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Discovering The Best Online Therapy That Takes Insurance

BEST

betterhealth trustpilot rating
BetterHelp
Best overall choice for Medicaid & medicare.
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2nd

teladoc health trustpilot rating
TelaDoc
over 74 different insurance provviders accepts and will pay for teladoc online therapy
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Our Recommendation

cerebral trustpilot rating
cerebral
Covered by 7 insurance providers and can write perscriptionn medication
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4th

amwell trustpilot reating
Amwell
accepts 40 insurance providers and can write medication
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talkspace trustpilot rating
Talkspace
170 different insurance providers covered. can provide medications. Text messaging therapy is there main focus
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A woman interviewing different online therapy services

Are you looking for the best online therapy that is covered by major insurance plans? Accessing mental health care with the expectation of an insurance provider covering all out-of-pocket costs can be daunting. Fortunately, several options are available for individuals seeking online therapy that takes insurance coverage. We herewith make the process easier.

In this blog post, we'll review the top insurance providers in 2023 that accept insurance payments based on Trustpilot reviews, so you can get your mental health journey off on the right foot! Our main focus is to prive content that is accurate based on client reviews.

Importance of insurance acceptance in an online therapy service

As the demand for mental health services grows, so does the need for affordable and accessible options. Health insurance is critical in easing the financial burden for many individuals when seeking therapy.

When online therapy services accept insurance, they ensure individuals have access to high-quality and timely care without breaking the bank. Clients can focus on their mental health conditions without worrying about financial constraints or additional expenses to cover many online therapy services.

The Best Online Therapy That Takes Insurance infographic

Factors to consider when choosing an online therapy provider that accepts insurance coverage.

  • Insurance coverage
  • Qualifications of the therapists
  • Treatment approach
  • Cost
  • Availability of services
  • Privacy and security
  • Reviews and ratings
Online therapy providers that accept insurance coverage table

The top online therapy providers that accept insurance coverage

Online therapy providers that accept insurance coverage

BetterHelp

BetterHelp

Pricing: $60 to $90 for 4 live sessions [billed every 4 weeks]

Type of therapy: individual, couples, and teen online therapy services

Specializations: depression, anxiety, relationships, trauma, grief, parenting, and addiction

Session length: 30 minutes

Pros

  • Access therapy services from the comfort of their own home
  • Offers more affordable therapy options
  • Users can choose a counselor that fits their specific needs and preferences

Cons

  • Lack of in-person interaction
  • Limited insurance coverage
  • BetterHelp does not offer emergency services

Summary of BetterHelp

BetterHelp's online therapy provides access to psychologists, marital and family therapists, clinical social workers, and licensed therapists that are qualified, experienced, and licensed.

An individual gets matched with a therapist by the company. The patient can communicate with their therapist via text, phone, or video chat.

BetterHelp claims that since the therapists working on this platform cannot make diagnoses, they would be a better choice for those who already have a diagnosis or require general counseling. Even if BetterHelp does not file insurance claims, individuals may still be able to submit bills for reimbursement. [1]

Insurance: Medicaid & medicare

User Satisfaction

Rating: 4.6

Verified on Trustpilot: Yes

Good Reviews:

Reviewers praise the service for its accessibility, affordability, flexibility, and effectiveness. Many clients appreciate the personalized matching system, where they are paired with a therapist who meets their specific needs.

Clients are also pleased with the attentiveness and professionalism of their therapists, who create a safe and supportive environment. Several users note that BetterHelp has helped them through difficult times and saved their lives. Overall, BetterHelp seems to provide a positive user experience and effective therapy services.

Bad Reviews:

The user experience of BetterHelp has received negative feedback from some customers. One user felt like it was a scam because their therapist had a very full calendar and their first two sessions were 13 days apart. The customer was then hit with a new monthly charge of $320 after only having two sessions, instead of the four included in the plan.

Another user compared BetterHelp to the "rapacious gaming of Uber/Lyft," claiming that they have hidden rules that are detrimental to both patients and therapists. The customer also suggested that BetterHelp's software is subpar and that they have little incentive to fix it. Additionally, a user complained that they have experienced high turnover rates with their therapists, which has left them feeling deflated.

