Does Insurance Cover Treatment for OCD?

Does Insurance Cover OCD Assessments?

If you’re concerned about what your insurance will cover for an OCD assessment, you have good reason. Insurance policies vary widely, and what might be covered in one policy may not be in another. 

The short answer is that assessment coverage will depend on your plan and provider network. Most insurance plans cover mental health services that include screening and diagnosis. Check with your insurance company directly to find out what kind of screening coverage they offer for mental health services.

Is OCD Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Generally speaking, insurance companies will cover some or all of the treatment options for OCD, including some types of therapy and medication. Again, how much coverage you have will depend on your insurance provider and the mental health coverage they provide in your plan.

Does insurance cover therapy for OCD?

Yes — in most cases, insurance plans cover therapy sessions related to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. The exact amount and type of coverage you receive depend on your plan. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapies are both popular — and effective — forms of therapy for OCD.

Is OCD medication covered by insurance?

Most plans have OCD insurance coverage that include the cost of common OCD medications prescribed to treat symptoms. However, like therapy, the exact amount and type of psychiatrist prescribed medication covered varies from one insurer to another. Other factors that come into play include dosage, where your prescription is filled, and if you get a brand name drug or the generic version. 

If cost is a concern, ask about coupon or discount cards that the drug manufacturer or pharmacy might provide. 

How to Get Insurance to Cover Your OCD Treatment

Getting OCD insurance coverage doesn’t have to be a long and complicated process. With the right approach, you can make sure you can afford the care you need. Here are 5 steps to help ensure that your insurance covers your OCD treatment:

Step 1: Be patient and willing to advocate

Navigating the healthcare system is often a daunting experience. Remember that it may take some time before you find out if your insurance will cover certain treatments for OCD. 

Don’t give up — keep pushing for answers from your insurer until you clearly understand what they will and won’t cover. Understanding how health insurance works means you can advocate for yourself when necessary.

Step 2: Start the conversation with your insurance

The next step in getting coverage for OCD treatment is talking with your health insurer about what is covered under your plan for your OCD diagnosis.

Ask questions about specific therapeutic treatments, medication management, and associated therapy costs like copays or deductibles. This conversation should clarify what type of coverage is available through your plan and how much it might cost out-of-pocket if needed.

Step 3: Push for evidence-based treatment for OCD

When speaking with an insurance representative, emphasize that you want evidence-based therapies that have proven effective in treating OCD symptoms. Insurers may be more likely to approve them than other forms of therapy that lack scientific support.  

Step 4: Tell your insurance who you want to work with

Let your insurer know who you want to work with during treatment. Look for a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience treating anxiety disorders like OCD. Some insurers require preauthorization before they’ll approve certain providers/services. 

Step 5: Understand and confirm what you agree to (and document it)

Finally, once all details have been discussed — including applicable fees/costs — make sure you document everything clearly so there’s no confusion about expectations and responsibilities related to coverage and payment. 

Affordable Online OCD Treatment with Talkspace

Is OCD treatment covered by insurance? While the answer to this question can vary depending on the provider, policy, and other things, knowing as much as possible upfront will help alleviate some of your stress over how to pay for treatment. 

If you’re looking for affordable online OCD treatment, Talkspace is covered by most insurance plans and is changing how people access mental health help. Now, you don’t have to worry about the financial burden of traditional therapy — learn more about the insurance accepted by Talkspace to get started. We accept most major insurance companies, including Cigna, Anthem, Aetna, and more.   

If you or someone you know is living with OCD and wants help regarding how to treat OCD, don’t wait any longer. Online therapy can offer an effective solution, with personalized treatment plans that make it easier and more convenient — and affordable — than ever to take steps toward a healthier future.