insurance covers therapy
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) requires most health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services at the same level as physical health services. If your plan covers physical therapy or specialist visits, it must cover mental health services comparably.
What insurance typically covers
- Individual outpatient therapy — the most commonly covered service
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management
- Group therapy
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Residential treatment in many cases
- Telehealth therapy — now covered by most plans
How to check your specific coverage
Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask these specific questions: What are my outpatient behavioral health benefits? What is my copay for therapy? Do I have a deductible, and how much has been met? Do I need a referral? How many sessions are covered per year?
In-network vs out-of-network
In-network providers have contracted rates with your insurance company — your copay is lower and the insurer pays more. Out-of-network providers may still be partially covered under your plan's out-of-network benefits, but your out-of-pocket costs will be higher. When searching on BehavioralHealthGuide.org, you can filter by your insurance plan to find in-network providers.
When insurance doesn't cover enough
If your coverage is inadequate, you have options: appeal denials in writing, ask your therapist to help document medical necessity, use an HSA or FSA for remaining costs, or explore the low-cost options in our affordable care guide.