Virtual therapy that takes insurance

• Best subscription: Talkspace
• Best for individual appointments: MDLive
• Best for prescriptions: Amwell
• Best for working with a full care team: Doctor on Demand
• Best for video appointments: Teladoc

Until recently, you could use your health insurance for face-to-face therapy but not online services. That’s changed dramatically within the past year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have been taking advantage of telehealth services than ever before.

The technology for telehealth has been available for many years, and the pandemic has made it clear that access to online care is a vital service. This change has caused more care platforms to start.

As a result, many insurance companies have begun covering this service. Although this change was brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, all signs indicate it’s here to say. In fact, 97 percent of psychologists surveyed by the American Psychological Association in October 2021, agreed that online therapy should remain an option after the pandemic.

Telehealth allows you to meet with doctors, therapists, and other healthcare professionals online from the comfort of your home.

Online therapy is an especially popular option. It allows people to have sessions with fully licensed therapists using phone apps or their computers instead of going to an office. For people who’ve been considering therapy but are intimidated or overwhelmed by the thought of office visits or in-person care, online therapy might be the best way to get care.

Online therapy is available from large platforms that specialize in online services, like Talkspace or Better Help, and from individual therapy practices.

Not all online platforms take insurance, but most do. Many therapists who offer online sessions also take insurance.

As a rule, if you have insurance, you can likely find an online therapy provider who will take your plan. However, the exact coverage for online therapy available to you depends on:

• your insurance plan
• the therapist you choose
• state regulations where you live

You can find online therapy from several companies. The best companies for you will depend on your needs and your insurance coverage. Some companies offering online therapy include:

Best subscription

Talkspace

• Insurance coverage: works directly with health plans, employers, and most major insurance providers, including Premera, Cigna, Optum, Gatorcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Average cost: $69 to $109 per week
• Features: talk therapy, couples therapy, teen therapy, psychiatry, LGBTQIA+ therapy, veterans therapy

Talkspace allows you to text your therapist throughout the day. You can also have access to live video therapy sessions and therapy and psychiatry services to manage medication.

Talkspace offers therapy for individuals, couples, and teens. Additionally, therapists who have experience providing supportive care to the LBGTQ community and to veterans are available.

No matter what services you’re seeking, you’ll start by taking a brief assessment that will ask you questions about your mental health and current social situation. You’ll then be matched with several potential therapists to choose from.

Talkspace accepts multiple insurance plans and is a workplace benefit from some employers, but it’s also available without insurance.

Check out our full Talkspace review.

Pros

• Service provides access to 24/7 care.
• Couples therapy is available.
• Flexible plans are available.

Cons

• Service only offers 30-minute live sessions.
• No financial aid is available outside of insurance.
• No family sessions are available.

Use code “SPACE” for $100 off your first subscription

Get started with Talkspace

Best for individual appointments

MDLIVE

• Insurance coverage: accepts insurance from many major providers, including Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana
• Average cost: $108 to $284 for an initial appointment; $108 per follow-up appointment
• Features: talk therapy, psychiatry

You can use MDLIVE to talk with a therapist online or over the phone. The platform will help you choose the right therapist or psychiatrist for you.

MDLIVE can be used to set up regular therapy sessions to help manage stress, depression, anxiety, major life changes, PTSD, grief, addiction, and more.

You can also receive prescriptions and monitoring support if medication is appropriate to support your mental health.

MDLIVE also offers virtual acute medical urgent care and dermatology consultations. They take insurance from most major insurance providers. Without insurance, costs per therapy session can go up to $108, while psychiatry can go up to $284.

Check out our full MDLIVE review.

Pros

• You can choose your own therapist.
• Children’s therapy is available.
• Appointments are available 24/7.

Cons

• Therapists cannot prescribe certain medications.
• There’s limited availability for weekend/evening appointments.
• Per-appointment scheduling comes at a higher price point.

Get started with MDLIVE

Best for prescriptions

Amwell

• Insurance coverage: accepts insurance from many major providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna
• Average cost: $109 to $129 per appointment
• Features: talk therapy, psychiatry

You can see a therapist or psychiatrist online with Amwell. The company offers video visits, and mental health professionals who have been trained in telehealth therapy.

