Does Insurance Cover Treatment for PTSD?

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PTSD
Read Time: 5 Minutes
Written by:Tessa Armich

Published On: September 28, 2023

Medically reviewed by: Cynthia V. Catchings, LCSW-S

Reviewed On: September 28, 2023

Updated On: September 28, 2023

Overview

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requires a formal diagnosis by a qualified mental health professional before a treatment plan can be put in place to manage PTSD symptoms. Unfortunately, worrying and wondering if PTSD covered by health insurance can be a barrier to seeking treatment for many people. Many wonder does insurance cover therapy and other treatments? Fortunately, online therapy that takes insurance and other treatment options are available for those with PTSD.

Additionally, the good news is that insurance companies are required to cover the costs of treatment for PTSD under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. This law states that all health plans must provide equal coverage for mental health conditions, meaning they’re required to cover mental health the same way they do physical health. 

Insurance coverage for the treatment of PTSD varies depending on the type of plan and provider, so it’s important to understand your policy before seeking help. Keep reading to learn more about PTSD insurance coverage and what it means for you and your PTSD diagnosis.

Does Insurance Cover PTSD Assessments?

If you’ve ever wondered does insurance cover PTSD assessment appointments, the answer is usually yes — most plans cover at least some of the cost associated with both diagnosing and treating PTSD. 

However, multiple factors can affect how much coverage you’ll receive and what you’ll ultimately pay. For example, your plan type and provider network will both come into play in terms of what a post traumatic stress assessment might cost you.

Is PTSD Treatment Covered by Insurance?

Does insurance cover PTSD treatment? The answer depends on various things, like your insurance provider, the amount of mental health coverage you have, and the type of treatment you’re getting, which might include PTSD medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. 

Does insurance cover therapy for PTSD?

Be sure you understand your specific plan and what type of mental health services are covered under your benefits. Generally, most insurance plans cover therapy for PTSD treatment. Still, restrictions or limits might depend on your provider and plan. However, using HSA for therapy could be another affordable payment option if copay is high. If you don’t have any insurance, therapy without insurance is still possible and affordable at places like Talkspace.

Therapy has been found incredibly effective in treating PTSD. Some forms of psychotherapies that have proven especially productive in treatment include: 

 

Is PTSD medication covered by insurance?

When it comes to medication for treating PTSD, insurance plans cover at least some of the cost. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to make sure that any PTSD medications prescribed are covered under your plan before beginning treatment.

Is in-patient treatment for PTSD covered by insurance?

Certain types of insurance plans will cover in-patient treatment for PTSD. Again, this varies, so you want to research which treatments and facilities are available through your particular plan before you make any decisions about care options.

Insurance coverage for PTSD in military members

PTSD insurance coverage for military members can vary, so it’s important to check with your provider to determine what type of coverage you may have if you’re active or a veteran.

It’s also worth noting that military members may have access to additional resources when seeking help with PTSD-related or other mental health issues. For example, counseling and support groups are often provided through their service branch or Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Additionally, the VA offers a range of benefits specifically designed for military PTSD in veterans. Current and former military members generally have access to medical care, disability compensation, and certain forms of financial assistance if needed.

Affordable Online PTSD Treatment with Talkspace

PTSD is a serious mental health condition that can affect your life. Fortunately, treatments are available to help you learn to manage symptoms and lead a healthier life. You can seek effective forms of treatment for PTSD through online therapy platforms like Talkspace.

Talkspace offers affordable online therapy to treat various mental health conditions, including PTSD. The platform provides access to licensed, experienced therapists who offer personalized care tailored to your needs through video calls, audio messages, and text conversations without ever having to leave home or take time off work.

The best part about Talkspace is that we accept most insurance plans — making it easier than ever for you to get the help you need if you’re struggling with PTSD.  

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Tessa Armich

Tessa Armich is a Content Manager at Talkspace. She is passionate about providing mental health education and helping people learn more about therapy.

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