Does Health Insurance Cover Therapy?

Each year, millions of Americans seek the help of a professional help therapist for mental health issues. That’s great news, considering the fact that millions of people suffer from various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The view of these conditions has largely shifted in today’s society, which means that seeking treatment is no longer as stigmatized as it once was. If left untreated, mental health issues can be extremely problematic and have grave effects on an individual’s overall health and well-being; but with the help of a professional therapist, patients can learn how to manage these conditions and improve their quality of life.

While the number of people who are seeking mental health counseling services is certainly rising, a lot of people still shy away from getting the help that they need. Why? – Because they are afraid that they won’t be able to afford it. For a long time, mental health services were not covered by insurance plans, and while many providers now do offer coverage, that coverage can be limited, which means that patients are left to pick up the tab. Sadly, many people who do require therapy end up having to make a tough decision: pay for rent and groceries or pay for treatment?

If you are suffering from a mental health issue and you have insurance, you are probably wondering whether or not your plan will cover the cost of therapy. Below, we’ll take a look at what you need to know about therapy and health insurance coverage.

Is Therapy Covered by Health Insurance?

It depends on the type of health insurance plan you carry; however, whether you have a policy through the Affordable Care Act, your employer, or you have purchased your own policy, chances are that therapy will be covered; at least part of it.

Under the Affordable Care Act, for example, mental health care is covered. That’s because it is considered one of the 10 essential benefits under ObamaCare; therefore, all health insurance plans offered on the Marketplace are required to offer coverage for therapeutic mental health care. If you have an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, it’s likely that you have coverage, too. So, the good news is that if you have health insurance, it’s likely that therapy will be covered; but the question is this: how much is covered? The answer to that question is: it depends.

Just like any other health condition and treatment, how much of your mental health counseling will be covered by your health insurance really depends on the specifics of your policy. For example, a specific percentage of treatment may be covered by your health care provider; for example, your insurer may cover 40% of the services, while you may be responsible for 60%. Additionally, mental health coverage may include certain services that are related to mental health care; for instance, individual and group therapy, hospital stays, emergency room visits, and medications may be covered. However, the therapists you see, the medical facilities you visit, and the prescriptions you receive may be limited.

Copays and Deductibles

It’s also important to note that even if your health insurance policy does offer coverage for therapy and other types of mental health care, it’s likely that you will still have to pay copays and deductibles. The amount you will have to pay for these fees out-of-pocket costs, again, depends on the specifics of your health insurance plan. Furthermore, there’s a chance that your health insurance provider may deny coverage for these services.

Getting the Care You Need

Your mental health is as important, if not more important, than your physical health; after all, perfect blood pressure, a health body-mass index, and perfect blood sugar levels won’t do any good if you are suffering from anxiety disorder and are plagued with panic attacks on a regular basis. Therefore, it is so important to make sure that you take proper care of your mental well-being.

Sadly, the cost of mental health care can be exorbitant; but with the right type of insurance coverage, the cost can be easier to manage. To find out about the different insurance options that are available and to find a plan that will offer the best coverage for mental health services, speak to a reputable insurance agent. The views on mental wellness have largely changed in recent years, and it is almost certain that they will continue to change and become more accepted in the future. With that said, healthcare – and insurance – for mental health services, including therapy, will become more accessible. With the help of an experienced health insurance agent, you should be able to find a policy that provides the most comprehensive coverage for all of your medical needs, including your mental health and well being.