BetterHelp responded to all three reviews, apologizing for any issues and offering to help resolve them.[2]

  • Shrinks-office recommends reading the reviews yourself.
Teladoc

Teladoc

Pricing: $75 per session [sessions per month is unknown]

Type of therapy: Individual and group therapy only, medication management, psychiatry

Specializations: anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, postpartum, grief, and loss

Session length: 15–50 minutes

Pros

  • You select your health provider
  • Easy scheduling system
  • Medication management

Cons

  • There are no subscriptions
  • Can't therapist bios before sign-up

Summary of Teladoc

Teladoc offers more than just mental health care. Many telehealth services are provided, such as primary care, online dietitian services, and STD testing. The organization addresses not only primary concerns such as anxiety and depression but also treats post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mood swings and offers couples counseling.

You can pick your own therapist or psychiatrist, and you can keep seeing them as needed. You can choose from provider alternatives that Teladoc has determined would work best for your unique situation. [3]

User Satisfaction

Rating: 4.6

Verified on Trustpilot: Yes

Good Reviews:

Teladoc's user experience, as reported by users in the provided text, is generally positive. Users find it convenient to access mental health care services from the comfort of their homes. Patients commend the platform's ability to offer online therapy and access to psychiatrists from anywhere.

Users also report feeling validated and well-understood by their providers. However, a user did note that the platform's insurance coverage is limited and that they had trouble getting their medication refilled. Teladoc seems to be responsive to customer complaints and works to address them directly through email support.

Bad Reviews:

Several recent user reviews highlight a mixed experience with the platform. One user had a poor experience with a doctor who had poor bedside manners, made them feel bad for asking questions, and did not answer their concerns. Another user had two negative experiences, including a nurse not calling within the promised time and a therapist canceling the appointment without providing alternative options.

Another user was dissatisfied with a doctor's diagnosis, as it was not relevant to the reason for their call. However, some users have had positive experiences with Teladoc, although one user noted that the quality of advice varies from doctor to doctor. Teladoc replied to each review, apologizing for the negative experiences and asking for further information to address their concerns. [4]

  • Shrinks-office recommends reading the reviews yourself.
Cerebral

Cerebral

Pricing: $30 per month for 4 sessions

Type of therapy: therapy and medication management

Specializations: anxiety, depression, insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and alcohol use disorder (AUD)

Session length: 45 minutes

Pros

  • Offers a variety of memberships for various needs
  • Medication management
  • Allows individuals to discontinue their subscriptions at any time

Cons

  • Doesn't provide care for bipolar disorder, AUD, or ADHD in some states
  • Isn't appropriate for those under the age of 18

Summary of Cerebral

Cerebral is a service that requires a subscription. It offers three plans: online therapy, therapy, and drug and medication management services. These programs begin at $30 a month with insurance, however, without insurance, it'll cost $259 a month.

To access this service, you must complete an emotional evaluation form and an interest plan. The user chooses a therapist and schedules weekly phone or video appointments. They can also text their therapist whenever they want.

Therapists can prescribe medication on this platform. [5]

Insurance: Anthem, Superior Healthplan, Magellan Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and New Directions.

User Satisfaction

Rating: 4.0

Verified on Trustpilot: Yes

Good Reviews:

Cerebral has a high level of general user satisfaction, with many users praising the swift support and user-friendly application. Users are happy with the quality of care provided by Cerebral's clinicians, with many noting the attentiveness, patience, and understanding of their therapists and psychiatrists.

Cerebral's convenient teletherapy services have also received praise, as users can access care from their homes. Many users feel that Cerebral's services have helped them significantly, giving them the care they need to cope with their mental health issues.

Bad Reviews:

Cerebral is a mental health care company that seems to be having issues with its customer service and billing processes. Patients have reported being charged for refills, having delayed prescriptions, and limited appointments with their care team. Additionally, there are complaints about difficulty in canceling subscriptions and receiving erroneous charges.

