Is teletherapy covered by insurance?

Teletherapy has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it provides a safe and convenient way for individuals to access mental health services. However, as psychologists and psychotherapists, we understand that cost can be a significant barrier to accessing care. In this blog post, we will explore whether teletherapy is covered by insurance and what you need to know to help your clients navigate insurance coverage.

The short answer is that yes, teletherapy is covered by insurance. However, the extent of coverage varies depending on several factors, including the type of insurance plan, the state in which the client resides, and the specific insurance policy. Here are some key things to keep in mind when considering insurance coverage for teletherapy:

1. Type of Insurance Plan: The type of insurance plan a client has can impact coverage for teletherapy. For example, Medicare and some private insurance plans cover teletherapy, while other plans may not.

2. State Regulations: State regulations can impact insurance coverage for teletherapy. Some states have parity laws, which require insurance companies to cover teletherapy in the same way they cover in-person therapy.

3. Insurance Policy: The specific insurance policy a client has can impact coverage for teletherapy. It is important to review the policy carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.

4. Provider Qualifications: Insurance companies may require that providers meet certain qualifications, such as licensure or certification, in order for teletherapy to be covered.

5. Pre-authorization Requirements: Insurance companies may require pre-authorization before covering teletherapy services. This means that the provider may need to submit a request for coverage before the services are provided.

6. Co-pays and Deductibles: Co-pays and deductibles may apply to teletherapy services, just as they do for in-person therapy.

It is important to note that coverage for teletherapy may change over time. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many insurance companies expanded coverage for teletherapy to ensure that individuals could access mental health services safely. However, as the pandemic recedes, coverage may change.

How to Help Clients Navigate Insurance Coverage for Teletherapy

As psychologists and psychotherapists, it is important to help our clients navigate insurance coverage for teletherapy. Here are some tips for helping clients:

1. Check Insurance Coverage: Before beginning teletherapy, encourage clients to check their insurance coverage for teletherapy services. They can contact their insurance company directly or work with their provider to determine coverage.

2. Review Policy Details: It is important to review the specific policy details to understand what is covered and what is not. This information can be found in the insurance policy or by contacting the insurance company directly.

3. Work with Providers: Encourage clients to work with their teletherapy provider to ensure that the provider meets the qualifications required by the insurance company and to obtain pre-authorization, if required.

4. Understand Co-pays and Deductibles: Clients should understand any co-pays or deductibles that may apply to teletherapy services. This information can be found in the insurance policy or by contacting the insurance company directly.

5. Advocate for Coverage: If coverage for teletherapy is not available or is limited, encourage clients to advocate for coverage by contacting their insurance company or elected officials.

In conclusion, teletherapy is covered by insurance, but the extent of coverage varies depending on several factors. As psychologists and psychotherapists, it is important to help our clients navigate insurance coverage for teletherapy by checking insurance coverage, reviewing policy details, working with providers, understanding co-pays and deductibles, and advocating for coverage when necessary. By doing so, we can help ensure that our clients have access to the mental health services they need to achieve their goals.

‍