Initial sessions with a therapist are 45 minutes long, and you can schedule sessions during evenings, weekends, or holidays. You and your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan and set the number of sessions that will be most helpful for you.

Your Amwell therapist can work with a psychiatrist or your primary care physician if you would benefit from a supportive antidepressant, antianxiety, or other medication.

It’s covered by many insurance plans, but it’s also available without insurance.

Check out our full Amwell review.

Pros

• You can choose your own therapist.
• Therapists can prescribe medication.
• Appointments are available 24/7.

Cons

• Insurance does not cover all types of visits.
• No subscription option is available.
• Therapists cannot order lab tests.

Get started with Amwell

Best for working with a full care team

Doctor on Demand

• Insurance coverage: Works with many major insurance plans and employers and you can check your eligibility in the app
• Average cost: $129 to $299 per appointment
• Features: talk therapy, psychiatry

You’ll start with an assessment to see if online therapy is appropriate for you. Depending on your results, Doctors on Demand will then match you with a therapist or psychiatrist who can help you.

You can have an online video appointment any day of the week with this platform.

The therapists and psychiatrists are able to treat a wide variety of concerns, but the service specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, postpartum depression, substance misuse, and relationship concerns.

Costs can range from $75 to $299 before insurance depending on the length of the session and the type of medical professional you meet with.

Check out our full Doctor on Demand review.

Pros

• You can choose your own therapist or psychiatrist.
• Therapists are trained in a wide range of specialties.
• You can work with a full care team — primary care doctor, therapist, and psychiatrist — to create a treatment plan.

Cons

• Therapist availability may be limited in certain locations.
• Prescriptions for stimulants or benzodiazepines not available.
• You may need to wait a few days for an appointment.

Get started with Doctor on Demand

Best for video appointments

Teladoc

• Insurance coverage: Accepts many major service providers. You can also create an account to see if your insurance is accepted
• Average cost: up to $99 for therapy; up to $299 for first psychiatry visit; up to $119 for every visit after
• Features: talk therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry

Video or phone appointments are available with the therapist you choose using Teladoc.

The service will ask you questions to help match you with a therapist. You can also see a psychiatrist. You’ll be able to see a listing of therapists and their specialties.

A Teladoc psychiatrist can prescribe medication if needed to further support your mental health.

They do take insurance, and visits start at $99 without insurance depending on the type of mental health professional you meet with.

Check out our full Teladoc review.

Pros

• You can choose your therapist.
• Appointments are available 24/7.
• Same-day appointments are available.

Cons

• No text messaging option is available.
• Therapists cannot provide services for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
• Reportedly, their software can be glitchy.

Get started with Teladoc

Online therapy is also available from several smaller providers. You can search for providers online or ask your insurance company to help you find online providers. Try searching by region or specialty on Good Therapy or Online Therapy.

If suicidal thoughts are surfacing:

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out. There’s help available right now:

• Call a trusted friend or family member.
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
• Use the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada.
• Go to the nearest emergency room and speak with a mental health professional.

Advantages of online therapy

• You can attend an appointment from the comfort of your home or office.
• You don’t need to drive to an appointment or arrange transportation.
• You can often see a therapist in the evenings and on weekends.
• You can often get an appointment very quickly.

Disadvantages of online therapy

• You need a strong internet connection to access the service.
• Videos can break up or lag, causing a stressful therapy experience.
• Online therapy can feel less personal, and therapists may miss some nonverbal cues.
• It can be harder to talk in private if you don’t live alone.

You can start by looking at the website of the mental health professional you’d like to use. Most online platforms will have a link you can click to see which insurance companies they work with.

There might even be a form you can use that will check your coverage for you. You’ll just need to provide your plan name, your name, and your policy number to see whether you’re covered.

It’s always a good idea to call the office of any therapist you’re considering and verify whether they accept your specific insurance plan for online therapy.

Another option is to start by calling your insurance company. The company can let you know whether you have coverage for online therapy and what copayments or coinsurance costs you’ll have. They can also point you in the direction of therapists who are in-network and the specific therapy platforms they work with.