Many of the patients express dissatisfaction with the company and are considering switching to competitors with better reviews. Cerebral has acknowledged these concerns and has provided contact information for patients to reach out for direct assistance. [6]

  • Shrinks-office recommends reading the reviews yourself.
Amwell

Amwell

Pricing: $108 per session [charged for each individual session]

Type of therapy: psychiatry and therapy

Specializations: addiction, aging support, caregiver support, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, grief, LGBTQ+ support, OCD, PTSD, phobias, and parenting

Session length: 15–60 minutes

Pros

  • Medication management
  • Accepts insurance from the most well-known companies
  • Doesn't preserve or record sessions

Cons

  • Restricts follow-up meetings to 15 minutes
  • Costly to other online therapies

Summary of Amwell

Amwell provides online therapy and psychiatry treatments for various mental health issues and disorders. Psychiatrists are only accessible by appointment.

The business claims that its mental health specialists are accessible through video on a person's phone, tablet, or computer daily. Amwell accepts insurance plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Optum, and Aetna. [7]

Insurance: Click to Amwell to see the 40+ insurances they accept.

User Satisfaction

Rating: 2.0

Verified on Trustpilot: Yes

Good Reviews:

Amwell is an online telehealth platform that offers a quick and easy user experience to patients. Users report positive experiences with Amwell, citing short wait times, friendly and professional doctors, and the convenience of being able to consult a healthcare professional from the comfort of their own homes.

Patients also appreciate the speed of receiving a diagnosis, prescription transmission, and instructions, and the thoroughness of the doctors' assessments. However last 5-star review was dated back on January 20, 2023.

Bad Reviews:

Based on user reviews, Amwell's general user satisfaction seems relatively low for their online therapy. Many users reported experiencing long wait times and difficulty accessing care. Some users felt that the doctors could have been more helpful and easier to understand, and others felt that their conditions needed to be adequately addressed or diagnosed. [8]

  • Shrinks-office recommends reading the reviews yourself.

Talkspace

Pricing: $175 - $500 per session

Type of therapy: individual, couples, teen, and psychiatry

Specializations: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), sleep therapy, depression, anxiety, and addiction

Average cost: $260 for 4 live sessions [billed depending on their subscription, billing frequency, and if they're receiving services through an organization or have insurance]

Session length: 30–50 minutes

Pros

  • Accepts insurance from major insurance providers
  • Therapists pair patients within 48 hours
  • Medication management

Cons

  • Unfit for court-mandated therapy
  • Possibly more expensive compared to other choices
  • Not for children under 13

Summary of Talkspace

Talkspace's psychiatrists are authorized to prescribe drugs as they provide a wide range of services, including both psychiatry and medication management. Those who require medicine for their conditions may find this online therapy platform very helpful.

According to the company, text messaging therapy is its primary focus. This may appeal to people who would rather not speak with a therapist face-to-face.

One can contact licensed therapists by text, audio, or video and get a response five days a week once the service has established a connection. For an additional cost, individuals can also have an online therapist arrange a live video session. [9]

Insurance: Premera, Cigna, Optum, Gatorcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more.

User Satisfaction

Rating: 1.3

Verified on Trustpilot: Yes

Good Reviews:

Talkspace users are generally satisfied with the online therapy they received, as they appreciate the convenience of communicating with their online therapists only via text message and receiving daily feedback. One user is grateful for obtaining the best help, while the other thanks Talkspace for providing therapy that feels less weird, even when sending messages at 2 in the morning.

The reviews suggest that Talkspace is meeting the needs of its users and helping them feel more grounded and determined to achieve their goals. The last 5-star review dates back to December 21, 2022.

Bad Reviews:

The user reviews of Talkspace suggest that it is not a reliable platform for mental health support. Many customers have reported issues with billing, scheduling, and therapist quality. Some reviewers mention problems with Talkspace's software that demands payment before selecting services. Users have also reported poor customer service and difficulty switching providers.

These issues have led to frustration and dissatisfaction with the service. Overall, it appears that Talkspace's user experience has been negative, with users calling the platform a scam and recommending that others avoid it. [10]

  • Shrinks-office recommends reading the reviews yourself.
Doctor On Demand

Doctor On Demand

Pricing: $129 per session [sessions available per month is N/A]

Type of therapy: coaching, online therapy, and psychiatry

Specializations: anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, postpartum, grief, and loss

Session length: 15–50 minutes

Pros

  • Permits customers to contact therapists seven days a week at any hour.
  • Provides complete health care services, from preventative care to urgent help
  • Accepts most popular insurance providers, including Medicare Part B

Cons

  • Can't give prescriptions for controlled substances
  • Costs more than other accessible alternatives

Summary of Doctor On Demand

Doctor On Demand states that individuals can reach medical and other mental health professionals anywhere, including doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This option may be suitable for those who want the flexibility to contact a mental health expert anytime.

