How to get therapy when insurance doesn t cover it?

Asked by: Mrs. Maci Fahey V  |  Last update: March 16, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (27 votes)

If You Are Uninsured Many providers have information about sliding scale fees on their website, and Open Path Collective, an online therapy directory designed for people who are uninsured or underinsured, has resources for people seeking a therapist who offers sliding scale rates.

What to do when your insurance doesn't cover therapy?

Most insurance companies start by having you submit an “internal appeal” directly to them. If they uphold the denial, you may be able to appeal to an independent review board affiliated with your state's Department of Insurance. (This depends on the type of appeal and the state you live in.)

What to do if insurance won't cover treatment?

Your right to appeal

Internal appeal: If your claim is denied or your health insurance coverage canceled, you have the right to an internal appeal. You may ask your insurance company to conduct a full and fair review of its decision.

What happens if you need therapy but can't afford it?

You can go to your nearest community mental health center where they usually provide counseling services on a sliding-scale, meaning that you pay based on your income. Also, you can call local free clinics (medical) where often times they offer free of reduced-rate counseling.

Why is counseling not covered by insurance?

Insurance companies create quotas for how many therapists they will work with in a certain geographic area and types of therapists. They may decide that they need more bilingual therapists or specialists in addiction, so they reject those without a specialty area.

Why isn't massage therapy covered by insurance?

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Why is it so hard to find a therapist that takes my insurance?

Many therapists choose not to take health insurance – aka be in-network with health insurances – due to low reimbursement rates from health insurance companies, logistical issues, and privacy concerns.

How do I see a therapist when I have no money?

Search for Low-Fee Providers

Open Path focuses on having diverse and inclusive therapists, making it a great option for many who are uninsured or underinsured or who cannot afford a typical therapist's fee out-of-pocket. You may also want to look into nearby colleges and social service agencies.

Does BetterHelp take insurance?

BetterHelp is an online subscription service offering virtual therapy sessions. The company does not accept insurance, and most private medical insurers do not cover the costs. However, a person may be eligible for reduced rates if they have a low income.

How to get therapy if I'm poor?

How Can I Get Therapy for Free?
  1. NAMI HelpLine. ...
  2. School Services. ...
  3. Religious/Community Organizations. ...
  4. Employee Assistance Programs. ...
  5. Medicaid. ...
  6. Medicare. ...
  7. Sliding Scale. ...
  8. Therapy With Health Insurance.

What to do if insurance doesn't pay enough?

What Can I Do If My Insurance Company Won't Pay Me Enough for My Insurance Claim?
  1. Understand Why Your Claim May Be Underpaid. ...
  2. Review Your Policy in Detail. ...
  3. Document Everything. ...
  4. Request a Re-Evaluation or Second Opinion. ...
  5. Dispute the Claim in Writing. ...
  6. File a Complaint with Your State's Department of Insurance.

What are the odds of winning an insurance appeal?

Capital Public Radio analyzed data from California and found that about half the time a patient appeals a denied health claim to the state's regulators, the patient wins. The picture is similar nationally.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover mental health therapy?

Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) generally covers mental health psychiatric therapy and counseling services. This encompasses access to various therapeutic approaches and counseling sessions designed to address diverse mental health needs, ensuring you receive the comprehensive support required for your well-being.

How much is online therapy without insurance?

The cost of therapy per session depends on various factors, including the therapist, service provider, geographical location, in-person or online, type of therapy, session length, and insurance coverage. However, a person should typically expect to pay between $100 to $250 per session without insurance.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover physical therapy sessions?

By choosing Blue Cross Insurance for your physical therapy needs, you can enjoy the benefits of continuity of care. This means that if you require ongoing treatment or multiple sessions, Blue Cross Insurance will support your treatment plan and provide coverage for the duration of your therapy.

How much is BetterHelp without insurance?

BetterHelp subscriptions range from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks and based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply), so the monthly costs can be between $260 and $400.

Will BetterHelp reimburse me?

Can You Get a Refund on BetterHelp? BetterHelp provides refunds on a case-by-case basis after reviewing each request.

What if I need counseling but can't afford it?

Look for a therapist who works on a sliding scale.

You can also can therapists individually and ask them if they adjust their fees for people who do not have insurance and cannot afford the full fee.

Is there a way to get therapy for free?

People can find therapists offering low cost or free services with national organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Which type of therapy is most cost-effective?

The most cost-effective type of therapy is group therapy.

How to find a therapist covered by insurance?

You can access an online directory of insurance companies or see a list of all the providers in your network on your insurance's website. You can also call your insurance company to determine if a therapist is in-network. It's important to consider your needs before deciding who you want to work with.

Does going to therapy go on your record?

In the same manner as medical records at a doctors office, they are strictly confidential and can only be accessed by an outside party with the permission of the client and in most cases a written consent. There is no worry that anyone will find out by your information being "public".

How many therapy sessions does United Healthcare cover?

With United Healthcare plans, there are no restrictions on the number of therapy sessions you can attend. As long as your United Healthcare coverage is active and your visits are medically necessary, you can see an in-network UnitedHealthcare therapist on a weekly basis.