Here’s a top-level glance at what some of the major insurance providers offer, but you’ll still want to call and confirm what’s covered in your exact plan:

• United Healthcare: United Healthcare covers Talkspace and any other online therapy as long as the provider is in-network.
• Aetna: Aetna members can receive online therapy through MDLIVE, Teladoc, and any other in-network therapist.
• Humana: Humana plans cover online therapy from in-network providers.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield: Blue Cross Blue Shield plans cover online therapy through Amwell and other providers depending on your specific plan. In-network providers are also covered.
• Anthem: Anthem members have access to therapy from Anthem’s own telehealth service, LiveHealth Online, as well as care from in-network providers.
• Cigna: Cigna covers Talkspace and any other in-network online therapy.
• Kaiser: Kaiser covers online therapy from in-network providers.

Just like private insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid have also increased their coverage for online therapy during the pandemic.

Medicare is now covering online therapy for all Medicare members. Medicare Advantage Plans also cover online therapy.

When it comes to Medicaid, your coverage depends on your state. However, there have been large expansions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost all states are currently allowing Medicaid enrollees to access online therapy.

You can call the number on your Medicaid card for more information or contact your state’s Medicaid office.

Online platforms and mental health professionals will generally state whether they accept Medicare or Medicaid. You can contact the online platform or private practice if you’re not sure.

If you’re looking at using a private therapist or practice, someone at the office should be able to help you. If you’re looking at a larger therapy platform, a customer service representative can answer your questions.

It’s important to find a therapist you feel comfortable with. That might seem extra challenging when you’re looking at online services. Here are a few tips to help you find a great online provider and mental health professional:

Consider the initial cost

Some services will have a free trial or a free first appointment. This can help ensure you’re choosing the right therapist and program before you commit to sessions.

Understand how payment works

Service providers might want your copayment or coinsurance before your sessions or in monthly payments. Other providers might bill you later. Make sure you know how you’ll be billed to avoid surprises.

Review the therapist selection process

Different platforms will have different ways of helping you select a therapist. For example, you might be able to chat with a therapist and interview them before your first appointment.

Look for therapists who understand your experiences

In some cases, it can help to talk with a therapist of a certain, race, gender, age, or similar background to you. Many platforms will display this information upfront and can filter out therapists who don’t match your preferences.

Verify the therapist’s credentials

Always make sure you’re talking with degreed and licensed therapists.

Check the therapist’s location

It can help you know that you can see your therapist in person if you need to. Check for local online therapists if this is important to you.

Ask what types of providers are available

Not all therapy professionals are able to provide the same services. For example, if you need medication in addition to therapy, you’ll need a psychiatrist. Make sure the platform and therapy professional can give you the support you need.

Your online therapy sessions will work just like a face-to-face therapy session would. You’ll be connected to your mental health professional in a video chat. You can normally do this online or by using an app on your phone.

You’ll be able to talk with your therapist as soon as the session begins. They’ll ask you questions and help you manage your mental health, just like they would in person.

Some service providers also let you talk with your therapist over the phone without a video call. This can be even more convenient in many cases.

If you’re using Talkspace or BetterHelp, you can also send messages to your mental health professional throughout the day. You’ll get an answer once or twice a day, Monday through Friday. This can be a great way to manage your mental health on the go.

When you have an online therapy visit, it’s important to be in a private location. Your therapist will be in an office, so your privacy will be protected just like it would during an in-person appointment. However, your location can have a big impact on privacy.

If you’re at home during your session and live alone, you don’t need to take any other steps. If you live with other people, it’s a good idea to go into a bedroom or other space where you can close a door.

If you have your therapy session at work or another public location, you should go somewhere private. Find a room with a door and use headphones during your session.

You have a couple more options if you can’t find privacy in your home or office. If you own a car, you can sit in it during your appointment, as long as you’re not driving.

Another option is to have your session while you’re outdoors or taking a walk. If you can find an area that’s not too crowded, this can be a great way to get fresh air and therapy at the same time.

After your session, you can schedule the next visit. Some platforms will allow you to request additional visits whenever you need them.

Remember that if a session didn’t go well or you’re not comfortable with your therapist, you can switch at any time. Most platforms allow you to switch therapists by simply scheduling an appointment with someone different.

There are a few options for free or low cost online therapy. Many services offer free trials, pay-as-go services, discounts, peer counseling, and more ways to try online therapy without insurance.