Anyone interested in using this service must arrange video consultations, complete an online evaluation, and look through the company's providers. The business provides urgent care, preventative health, and chronic care services in addition to its mental health services. [11]

Insurance: N/A

User Satisfaction

Rating: 1.4

Verified on Trustpilot: Yes

Good Reviews:
Doctor on Demand is an excellent and efficient service that offers medical advice and appointments online. Users have found doctors to be compassionate, asking good questions and providing timely appointments. Prescriptions were sent within hours, and follow-up by email was excellent.

The service is considered a good value for money, and many users have recommended it to others who cannot see their in-person physician. The service is particularly helpful for those who need medical advice urgently but cannot see their regular GP in person.

Last 5-star review dates back to January 12, 2023.

Bad Reviews:

Doctor on Demand (DOD) is a telemedicine service that connects patients with healthcare providers virtually. Recent user reviews, dated between February and March 2023, indicate that DOD has been providing poor user experiences. One user complained about a misleading billing process where the website showed a zero balance, but the user was later billed $124 four months after the visit.

Another user had an unsatisfactory experience trying to connect with a doctor through DOD. Additionally, users have reported being charged high cancellation fees and receiving low-quality medical care from DOD psychiatrists. Overall, the reviews are negative, and users are advised to be cautious when using DOD's services. [12]

  • Shrinks-office recommends reading the reviews yourself.
Brightside

Brightside

Pricing: $95 per month for 4 sessions

Type of therapy: CBT, psychiatry, and crisis care

Specializations: anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, and OCD

Session length: 15–50 minutes

Pros

  • Recommended for those with a higher suicide risk
  • Medication management

Cons

  • It doesn't provide ADHD therapy or medication
  • Provides its Crisis Care Package to those with exclusive insurance

Summary of Brightside

CBT, psychiatry, and crisis support are all provided by Brightside. According to the statement, its Crisis Care Program is the first of its type and appropriate for individuals who have a higher risk of suicide. Brightside states that it has 30 years of research supporting the techniques employed in this program.

To use this service, a person must complete a free assessment, and the organization will direct them to the appropriate treatment plan once their needs are identified. Only people with insurance are eligible for the Crisis Care Program.

Video consultations in personal therapy, messaging, interactive education, and weekly check-ins are all ways that clients can communicate with therapists. [13]

Insurance: Cigna, Aetna, Optum/United Healthcare, Anthem CA, & Allegiance.

User Satisfaction

Rating: 1.5

Verified on Trustpilot: Yes

Good Reviews:

No 5/4 star reviews are available.

Bad Reviews:

Brightside, an online mental health platform, has received negative reviews from several users. Users have reported difficulties in reaching customer service and issues with the service's functionality. One user said they were charged for a service that could not help them, while another complained that the introductory quiz did not include options for their particular mental health conditions.

Several users have also expressed concerns about the company's ethics and its relationship with the pharmaceutical industry. Overall, users have reported negative experiences with Brightside and caution others to carefully consider whether it is the right choice for their mental health needs. [14]

  • Shrinks-office recommends reading the reviews yourself.
LiveHealth Online

LiveHealth Online

Pricing: $75 per session

Type of therapy: talk therapy and psychiatry

Specializations: depression, anxiety, parenting, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, and bipolar disorder

Session length: 45 minutes

Language: Spanish & English

Pros

  • Offers Spanish-speaking staff
  • App in Spanish
  • Provides therapy for kids ten and older

Cons

  • Only provides psychiatry to adults
  • Unable to prescribe medications online
  • There's a two-week delay in seeing a psychiatrist

Summary of LiveHealth Online

LiveHealth Online's online therapy offers conversation therapy and psychiatry. Children 10 and older can receive talk therapy, but only adults receive psychiatry therapy.

