Telemedicine for Mental Health: What Your Insurance Covers 

Telemedicine makes it possible to connect with therapists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals without going to an office. But having access to virtual care doesn’t mean every online mental health service is covered by your insurance. 

Coverage can depend on your health plan, provider network, state rules, and the type of virtual care you receive. Before scheduling an appointment, it helps to understand what your plan covers and what you may have to pay. 

Key Takeaways 

• Many health plans cover certain virtual therapy, psychiatry, and medication management services. 

• Copays, deductibles, coinsurance, network rules, and covered telehealth formats vary by plan. 

• Live video or phone appointments may be covered differently from messaging services or self-guided mental health apps. 

• Checking your benefits and provider’s network status before an appointment can help you avoid unexpected costs. 

How Telemedicine Mental Health Coverage Works Today

Telemedicine mental health care, also called telehealth or telemental health, allows you to connect remotely with mental health professionals. 

Depending on your plan, covered services may include: 

• Individual therapy 

• Psychiatric evaluations 

• Medication management 

• Family or group therapy 

• Mental health assessments 

Coverage isn’t automatic for every virtual service. Your benefits may depend on your health plan, provider network, location, and the type of appointment. 

Telehealth vs. In-Person Therapy: What’s Different for Insurance?

For some plans, eligible telehealth mental health appointments are covered similarly to in-person visits. You may have a copay, deductible, or coinsurance just as you would when visiting a provider’s office. 

However, coverage and costs aren’t necessarily identical. Differences may include: 

• Technology requirements: Plans may have requirements for covered virtual appointments. 

• State licensing rules: Providers generally need to meet licensing requirements where the patient is located. 

• Network restrictions: Your plan may require an in-network provider or preferred telehealth service. 

• Covered formats: Video, phone, messaging, and app-based services may receive different coverage. 

If getting to an office is difficult, learn more about how to see a doctor when you can’t leave the house. 

Why Insurance Coverage for Online Therapy Has Changed

Telehealth isn’t new, but its use expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic as more patients began receiving care remotely. Health plans and government programs adjusted many of their telehealth policies in response. 

Some of those changes have continued, while others depend on current federal or state requirements. As a result, virtual mental health care may be available under many plans, but coverage isn’t the same for everyone. 

What “Parity” Means for Telemedicine Mental Health Benefits

Mental health parity generally means that health plans subject to applicable parity requirements can’t place more restrictive financial requirements or treatment limitations on mental health and substance use disorder benefits than they place on comparable medical and surgical benefits. 

However, parity doesn’t mean every mental health service or digital platform must be covered. 

Telehealth requirements can also vary by state and health plan. Review your plan documents or contact your insurer to find out how these rules apply to your benefits. 

Which Telemedicine Mental Health Services Are Typically Covered?

Health plans may cover several types of clinician-delivered mental health services through telemedicine, including: 

• Individual psychotherapy for covered mental health conditions 

• Psychiatric evaluations and follow-up appointments 

• Medication management with an eligible prescribing professional 

• Group or family therapy when covered by the plan 

• Mental health assessments for evaluation and diagnosis 

Self-guided apps, wellness programs, and messaging-only subscriptions may be treated differently from appointments with licensed clinicians. 

When Online Therapy Might Not Be Covered the Same Way

Not every form of online mental health support qualifies for the same insurance benefits. 

Coverage may be limited when: 

• The provider is out of network. 

• The provider doesn’t meet licensing requirements for your location. 

• Prior authorization is required but wasn’t obtained. 

• The service uses a format your plan doesn’t cover. 

• You use a telehealth platform outside your plan’s network. 

Some plans may also have different requirements for group therapy, couples counseling, or more intensive mental health services. 

Medicare Telehealth Mental Health Coverage

Medicare covers certain mental and behavioral health services delivered through telehealth when applicable requirements are met. 

Eligible services may be provided by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, and other qualified professionals who participate in Medicare. 

Because Medicare telehealth requirements can change, check current Medicare guidance and confirm that your provider can bill Medicare before scheduling care. 

Medicare Advantage plans may have different networks, costs, and additional telehealth benefits. Review your plan’s Evidence of Coverage for details. 

Medicaid and State-Specific Telemedicine Mental Health Rules

Medicaid telehealth coverage varies by state. Rules may differ for: 

• Video appointments 

• Audio-only appointments 

• Group or family therapy 

• Provider eligibility 

• Prior authorization 

If you have Medicaid, check your state’s Medicaid website or contact your managed care plan for current information about virtual mental health benefits. 

Commercial Insurance: What Most Health Plans Cover Online

Employer-sponsored and individual health plans may cover virtual therapy and psychiatry when the service meets the plan’s requirements. 

Coverage can depend on whether the provider is in network, whether the service falls under your behavioral health benefits, and whether authorization or a referral is required. 

Some health plans also use preferred virtual care networks. Look for terms such as “telehealth,” “virtual behavioral health,” or “online therapy” in your plan documents or member portal. 