For example, eTherapyPro does not accept insurance, but they do offer a three-day free trial. You can use the trial to decide if online therapy is right for you. If you decide you want to keep using the service, eTherapyPro costs $40 a week. You can sign up for a membership that will last until you cancel your weekly payments.

By comparison, BetterHelp costs between $60 and $90 a week without insurance depending on your location and the services and therapist you select.

For free therapy options in your area, you can call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hotline at 800-950-NAMI (6264) to be connected with a mental health professional. You can also email them at [email protected].

If you’re a veteran, you can contact the Veteran’s Crisis Line by text, chat, or phone.

Can you talk with a therapist for free online?

Online therapists typically charge a fee for their services, but there are some free resources you may be able to use. These include:

• 7 Cups, where you can chat with volunteer listeners for free
• Therapy Aid Coalition, which offers four free therapy appointments
• Bliss by the Centre for Interactive Mental Health Solutions, which offers free self-guided lessons
• Crisis Text Line, which can be used in situations where you need immediate support

You may also be able to have your online therapy services from some platforms covered 100% by your insurance company, meaning your out-of-pocket cost would be $0.

Before choosing an online therapy service, you should check to see if the company accepts your insurance plan and if there will be a copay.

How much does therapy cost?

On average, in-person therapy can cost anywhere from $75 to $150 per session. It can be more expensive depending on the services received and the company providing the service. Insurance may cover some or all these costs, depending on your plan.

How much does online therapy cost?

It depends on which service provider you choose. Some online therapy providers offer a subscription plan that costs anywhere from $69 to $129 per week before insurance.

Others have a per-appointment cost and can range from $75 to $299 depending on the service. However, you may be able to get these costs completely or partially covered by insurance, dropping the cost considerably.

You can use your insurance to access therapy online. With the rise in telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are more options for online therapy than ever before.

Start by contacting your insurance company to see whether you have coverage for online therapy. They can confirm your coverage and point you in the right direction to get the support you need.

What happened

Oxford scientists confirmed the effectiveness of VR therapy in the treatment of agoraphobia.

Details

After six weeks of therapy, patients with agoraphobia were able to partially overcome the stress of socializing with strangers and traveling on public transport.

Trend

VR headsets are used in the treatment of various disorders and phobias, including PTSD and fear of flying. nine0006

Context

Virtual reality technologies can be useful in the treatment of dementia and cancer.

What happened

Oxford scientists conducted a study that tested the effectiveness of VR therapy in the treatment of agoraphobia. It confirmed that such sessions can help people cope with their fears.

• According to the authors of the study, VR therapy allowed participants to gain confidence and ease their fears. It became easier for them to complete tasks in real life that they had previously avoided. nine0033
• The experiment also showed that the more severe the person's condition, the greater the benefit of therapy.

Details

The researchers divided the study participants into two groups. 174 patients used Game Change virtual reality technologies along with conventional treatment, another 172 received only standard treatment.

• Members of the first group underwent six weeks of 30-minute sessions in virtual reality glasses under the supervision of a specialist. They had to perform various tasks related to their fears. For example, asking for a cup of coffee, making eye contact, or approaching other characters. nine0033
• Six weeks after the start of the trial, those who received VR therapy experienced a greater reduction in stress levels from life situations associated with visiting public places than those who received only standard treatment. The subjects from the first group also became less likely to avoid performing such tasks in real life. For example, one of those who underwent VR therapy was able to overcome his fear of traveling on public transport and visit his father's grave.
• At the same time, the researchers emphasize that the use of VR therapy is ineffective in isolation from standard therapy. nine0033

Trend

VR helmets are used in the treatment of other disorders and phobias, such as PTSD.

• Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that simulating various sensory triggers associated with trauma memories in virtual space reduced the onset of PTSD symptoms over the next six months after VR therapy by 15-67%.
• US military hospitals are successfully using the Bravemind application to treat PTSD, and the 3MDR system, which combines the mechanics of exercise therapy with cognitive therapy, is helping patients who have undergone concussion or amputation. nine0033

• The Snow World app, developed by psychiatrist Hunter Hoffman, helps you manage phantom pain. They appear in some patients with severe burns and are comparable in intensity to real pain. Snow World keeps track of such moments and begins to show patients a scene with snow that creates the illusion of coolness.

