Approximately 67 million people, or 20% of the population of the United States, have a mental illness. Despite the prevalence of mental illness, millions struggle to find the money to gain access to effective forms of treatment, and it’s fair to wonder if your health insurance covers therapy.
Knowing your insurance coverage is a step toward finding a therapist you enjoy working with — someone who can help you begin your journey toward improving your mental health. It’s never too late to find the help you need to work through trauma, partnering with an expert who can guide you down the path to a happier life.
Once you find a therapy clinic covered by your insurance, you’ll be on the road to recovery. Let’s look at how to find therapy covered by your insurance policy.
Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy?
So, do therapists take insurance? The short answer is yes. However, your coverage may vary depending on your policy; therapists covered by insurance can usually be accessed through your insurance company. The provider may have an online portal with information about policy coverage for mental health treatment. Your insurance card will also provide a phone number to call to check if your insurance covers therapy.
Insurance provided through a U.S. health insurance exchange is required to get access to mental health benefits. Checking your plan is an excellent step toward seeking help from a mental health practitioner. Once you’ve found an in-network therapist, you can go online or call the office to schedule a consultation appointment.
Family and friends can also be a valuable resource when seeking a therapist covered by insurance. Someone in your social circle may point you in the direction of an ideal therapist for you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process, contact the Mental Health Hotline at (866) 903-3787 anytime for guidance and positivity.
Using an Insurance Provider Portal
Once you’ve determined if your insurance covers therapy, check to see if you have an insurance provider portal. This online database compiles in-network therapists and their contact information for you to browse. Filters may be available for you to search by location, specialty and other qualifications.
Most practices will have a phone number or email available for you to reach out. You’ll likely get in touch with a receptionist or representative who’ll help you schedule an initial consultation with the therapist.
Making a Mental Health Claim
After completing your first therapy session, you’ll want to submit a claim to your insurance provider. You may speak with your therapist and request an invoice (or “superbill”) for the mental health therapy session, which you can submit as part of your claim.
Find the claim form on your insurance provider’s website and fill out the necessary information. The form will ask the purpose of your therapy session and the money owed. Some claims will let you know what materials you need for the insurance provider to process your claim.
Making copies for your records isn’t necessary, but it is recommended, as you’ll have a backup if anything goes wrong with your paperwork during the claim process. The copies will help you re-file your claim with minimal stress.
Review your forms and ensure you’ve completed each field before submitting it to your insurance provider. The claims process takes up to 30 days, though emailing the claim information can help you save time.
Benefits of Therapy
There’s a lot to look forward to once you’re scheduled with a therapist who takes your insurance. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect:
- Improved communication. Understanding and communicating your feelings can provide relief and boost self-esteem.
- Emotional maturity. Emotional maturity and stability will help you maintain a positive mindset and build a happier, healthier life.
- Stress management. Your time spent with your therapist is an excellent way to learn to manage stress healthily.
- Stronger relationships. Therapy teaches you to set healthy boundaries and manage healthy relationships with friends and family.
- Changed thought patterns. Working with a therapist helps you rewrite negative thought patterns to find a positive state of mind.
- Better physical health. Learning to manage stress benefits blood pressure, sleep quality and your immune system.
Take the First Step on Your Mental Health Journey
If you’ve come here to determine if your health insurance will cover therapy, you’re in the right place. Mental Health Hotline partners with empathetic and reputable health care providers nationwide. Reach out anytime — we’re here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.