Understanding Copays, Deductibles, and Coinsurance for Telehealth

What you pay for virtual mental health care depends on your health plan. 

Term	What it means
Copay	A set amount you pay for a covered service
Deductible	The amount you generally pay for covered services before your plan begins paying its share
Coinsurance	The percentage of a covered service you pay after meeting the applicable deductible

Some plans may apply similar cost-sharing to telehealth and in-person mental health visits. Others have separate virtual care benefits. 

Out-of-network appointments can also result in higher out-of-pocket costs or may not be covered. 

How to Check if Your Health Plan Will Cover Online Therapy

Before scheduling a telehealth appointment: 

1. Call member services. Ask whether your plan covers virtual therapy or telepsychiatry. 

2. Search your provider directory. Look for “telehealth,” “virtual visits,” or “online therapy.” 

3. Confirm network status. Check that the specific provider participates in your plan. 

4. Ask about costs. Find out whether you’ll owe a copay, deductible, or coinsurance. 

5. Check restrictions. Ask whether you need prior authorization, a referral, or a specific telehealth platform. 

You can also ask whether video and phone appointments receive the same benefits. 

Online Therapy Platforms and Insurance: What to Know

Online therapy platforms can make it easier to find providers and attend appointments remotely, but insurance participation varies. 

A platform may work with your insurance company without participating in every plan it offers. Individual providers within the platform may also have different network arrangements. 

Before signing up, confirm that your specific health plan is accepted, your chosen provider is in network, and your appointments will be submitted to insurance. 

Virtual Group Therapy, Couples Counseling, and Family Sessions

Some providers offer virtual group, couples, and family therapy. 

Group or family therapy may be covered when the provider and service meet your plan’s requirements. Couples counseling may be treated differently, particularly when it isn’t connected to treatment for a covered mental health condition. 

Ask your insurer about coverage before scheduling these services. 

Telepsychiatry and Medication Management Online

Telepsychiatry provides psychiatric care through virtual appointments and may include evaluations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. 

Keep in mind that the appointment and medication are generally separate expenses. Your medical or behavioral health benefits may apply to the appointment, while your pharmacy benefits determine what you pay for prescriptions. 

Providers must also follow applicable federal and state prescribing requirements. 

Choosing Between In-Person and Online Therapy for Your Situation

Telehealth can make appointments easier to fit around work, transportation, family responsibilities, and other commitments. 

However, virtual care isn’t the right format for every person or situation. Some people prefer face-to-face appointments, don’t have a private place to talk, or may need in-person care based on their individual needs. 

If both options are available, consider your comfort, privacy, schedule, provider availability, and insurance benefits. 

What to Ask Your Insurance Company About Virtual Mental Health Care

Before starting care, consider asking: 

• Does my plan cover online therapy or telepsychiatry? 

• What will I pay for a virtual appointment? 

• Is my provider in network? 

• Do I have to use a specific telehealth platform? 

• Are phone appointments covered? 

• Are there limits on mental health services? 

• Do I need a referral or prior authorization? 

• What happens if I’m traveling to another state? 

Having these answers before your first appointment can help you better understand your coverage. 

What to Do if Your Plan Doesn’t Fully Cover Online Therapy

If your preferred service isn’t covered or costs more than expected, other options may be available. 

Some therapists offer sliding-scale or self-pay rates. Community mental health centers and university training clinics may also offer lower-cost services. 

If you’re employed, check whether you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes counseling or mental health resources. You can also ask your insurer about other in-network therapists or virtual care services. 

Explore Your Options With Acceptance

Ready to learn more about coverage and services available through Acceptance? Get a free quote online, call 877-405-7102, or visit an Acceptance Insurance location near you to speak with an agent in person. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Does Telemedicine Mental Health Coverage Usually Include Audio-Only Phone Visits?

Some health plans cover audio-only mental health appointments, while others require video for certain services. Ask your insurer whether phone appointments qualify under your plan’s telehealth benefits before scheduling. 

Can I Get Online Therapy Covered by Insurance if I’m Traveling or Out of State?

Possibly, but provider licensing and insurance requirements can affect coverage. A mental health professional generally must meet requirements where you’re physically located during the appointment. Check with your provider and insurer before receiving virtual care while traveling. 

Are Teen and Child Telehealth Mental Health Services Covered Differently Than Adult Care?

Health plans may cover virtual mental health services for children and teens, but requirements vary. Depending on the patient’s age, state, and plan, there may be specific consent, privacy, network, or pediatric behavioral health requirements. 

Does Online Therapy Cost the Same as In-Person Therapy?

It can, but not always. Your copay, deductible, coinsurance, network status, and telehealth benefits can affect the cost. Check your plan before scheduling care. 

How Can I Keep Telehealth Mental Health Costs Predictable?

Choose an in-network provider and confirm your benefits before scheduling care. Ask about copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and preferred virtual care providers. If you have access to an EAP, check whether it includes mental health services.