With this service, you can contact medical specialists who speak Spanish and use the app in Spanish. Users must ensure their device's language settings are set to Spanish before pressing "Cuidado Médico." [15]

Insurance: N/A

User Satisfaction

Rating: 1.3

Verified on Trustpilot: Yes
Good Reviews:

The last 5-star review was in March 2022, where credit goes to Dr. Desal. "He was professional, friendly, and kind".

Bad Reviews:

LiveHealth Online's user satisfaction is declining based on recent reviews from Trustpilot clients' average star rating of 1.3 stars.

General complaints are about long wait times, rude doctors, and some visits being canceled without warning. Customer service was also reported as needing to be more helpful in resolving these issues. Overall, LiveHealth Online's recent reviews suggest a decrease in user satisfaction. Shrinks-Office recommends reading the reviews yourself. [16]

  • Shrinks-office recommends reading the reviews yourself.
Talkiatry

Talkiatry

Pricing: Pay-per-session and cost depends on your insurance coverage

Type of therapy: Therapy and psychiatry

Specializations: anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, OCD, insomnia, ADHD, substance use disorder, bipolar disorder

Session length: 30-60 minutes

Pros

  • Pediatric care available
  • Able to dispense controlled substances
  • It's easy to change therapists

Cons

  • Not accessible in all states
  • Medications are sent to a pharmacy

Summary of Talkiatry

Talkiatry is the best for virtual psychiatric care because it prioritizes patient care by connecting you to licensed psychiatrists and letting them spend the necessary time with you to accurately assess your needs. Robert Krayn and psychiatrist Georgia Gaveras developed Talkiatry after Krayn became aware of how expensive mental health treatment is after he paid $400 to see a psychiatrist following a home invasion.

Your initial visit with a clinician lasts an hour, which is one of Talkiatry's unique characteristics. Because of this, mental health professionals can manage more complicated disorders like bipolar disorder and ADHD. They're also among the few providing virtual mental health services for children and teenagers. [17]

Insurance: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, Oscar & United Healthcare.

User Satisfaction

Rating: 1.5

Verified on Trustpilot: No

Good Reviews:

No 5/4 star reviews are available.

Bad Reviews:

Talkiatry's general user satisfaction is poor, as evidenced by the numerous negative reviews. One user was overcharged for a 20-minute call, and despite calling and emailing to dispute the bill, they are still waiting to receive a response from the company.

Another user complained that their appointments were canceled without explanation, and another user said they were misled by Talkiatry's advertising and overcharged for their visit. Several users complained of deceptive billing practices. These reviews suggest that users are not fully satisfied with Talkiatry's services and customer support. [18]

Conclusion

These online therapy platforms are a great way to get the help you need, and to make sure you're getting the best possible insurance cover online therapy that is available. Finding the very best online therapy services that accept insurance can make it even easier and more accessible for those who are in need.

Online therapy, mental health services administration, and programs that take insurance are reassuring, as it makes affording high-quality treatment and care, simple and hassle-free. If you feel we left out any companies please let us know in the comments below and we will do our best to add them to the list.

FAQ

What types of therapy do online therapy companies provide?

There are many types of therapy available online, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Gestalt Therapy, Humanistic Psychotherapy, Interpersonal psychotherapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy/Mindfulness Mediation Practice, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy.

u003cstrongu003eWhat are some common challenges with online therapy platforms?u003c/strongu003e

Common challenges with online therapy include a lack of physical contact, potential technical difficulties due to poor internet connection or video quality, and difficulty building rapport or a therapeutic relationship. Additionally, online therapy may not be as effective for certain conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that require more intensive treatment than can be provided through an only online counseling platform.

References

  1. BetterHelp.com
  2. Trustpilot: BetterHelp
  3. TeladocHealth.com
  4. Trustpilot: Teladoc Health
  5. Cerebral.com
  6. Trustpilot: Cerebral
  7. Amwell.com
  8. Trustpilot: Amwell
  9. Talkspace.com
  10. Trustpilot: Talkspace
  11. Doctorondemand.com
  12. Trustpilot: Doctor On Demand
  13. Brightside.com
  14. Trustpilot: Brightside
  15. LiveHealthOnline.com
  16. Trustpilot: LiveHealth Online
  17. Talkiatry.com
  18. Trustpilot: Talkiatry

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