Does Talkspace Take Insurance? An In-Depth Look at Online Therapy

Are you considering online therapy, but wondering if it is covered by insurance? If so, you are not alone.

Many people are seeking mental health services and want to know if their insurance covers their chosen method of therapy.

In this article, we will take a deeper look into Talkspace and the question “does Talkspace take insurance?” We will also explore the benefits of online therapy and the scientific research that supports it. 

According to Bloomberg⁵, “Talkspace now covers 1 in 8 Americans through agreements with the nation’s leading health insurers.”

Please know that we have bought, and extensively documented our experience with Talkspace, and answered frequently answered questions which you can see in the video gallery below.

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What is Talkspace? 

Talkspace is an online platform for mental health services, offering users access to licensed therapists from the comfort of their own homes or on the go via mobile devices. This type of therapy is called teletherapy, which is a form of distance communication between therapist and patient.

It is meant to be a convenient alternative to in-person sessions and allows patients to connect with therapists in real time over text messages, video chat, audio messages, and more. 

Does Talkspace Take Insurance? 

Talkspace accepts insurance from many major health insurance providers, such as Cigna, United, and Justworks. Talkspace also accepts many Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

Benefits & Scientific Research Supporting Online Therapy 

When compared with traditional face-to-face counseling, there are numerous benefits associated with online therapy sessions including convenience, privacy, flexibility, and affordability.

Additionally, a meta-analysis in 2018 found that online therapy can be just as effective at treating depression and anxiety as traditional face-to-face counseling sessions¹.

Overall, there is plenty of evidence suggesting that teletherapy can be beneficial for those seeking treatment for mental health issues. 

How Online Therapy Insurance Differs From In-Person Coverage

If you are considering online therapy and wondering how it differs from in-person coverage, here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Online therapy is typically covered by insurance in the same way that in-person therapy is covered. However, it’s important to check with your specific insurance provider to confirm coverage.
• Online therapy may be more convenient for some people, as it allows you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home or wherever you have internet access.
• Online therapy may also offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling, as many providers offer evening and weekend appointments.
• Some people may feel more comfortable opening up to a therapist online rather than in person, which can lead to more productive sessions.
• However, online therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. For example, if you have severe mental health issues or are experiencing a crisis, in-person care may be a better option.
• Online therapy providers claim they offer therapy for much cheaper; however, independent scientific analysis reports the two costs are approximately equal².

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a comprehensive healthcare reform law that was enacted in March 2010. It is also known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare”.

The ACA aims to increase access to affordable health insurance for all Americans, regardless of their income or pre-existing conditions.

Some key provisions of the ACA include:

• The creation of state-based Health Insurance Marketplaces where individuals can shop for and purchase health insurance plans.
• The expansion of Medicaid to cover more low-income individuals and families.
• The requirement is that most individuals have health insurance coverage or pay a penalty.
• The provision allows young adults to stay on their parent’s health insurance until age 26.

The ACA has been controversial since its inception, with some arguing that it has led to increased costs and decreased quality of care.

However, others argue that it has been successful in increasing access to care for millions of Americans who were previously uninsured. Regardless of your opinion on the ACA, it remains an important piece of legislation in the United States healthcare system.

The ACA, in combination with the Mental Health Parity Act, served as a catalyst for insurance coverage to include online therapy.

The Mental Health Parity Act of 2008

The Mental Health Parity Act of 2008³ is a federal law that requires insurance companies to provide the same level of coverage for mental health and substance use disorders as they do for physical health conditions.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• The law applies to group health plans offered by employers with more than 50 employees, as well as individual health insurance plans.
• The law prohibits insurance companies from placing annual or lifetime limits on mental health benefits that are lower than those placed on physical health benefits.
• The law also prohibits insurance companies from requiring higher co-pays or deductibles for mental health services compared to physical health services.
• However, the law does not require insurance companies to cover all types of mental health treatments or medications.

Overall, the Mental Health Parity Act of 2008 has had a positive impact on access to mental health care for many Americans.

However, there is still work to be done in terms of ensuring that all individuals have access to affordable and comprehensive mental health care.

Does My Insurance Provider Cover Online Therapy?

If you are wondering whether your insurance provider covers online therapy, the answer is likely yes.

Many insurance companies now cover online therapy services, including Medicaid and Medicare. However, Talkspace does not accept Medicaid or Medicare.

To find out if your insurance covers online therapy, you should check with your provider and your insurance company directly.

Payments for online therapy are typically included as part of your total coverage, meaning that your insurance company pays for the service directly.

Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans include coverage for mental health services, so you may be covered even if you don’t have a specific mental health plan.

Overall, it’s important to check with your provider to see what options are available to you and what services are covered by your plan.

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program)

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) is a government-funded program that provides low-cost or free health insurance to children from families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.

Here are some key points about CHIP that you should know

• CHIP covers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, immunizations, hospital care, and prescription drugs.
• Eligibility for CHIP varies by state, but generally includes children under the age of 19 whose families earn up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
• In some states, pregnant women may also be eligible for CHIP coverage.
• Enrollment in CHIP is open year-round, and you can apply at any time.
• To apply for CHIP, you will need to provide information about your family’s income and household size.

According to Medicaid.gov⁴, “CHIP provides health coverage to nearly 9 million children across the country.” If you are interested in learning more about CHIP or applying for coverage for your child, visit your state’s Medicaid or CHIP website.

Check Your Insurance Account Online

If you’re wondering how to check your insurance account online, there are several options available to you. Many insurance providers offer online account access, which allows you to manage your policy, view your coverage details, and make payments. Here are some steps you can take to check your insurance account online

• Log in to your insurance provider’s website or mobile app using your username and password.
• Once you’re logged in, navigate to the “My Account” or “Account Dashboard” section.
• From there, you should be able to view your policy details, including coverage amounts and deductibles.
• You may also be able to make payments or update your personal information through the online portal.

