How to Find Telehealth Therapy with Insurance: Tips to Know

In 2021, 37% of American adults used telehealth services. As the popularity of telemedicine continues to rise, insurance coverage for telehealth services has gradually expanded as well, and this includes coverage for online therapy.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to find online therapy providers that are covered by your insurance company — and fit your unique therapeutic needs and preferences.

Do all online therapy providers take insurance?

In short, no: Not all mental health professionals accept insurance. But some do, and finding a licensed therapist that your insurance covers is easier than you might think.

One of the best ways to access therapy covered by your health insurance plan is to use an online therapy platform like SonderMind that takes insurance. At SonderMind, we accept insurance from all major providers.

SonderMind therapists also offer a number of services to treat a wide range of mental health conditions and work toward therapeutic goals, including: 

• Individual therapy
• Couples therapy
• Psychotherapy
• Psychiatry services and medication management

How to find therapists who accept your insurance

If you’re interested in online therapy sessions, here are five tips to help you find a provider who accepts your insurance.

Reach out to your insurance provider

One of the first steps you should take when searching for an online therapist that takes your insurance is to call your insurance provider. Your insurance company can tell you more about what your health plan does and doesn’t cover, including any therapy costs you’ll have to pay yourself — such as deductibles and copays.

Your insurance company can also provide you with a list of in-network therapists. These therapists will often offer discounted pricing, which means that working with in-network providers is a great way to save even more on teletherapy.

Search online directories

Online directories can be a helpful resource for finding therapists who accept your insurance. These directories provide detailed information on mental health care providers across numerous roles and specialties.

Searching through these directories is a good way to learn more about the providers available, but it can be time-consuming and overwhelming. Thankfully, SonderMind uses a personalized matching process that connects you with your ideal therapist based on your unique preferences.

Check with your preferred online therapist

If you’ve already found a therapist you’d like to work with, it doesn’t hurt to contact them to see if they accept your insurance.

But once again, this is a process that an online therapy platform can do for you, automatically connecting you with a therapist who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to make phone calls to each one.

Consider an online therapy services platform

Using an online therapy platform like SonderMind makes finding a therapist who takes your insurance simple. 

With SonderMind, all you have to do is enter your insurance information and complete a brief questionnaire. From there, SonderMind will match you with a board-certified therapist who accepts your insurance and aligns with your therapeutic needs and goals. 

SonderMind makes it quick and simple to connect with online or in-person therapists. Get started in minutes today.

Use your employee assistance program (EAP)

Many companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide reimbursement for online therapy services. To see if your company’s EAP provides online therapy coverage, you can contact your human resources department.

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA), it’s worth checking these as well, as these accounts can often be used to cover online therapy expenses.

Do online therapy providers take Medicare or Medicaid?

Yes; as with private insurance plans, some online therapy providers accept Medicare and Medicaid while others don’t. All of the same steps that apply when searching for a provider that accepts your private insurance also apply when searching for a provider that takes Medicare or Medicaid — including using an online therapy platform.

SonderMind accepts Medicare and Medicare Advantage, but currently doesn’t accept Medicaid or Tricare. 

What if your insurance doesn’t cover telehealth therapy?

If your insurance doesn’t cover online therapy, or if you choose not to use insurance for any reason, there are still ways to make it affordable and accessible. 

Many therapists will offer sliding scale fees and payment plans to people paying out of pocket. At SonderMind, we offer self-pay rates for those who can’t or choose not to use insurance. If your insurance doesn’t cover online therapy, SonderMind can help you get the treatment you need at a price you can afford.

Explore your telehealth therapy options with SonderMind

At SonderMind, we make therapy more accessible. If you need assistance finding an online therapist who takes your insurance, SonderMind can help.

At SonderMind, we can connect you with your ideal online therapist in as little as 24 hours. Get matched today to take the first step toward greater wellness!