• The American company Virtual Reality Medical Center offers various VR solutions to combat phobias. For example, patients with aerophobia, under the supervision of a psychiatrist, undergo a controlled experience of flying on an airplane. In a similar way, patients with arachnophobia, claustrophobia and other irrational fears are treated. nine0033

VR technologies for the treatment of psychological disorders are also being developed in Russia. For example, the Yakut company Revro proposed a way to work out one of the factors in the development of depression - self-criticism.

• The user in the virtual world finds himself in a room with a crying teenager who looks like him. The patient's task is to reassure the teenager with encouraging words and compliments. As soon as the goal is achieved, the user will be in the place of a teenager and will hear positive words addressed to him from himself. nine0033

People with self-criticism have a serious barrier to praising themselves. By doing exercises in virtual reality, we suggest passing this threshold faster.

Egor Vasiliev, founder of Revro

Context

Virtual reality technologies are also used in other areas of medicine.

• Startup Wayback has developed a program to help people suffering from memory loss and dementia. They are shown a peculiar series of films, consisting of memorable moments from the past, to stimulate the brain and awaken long-term memories. nine0033
• Sydney-based Start VR Studio has developed a virtual reality app that helps patients de-stress while undergoing chemotherapy. Wearing VR glasses, they go on a virtual journey to relax.
• Scientists from the Neuroscape Center for Brain Research at the University of California have developed a special virtual reality video game called Labryinth-VR. Players move around the "neighborhood", performing various tasks, the complexity of which gradually increases. This contributes to the preservation of cognitive functions. nine0033
• VR headsets are also being used to detect dementia at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. The test is based on spatial navigation, which is often impaired in these patients.

virtual reality therapy - InterPolyMech

08/10/2020

Virtual reality therapy (VRT) - an innovative method for diagnosing and treating mental disorders

Also, this type of treatment is known as immersion immersion of the patient) virtual reality therapy - virtual reality immersion therapy, VRIT. It is based on a well-known practice in the treatment of mental disorders called systematic desensitization or exposure. nine0006

Meaning of exposure: the patient in a safe form, in a carefully controlled and therapeutic way, is exposed to factors that frighten him; gradually the fear becomes dull (desensitization occurs). Clinical studies have shown that exposure using a virtual environment (VR) is more effective than without it.

The idea of ​​VRT is not new, but until recently the technology was not widely used due to the high cost and complexity of the equipment. Now the emergence of more advanced, inexpensive and mobile technical means opens up the possibility of the widespread provision of psychological assistance using virtual reality. nine0006

VRT is used to improve the condition of:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
• phobias (sociophobia, acrophobia (fear of heights), fear of flying, fear of public speaking, fear of driving),
• anxiety disorders,
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
• panic attacks,
• psychosomatic pain syndromes.

VRT can also be used as part of a rehabilitation program for patients with autism and schizophrenia by improving their social activities. nine0006

What projects based on the use of virtual reality therapy have already been launched in the world? We present a short overview.

Bravemind

Joint project of the University of California and the Pentagon; the task is to treat PTSD in military personnel; widely used in the US Army.

Virtually better

www.virtuallybetter.com

VR therapy system for mental disorders. It consists of a customizable virtual reality environment, a vibrotactile platform and an olfactory machine that create the full range of stimuli associated with the simulated situation. Software for dealing with phobias, including fear of flying, heights, public speaking and storms. In the development - projects on the treatment of childhood anxiety and social phobia. nine0006

Limbix

vr.limbix.com

VR therapy system for clinical use. Treatment of various mental conditions and disorders.

Beyond sports

www.beyondsports.nl

Eye Movement Desensitization and Processing VR Therapy for PTSD (EMDR).

Virtual Reality Medical Center

vrphobia.com

A VR-based aerophobia treatment system that includes a device and software that simulates flight.

Psious

psious.com

Universal VR platform for psychiatrists and psychotherapists, used for VR therapy for a wide range of mental disorders.

DEEP

owenllharris.com/deep/

A meditative VR game where the user explores the underwater world through biofeedback using their breath. nine0006