Online mental health services are more accessible now than ever before, thanks to growing demand and advancements in digital care.
But many people still wonder: Does insurance cover telehealth for mental health services?
Without coverage, virtual visits can add up quickly!
Understanding how insurance companies handle telehealth can help you access care without financial stress.
In this guide, we’ll break down how insurance works for online mental health services, how to check your benefits, and how to find a covered provider.
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You don’t have to leave home to get the help you need—Cornerstone’s online mental health programs are here for you.
Does Insurance Cover Telehealth for Mental Health?
Many major insurance providers now offer coverage for mental health treatment delivered through telehealth.
This includes therapy, counseling, and other psychiatric services.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, insurers expanded telehealth access through temporary policies.
Since then, many of these policies have been extended or made permanent, especially in states with telehealth parity laws that require insurers to reimburse virtual visits similarly to in-person sessions.
That said, coverage varies depending on:
- Your insurance provider and plan type
- Whether your provider is in-network
- State-specific laws
- Whether pre-authorization is required for certain services
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (2023), most employer-sponsored health plans now include telehealth options for mental health.1
However, each plan has unique guidelines for copays, deductibles, and eligible services.
Does Aetna Cover Telehealth for Mental Health?
Yes, Aetna offers telehealth coverage for mental health services across many of its insurance plans.
This includes virtual therapy, psychiatry, and counseling for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and more.
However, coverage details can vary, including:
- Whether you must use in-network providers
- Copayment or coinsurance amounts
- Prior authorization requirements for psychiatric evaluations or medications
To confirm your benefits, Aetna members can log into their account or call customer service.
The National Institute of Mental Health (2023) also recommends reviewing your mental health benefits in detail to ensure you can access the care you need.2
How to Check if Your Insurance Covers Telehealth
If you’re unsure whether your insurance includes online mental health coverage, here’s how to find out:
- Log in to Your Insurance Account: Review your plan’s benefits section for telehealth coverage.
- Call Your Insurance Provider: Speak directly with a representative and ask about mental health benefits, copays, and any restrictions.
- Review the Provider Directory: Confirm that your therapist or psychiatrist is considered in-network.
- Ask Your HR Department: If your insurance is employer-sponsored, your HR team may have plan documents or FAQs.
- Check State Laws: Some states require insurers to treat telehealth and in-person visits the same. In Arizona, insurers are required to cover telehealth services if the same service would be covered in person, thanks to telehealth parity laws passed in 2021.
Please make sure to visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) to learn more about your specific situation. 3
Quick Tip: Verify Your Coverage Before Your Appointment!
Before booking a virtual therapy or psychiatry session, always verify coverage with your insurer. This ensures you won’t be surprised by unexpected bills. Cornerstone Healing Center offers free insurance verification to help you understand your mental health benefits and connect with covered providers.
Benefits of Telehealth for Mental Health Treatment
Telehealth offers a wide range of advantages, especially for those seeking mental health care:
- Convenience: Attend sessions from the comfort of home—no commute or waiting rooms.
- Accessibility: Ideal for rural or underserved areas where mental health professionals may be limited.
- Affordability: Many plans have lower co-pays for virtual appointments compared to in-person visits.
- Privacy: Get care discreetly without leaving your home.
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend options are often available with telehealth providers.
- Reduced Stigma: For those who feel uncomfortable seeking help in person, telehealth provides a more inclusive, judgment-free way to access care, helping people take that first step toward healing.
How to Find a Telehealth Provider That Accepts Your Insurance
Once you confirm that your insurance covers telehealth, the next step is to find an in-network provider. Here are some tips:
- Use Your Insurance Provider’s Directory: Search by specialty, location, and availability.
- Explore Telehealth Platforms: Many partner directly with insurance companies to offer covered mental health care.
- Ask Your Therapist: If you already see a provider, they may offer virtual sessions that are covered under your plan.
- Get a Referral: Your primary care physician or a case manager can help connect you with in-network specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover telehealth for mental health?
Yes, many insurers now offer telehealth coverage for mental health, but coverage details depend on your plan, provider network, and state laws. Some plans require in-person visits before approving telehealth.
Does Aetna cover online therapy?
Aetna covers online therapy for many of its plans. However, details like in-network requirements, co-pays, and pre-authorization can vary. Always check with Aetna directly.
How do I find a telehealth provider that accepts my insurance?
Start with your insurance company’s provider directory, or ask your current therapist if they offer virtual sessions. Confirm with your insurer that your chosen provider is covered.
What if my insurance doesn’t cover telehealth for mental health?
If telehealth isn’t covered, consider therapy platforms with sliding-scale fees, community mental health centers, or state-funded services. Some employers offer additional mental health benefits you can use.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Telehealth coverage for mental health varies by insurer, plan, and state law.
- Aetna offers online therapy and psychiatric services but may have restrictions.
- Use your insurance provider’s directory to find in-network telehealth professionals.
- Always verify your benefits before scheduling a session to avoid surprise bills.
- If telehealth isn’t covered, explore sliding-scale fees or community resources.
Get the Mental Health Care You Need—Covered by Insurance with Cornerstone!
You deserve access to quality mental health care—and with the right support, it can also be affordable.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we offer online mental health services that are most likely covered by your insurance, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care through telehealth.
Our team will help you verify your insurance, explain your benefits, and set you up with the care you need, without the stress of unexpected costs.
Take the first step today. Contact us to start your healing journey with confidence and convenience!
