If you’re thinking about starting therapy, cost is often the first worry. The good news: in many cases, insurance does cover online therapy in California, often the same way it covers an office visit. This guide explains how coverage works, what to ask your plan, and how to check your benefits before your first session.
Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy in California?
For most people with a California health plan, yes. California law (AB 744) requires state-regulated health plans to cover services delivered by telehealth on the same basis as in-person care, which includes video therapy sessions. Federal mental health parity rules also mean many plans can’t put tighter limits on mental health care than on medical care.
That said, every plan is different. Your exact costs depend on your plan type, whether the therapist is in your network, and how much of your deductible you’ve already met. Some employer plans that are “self-funded” follow federal rules instead of California’s, so it’s always worth checking.
Which Insurance Plans Does Peaceful Mind Accept?
Peaceful Mind Counseling Center accepts:
- Aetna
- Blue Shield of California
- UnitedHealthcare/Optum
- Magellan
- Private pay
All of our sessions are online, by secure video, for clients anywhere in California. If your plan is on this list, your online therapy sessions may be covered just like an in-person visit. Call us at (840) 262-5824 and we can help you check.
How to Check If Insurance Will Cover Online Therapy
The fastest way to know for sure is to call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. It usually takes about 10 minutes. Ask these questions:
- Do I have outpatient mental health benefits?
- Are telehealth or video therapy sessions covered?
- Is Peaceful Mind Counseling Center in network with my plan?
- What is my deductible, and how much have I met this year?
- What is my copay or coinsurance for a therapy session?
- Do I need a referral or pre-authorization before I start?
- Is there a limit on the number of sessions per year?
Write down the answers, the date, and the name of the person you spoke with. If you’d rather not make the call yourself, contact us and we’ll walk you through it.
Insurance Words to Know
Insurance terms can be confusing. Here’s what they mean for therapy:
- Deductible: the amount you pay each year before your plan starts sharing costs. If your deductible is high and you haven’t met it, you may pay the full session rate at first.
- Copay: a set amount you pay per session, such as $20 or $40.
- Coinsurance: a percentage of the session cost you pay, such as 20%.
- In network: the therapist has a contract with your plan, which usually means lower costs for you.
- Out of network: the therapist doesn’t have a contract with your plan. You may pay more, or the plan may pay part of the cost back to you.
For plain-language explanations of mental health benefits, see HealthCare.gov’s guide to mental health coverage.
Does Insurance Need a Diagnosis for Therapy?
Most insurance plans only pay for therapy that is “medically necessary,” which usually means your therapist will need to share a diagnosis with your plan. That can feel like a big word, but many common diagnoses describe things like anxiety, low mood or stress after a hard life event.
Your therapist will talk this through with you in your first sessions, including what is shared with your insurer and why. If you’d prefer that nothing is shared with your plan, private pay is always an option.
What If My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Online Therapy?
If your plan isn’t one we accept, or your coverage is limited, you still have options:
- Private pay: you pay for sessions directly, with no diagnosis shared with an insurer. [CONFIRM: session rate, or keep it as “call us to discuss rates”]
- Out-of-network benefits: some plans pay back part of the cost when you see an out-of-network therapist. [CONFIRM: whether Peaceful Mind provides superbills]
- Your employer’s EAP: many workplaces offer a few free counseling sessions through an Employee Assistance Program.
If you think your plan is wrongly refusing to cover mental health care, the California Department of Managed Health Care Help Center can help with complaints about many California health plans.
Is Online Therapy Worth Using Your Insurance For?
For many people, yes. Online therapy gives you the same licensed care as an office visit, without the commute or the waiting room. Research has found video therapy to be effective for common concerns such as anxiety, depression and trauma. If your plan covers online therapy, it can make regular sessions far more affordable and easier to fit into your week.
At Peaceful Mind, we offer online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, and individual, couples, family and teen therapy, with daytime and evening appointments.
Get Help Checking Your Coverage
You don’t have to figure out your insurance alone. Call (840) 262-5824 to discuss services, or contact us to get started. We’ll help you check whether your plan covers online therapy and find a session time that works for you.
Have more questions about sessions, privacy or getting started? Visit our Online Therapy FAQs.
Reviewed by Ebonie Reed, LMFT, CA License #81228
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy? With insurance, online and in-person sessions usually cost you the same, because California plans must cover telehealth on the same basis as office visits. You also save on travel time and costs.
Does Medi-Cal cover online therapy? Medi-Cal does cover telehealth mental health services, but Peaceful Mind does not currently accept Medi-Cal. [CONFIRM with Ebonie] If you have Medi-Cal, your county mental health plan can help you find a provider.
Can I use my insurance if I’m a teen? Yes. Teens are usually covered under a parent’s or guardian’s plan, and the plan holder can check benefits for teen therapy the same way. A parent or guardian is usually involved in getting started.
Do I have to pay for the first session if insurance covers therapy? You may still owe a copay, coinsurance or the full rate if your deductible isn’t met yet. Ask your plan what your cost per session will be before your first appointment.