Updated On: July 1, 2024
Many people living with anxiety are concerned about the cost of mental health services. They worry and wonder, does insurance cover therapy for anxiety? Can I receive help through an online therapy that takes insurance? Fortunately, most health insurance plans cover some or all of the costs associated with treating anxiety.
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPA) was first enacted in 2008, ensuring that health plans cover mental health services and treatments at a level equal to medical and surgical benefits. This act ensures that mental health holds the same importance as physical health. In short, if your health plan covers doctor visits and treatment for physical ailments, the insurance plan must also have mental health coverage for conditions like anxiety.
Under MHPA, an insurance company cannot exclude care deemed “medically necessary and clinically appropriate” to treat mental health or substance use disorder conditions.
If you’ve ever wondered does insurance cover anxiety therapy, keep reading. We’re sharing everything you need to know about therapy cost and options.
Don’t have insurance? There are still ways you can access therapy without insurance to treat your anxiety.
Most insurance plans will cover anxiety assessments or screenings. However, if cost is a concern, it’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider before you schedule an appointment.
An anxiety assessment typically involves questions and tests designed to help doctors and mental health providers diagnose anxiety.
Regarding therapy and medication for anxiety, most major health insurance plan providers should offer some form of coverage for medication and psychotherapy sessions with licensed professionals like psychologists or psychiatrists.
Depending on your health plan, you may receive partial or full reimbursement for these services.
It’s essential to check with your insurer before beginning any treatment so you know exactly what insurance coverage you have through your policy.
Most insurance plans cover some form of mental health treatment, including therapy for anxiety. Your insurance provider can help explain what type of coverage you have, what your co-pay will be, and if you can use online platforms that make therapy more accessible and convenient. Furthermore, options like HSA for therapy could be other solutions to paying for the copay of therapy services.
Therapy with our licensed providers is covered by many insurance plans for only a copay.
In addition to psychotherapy sessions, medication for anxiety is often used as part of a mental healthcare treatment plan. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant used to treat anxiety disorders. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the brain — serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates and enhances mood.
Of course, it’s always smart to check with your insurer before you start any new anxiety medication. You should know how much the cost of your medication will be covered under your health care insurance plan or if any restrictions apply.
Mental health is integral to our overall well-being, but it can be challenging to manage on your own. Fortunately, many affordable, effective online anxiety treatment options are available today.
Talkspace provides mental health support by offering accessible online therapy services to help people struggling with anxiety. People can find effective counseling and relief without leaving their homes or needing to take time off work/school to get to appointments.
The platform connects each user with an experienced mental health professional who specializes in treating various types of anxiety via secure video calls, text messages, audio recordings, and more. Talkspace provides affordable therapy at prices significantly lower than an out-of-pocket traditional face-to-face therapy session. Plus, Talkspace insurance partners include major healthcare plans across the country like Cigna, Anthem, Optum, Aetna, and more, so you can get the care and mental health benefits you need to treat your anxiety at a cost you can afford.
Accessed January 31, 2023.
Psychiatry.org - Mental Health Parity. Published July 26, 2022. Accessed February 3, 2023.
Tessa Armich is a Content Manager at Talkspace. She is passionate about providing mental health education and helping people learn more about therapy.