Online therapy has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic. Even after the effects of the pandemic have subsided, many mental health professionals and their patients continue to embrace online therapy and teleconsulting because of added flexibility, convenience and accessibility.
The growing acceptance of online therapy as a viable and effective form of mental health care has led to it being recognized not just as an alternative to traditional, in-person therapy, but also as a preferred option for many.
That said, if you are seeking online therapy for the first time, we expect that you will have questions. Keep reading below to see FAQs – including whether your health insurance plan may cover some or all of the cost.
Contents
- Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
- Is Online Therapy Really Effective?
- Why Choose Fortified Souls?
- More Patient FAQs
Please note: although we are a telehealth practice, Fortified Souls clients must be physically located in the state of Pennsylvania at the time services are rendered due to our licensing laws.
Does My Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
The good news is that with online therapy gaining in popularity, many insurance providers have added it to their coverage. As of 2024, most major health insurers in the United States do cover telehealth services – including online therapy to some extent. However, the coverage provided by each insurer can still vary significantly.
At the end of the day, the best way to find out whether your insurance covers online therapy and the extent of any coverage will be to contact your insurer and inquire with them directly.
Checking Your Plan for Online Therapy Coverage
When checking with your insurance provider regarding your telehealth coverage, there are a few key things that you’ll want to confirm. These include:
- Type of Coverage: Some insurers may limit coverage to audio-only telehealth services whereas others may provide full coverage for all forms of telehealth services. Additionally, some insurers also make a distinction between different types of online therapy (such as individual counseling, group therapy and psychiatric services) and may have limitations on the types of therapy that are covered.
- Type of Plan: Most insurers have different tiers of coverage depending on the plan that you are on and this may influence the amount of reimbursement you are entitled to.
- Additional Payments: Depending on your plan, you may also still be responsible for certain costs associated with your online therapy such as co-pays and deductibles.
- Approved Telehealth Providers: Some insurance companies also have a list of pre-approved telehealth providers within their network that you can get treatment from. If you want to seek treatment from a provider that is not in-network, you may need to seek approval from your insurer beforehand to ensure that you will be reimbursed.
Major Insurers and their Policies
Some of the major insurance companies in the United States and their policies regarding online therapy coverage are as follows:
- Aetna: Most Aetna plans cover online therapy with a relatively affordable co-pay of under $15 on average.
- Anthem BlueCross BlueShield: Anthem provides the same coverage for online therapy as in-person therapy, with coverage varying from one state to another.
- Cigna: Cigna plans generally cover online therapy with an average co-pay of just $20.
- Humana: Online therapy is covered under most Humana plans with an average co-pay of under $30.
- Optum: Optum insurance covers online therapy in general, with average co-pays of under $30.
- Tricare: Tricare covers online therapy under all of its health insurance plans, with most members facing little to no out-of-pocket expenses when engaging telehealth services.
- United Healthcare: United Healthcare offers the same coverage for online therapy as in-person therapy.
Does Medicare and/or Medicaid Cover Online Therapy?
Online therapy is generally covered by Medicaid as well as Medicare, with the latter subject to a copay and a deductible. However, not all online therapy platforms will accept Medicaid and/or Medicare, and it is recommended for you to check with the telehealth provider of your choice before starting treatment.
Is Online Therapy Really Effective?
Research has proven that in most cases, online therapy is just as effective as traditional in-person therapy in helping individuals with various mental health issues1.
Moreover, online therapy offers many practical advantages in comparison to traditional in-person therapy, such as:
Accessibility and Convenience
Online therapy enables individuals to seek help from anywhere in the world as long as they have an internet connection. This provides greater convenience for busy individuals as well as those who may be unable to travel to in-person therapy, such as those with mobility issues.
In addition, online therapy can also eliminate travel time and associated costs, further removing a barrier that might be preventing individuals from seeking the mental health assistance they need.
Access to Specialists
With online therapy services, you are also able gain access to a broader selection of therapists, including specialists in certain types of mental health treatment who might not otherwise be easily accessible. This can help you to increase your chances of finding a therapist who is able to meet your specific needs and who matches your personal preferences, regardless of your physical location.
Cost-Effectiveness
Apart from the cost savings associated with the reduced travel times and expenses, it is also worth noting that most online therapy sessions are generally more affordable compared to in-person therapy sessions. This is in part due to the ability of online therapists to reduce their operating expenses such as rent, enabling them to pass on the cost savings to their clients.
Increased Privacy and Comfort
When you are able to receive therapy from the convenience of your own home, you may also feel more comfortable as you will not need to get used to an unfamiliar environment. This might potentially even increase the effectiveness of the therapy. For individuals who are reluctant to seek in-person therapy due to the perceived stigma surrounding it, online therapy offers them a way to seek help, with some online therapists even offering anonymous therapy sessions.
Begin Your Therapy Journey with Fortified Souls Today
Taking the first step toward improving your mental health has never been easier than it is in this day and age. With Fortified Souls, you can connect with our Licensed Professional Counselors and therapists at the touch of a button.
Whether you are facing issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, mood disorders or even relationship issues, our experienced therapists are here to guide you through each step of your therapy journey.
Our therapists have decades of experience combined in helping people like yourself work through their issues and improve their mental health. Compassion and empathy towards those we serve is one of our core values and our flexible scheduling combined with our personalized approach will ensure that you receive the support you need, whenever you need it.
Begin your online therapy journey with Fortified Souls today and take control of your mental health in a way that fits seamlessly into your life.
More FAQs
In addition to our general practice FAQs, here are answers to some frequently asked questions you might have about Fortified Souls and online therapy in general:
What is Fortified Souls?
Fortified Souls is a telehealth provider based in Pittsburgh, PA, specializing in online therapy and counseling services conducted via HIPAA-compliant phone and video platforms. Our mission is to empower adolescents and adults by providing exceptional mental health counseling services, guiding you through life’s transitions with authenticity, compassion, and evidence-based expertise.
Do You Accept Insurance?
Fortified Souls currently accepts insurance from most major insurers such as:
- Aetna
- Blue Cross
- Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Evernorth
- Elevance
- Geisinger
- Highmark
- Optum
- UnitedHealthcare
- UPMC
However, the extent of your coverage may vary depending on the specific plan that you are on, and it is always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to find out the details of your coverage.
What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Online Therapy?
If your insurance doesn’t cover online therapy, there are also other options available such as requesting for sliding-scale fees or seeking help from a non-profit or community organization.
Sliding-scale fees refers to variable fees that are tailored to each individual’s financial abilities.
How Much Does Online Therapy Cost with Fortified Souls?
Before insurance, individual sessions with Fortified Souls cost $110, while couples sessions cost $140. Each session lasts for 60 minutes.
If your insurance provider covers telehealth, we’d suggest to confirm the details of your plan before starting therapy sessions with us so that you know when your insurance deductible will be met – as well as how much co-pay will be.
Can an Online Therapist Prescribe Medication?
Unfortunately, our Licensed Professional Counselors and therapists do not have the ability to prescribe medication; this can only be done by the appropriately licensed medical provider such as primary care physicians, psychiatrists and psychologists.
Nonetheless, here at Fortified Souls we are more than willing to work with your other treatment providers to find a treatment solution that works best for your needs.
Sources
[1] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15228830802094429
