Is a therapist a covered entity?

Asked by: Thaddeus O'Hara  |  Last update: August 19, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (64 votes)

A therapist is a solo covered entity under HIPAA when they work independently of other healthcare providers and conduct transactions electronically for which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has adopted standards.

Who is considered a covered entity?

Covered entities are defined in the HIPAA rules as (1) health plans, (2) health care clearinghouses, and (3) health care providers who electronically transmit any health information in connection with transactions for which HHS has adopted standards.

What is a therapist classified as?

Therapists, or psychotherapists, are licensed mental health professionals who specialize in helping clients develop better cognitive and emotional skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and cope with various life challenges to improve their lives.

How do you know if a therapist is covered by insurance?

Check your description of plan benefits—it should include information on behavioral health services or coverage for mental health and substance-use disorders. If you still aren't sure, ask your human resources representative or contact your insurance company directly.

Are physical therapists covered entities?

Covered Entities

If you are a PT or a PTA, yes! Providers, health plans, and health care clearinghouses all are subject to HIPAA requirements and face penalties for noncompliance. Log in or create a free account to keep reading.

What are HIPAA Covered Entities?

21 related questions found

Are therapists covered entities?

A therapist qualifies as a solo covered entity whether or not they conduct the transactions themselves or subcontract the processes to a third party. However, HHS does not consider certain transmissions to be electronic (i.e., PSTN telephone, paper-to-paper faxes, etc.)

What type of provider is a physical therapist?

Physical therapists are licensed doctors who work with multiple patient populations impacted by disease, injury, and movement dysfunction. They optimize quality of life by maintaining, restoring, and improving patient's ability to move, function, and live more active lifestyles.

Why is therapy not covered by insurance?

Provider Restrictions: Often, insurance plans will only cover therapy if you see a provider who accepts insurance that is "in-network," which limits your options and may not include your preferred therapist.

How do therapists get paid by insurance?

In simple words, a covered patient comes to see you for therapy services: you provide care services, prepare a bill, and submit an insurance claim for therapists to their health insurer, and the insurer reimburses you.

What category does therapy fall under?

Unlike medical practitioners like NPs or MDs, therapists do not prescribe medications. This kind of care falls under the heading of “psychology,” which focuses on behavior and the mind.

What field does therapist fall under?

If you're intent on becoming a therapist, then you should major in psychology or a related field. Gaining a foundational degree that exposes you to principles and practices of psychology will help prepare you for graduate school, and ultimately, a career as a licensed therapist.

Is a therapist a licensed healthcare provider?

Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counseling and psychotherapy, perform psychological testing, and provide treatment for mental disorders. They are not medical doctors which means that, except for in a few states, psychologists cannot write prescriptions or perform medical procedures.

Which one is not a covered entity?

A non-covered entity is an individual, business, or agency that is NOT a health care provider that conducts certain transactions in electronic form, NOT a health care clearinghouse, and NOT a health plan. Examples of non-covered HIPAA entities: Fitbit.

Who is considered an entity?

An entity refers to a person or organization possessing separate and distinct legal rights, such as an individual , partnership , or corporation .

What is an entity in health insurance?

In this section, the term “health care entity” includes an individual physician or other health care professional, a hospital, a provider-sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance plan, or any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan.

Is a therapist considered a specialist for insurance?

A mental health therapist is considered a specialist.

Do therapists need insurance?

Therapy malpractice insurance is a must for therapists and mental health counselors starting a business. As you're creating your “to-do” list, don't miss a very important component of practicing independently.

How to find out if your therapist is covered by insurance?

If it is still unclear if your therapist takes your insurance, here are some actions to take:
  1. Ask your insurance provider in person or via phone call or contact form. The answer may also be on their website.
  2. Ask the therapist's practice in person, over the phone, or via email. The answer may also be on their website.

Do therapists bill insurance?

Some therapists choose to be an in network provider for some insurance companies but not for others while some prefer to stay out of network provider for all health insurance companies as they prefer not to deal with insurance billing.

What type of provider is a therapist?

Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists

These masters-level health care professionals are trained to evaluate a person's mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs.

What category does physical therapy fall under?

Health sciences majors are designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare. This broad field encompasses anatomy, physiology, and healthcare administration courses, offering a versatile educational background for future physical therapists.

Is a physical therapist a specialist for insurance?

Some insurance companies classify physical therapists as specialists. Certain plans require you to get a referral from your primary care provider before they will pay for any specialist's services.

What are considered covered entities?

A Covered Entity is one of the following:
  • Doctors.
  • Clinics.
  • Psychologists.
  • Dentists.
  • Chiropractors.
  • Nursing Homes.
  • Pharmacies.

Is my therapist a healthcare provider?

Under federal regulations, a "health care provider" is defined as: a doctor of medicine or osteopathy, podiatrist, dentist, chiropractor, clinical psychologist, optometrist, nurse practitioner, nurse-midwife, or a clinical social worker who is authorized to practice by the State and performing within the scope of their ...