It’s important to note that not all insurance providers offer online account access, so be sure to check with your specific provider for more information.

Additionally, if you have any questions about your coverage or need assistance with managing your policy online, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service for help.

You can use this tool, buried in the Talkspace website, to see whether your insurance or EAP is covered by Talkspace:

Can You Use Insurance on Talkspace?

Yes, you can use insurance on Talkspace. Talkspace is partnered with a number of employers, U.S. health plans, and Employee Assistance Programs to make therapy more affordable for you.

The platform is currently covered by the nation’s largest health insurers, including Cigna, Optum, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana. However, Talkspace is not available through Medicare or Medicaid at this time.

In general, marriage counseling and couples counseling are not covered by insurance but you can still find affordable therapy for couples. You can confirm your eligibility and get started today by checking your coverage for online therapy directly with health plans and companies through Talkspace’s website.

How do I Pay for Talkspace?

If you’re interested in using Talkspace for therapy, you may be wondering how to pay for it. Here are some ways to pay for Talkspace:

• Self-pay: You can pay for Talkspace out of pocket if you don’t have insurance or if your insurance doesn’t cover online therapy.
• Insurance: Talkspace is covered by many health plans and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Check with your provider to see if they cover online therapy.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA): If you have an HSA or FSA, you can use those funds to pay for Talkspace.
• Superbill: With a superbill, you pay upfront for your sessions and then submit the bill to your insurance company for reimbursement.

It’s important to note that the cost of Talkspace varies depending on the plan you choose.

Overall, paying for Talkspace is straightforward and there are several options available to make it accessible and affordable.

How do I get Reimbursed for Talkspace?

If you’re wondering how to get reimbursed for Talkspace, there are a few things you should know. First, Talkspace is not able to grant refunds for services rendered, and fees are non-refundable.

However, if you have insurance coverage, you may be able to get reimbursed for some or all of the cost of your therapy sessions.

If you need an invoice (superbill) for services, log into your Talkspace account on the web or app and go to your account settings to request one. It’s important to note that charges for services you agreed to may be billed a few weeks after the date of service due to varying claim-processing times.

For more information about billing and insurance with Talkspace, including superbills and HSA / FSA, see here:

Does Talkspace Bill Your insurance?

If you are wondering whether Talkspace bills your insurance, the answer is yes. Talkspace accepts insurance from a number of providers, including Premera, Cigna, Optum, Gatorcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield and more.

You can check if your insurance provider is accepted by visiting their website (or using the tool above).

To find out if you are covered through your employer or Employee Assistance Program (EAP), you can contact your HR representative or EAP provider.

It’s important to note that the cost share will apply similarly to any in-office visit with a behavioral health provider.

Is Therapy ever Covered by Insurance?

If you’re wondering whether therapy is covered by insurance, the answer is generally yes.

However, coverage can vary depending on your specific insurance plan and the type of therapy you need.

Here are some key points to keep in mind

• Most insurance plans in the United States cover mental health services, including therapy.
• The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 requires insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health and physical health conditions.
• Some plans may have restrictions on the number of therapy sessions covered per year or require pre-authorization from a primary care physician.
• Couples counseling may not be covered by insurance, as it is often considered a relationship issue rather than a mental health condition.

It’s important to check with your specific insurance provider to understand what mental health services are covered under your plan.

How Does payment on Talkspace work?

If you’re wondering how payment on Talkspace works, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, all of Talkspace’s therapy plans are recurring subscriptions that are billed automatically on either a monthly, quarterly, or biannual basis. The frequency is chosen by you when you sign up for the service.

Second, there are several ways to pay for Talkspace therapy, including insurance (if your provider is partnered with Talkspace), employer coverage, EAP sessions, and HSA or FSA accounts.

Third, if you pay out-of-pocket for your Talkspace account, you can download superbills directly from the platform to receive reimbursement from your insurance provider.

How do I update my insurance on Talkspace?

If you need to update your insurance on Talkspace, the process is simple and can be done through the app. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Log into your Talkspace app.
2. Click on the gear wheel icon.
3. On the Settings page, click on View Payment and plan.
4. On the Payment and plan page, click on Change Insurance Information.
5. Follow the prompts to update your insurance information.

It’s important to note that Talkspace accepts a variety of insurance plans, so it’s worth checking with your provider to see if they cover Talkspace services.

If you have any questions or concerns about updating your insurance information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Talkspace’s customer support team for assistance. However, we have found the Talkspace Customer Support Team to be slow.

Talkspace Cost without Insurance

If you’re considering Talkspace for online therapy but don’t have insurance coverage, the cost can range from $276 to $436 per month depending on the plan you choose. However, you can save money by prepaying for a quarterly or annual subscription.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Talkspace plans start at $276 per month for unlimited messaging therapy.
• The most comprehensive plan, Unlimited Messaging Therapy Ultimate, costs $396 per month and includes four 30-minute live sessions with your therapist.
• Visits with a psychiatrist cost $249 for the initial session and $125 for follow-up sessions.
• BetterHelp is a similar online therapy service that may be slightly less expensive than Talkspace.

It’s important to note that while online therapy can be more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, it’s not always covered by insurance.

If cost is a concern for you, it may be worth exploring other options such as community mental health centers or sliding-scale therapists.

As always, it’s best to consult with a mental health professional to determine what type of treatment is right for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many benefits associated with using an online platform like Talkspace for mental health care services.

Multiple studies have found that teletherapy can be just as effective at treating depression and anxiety as traditional face-to-face counseling sessions; making it a viable option for those looking for quality mental health care services from home or on the go!

Use these resources to make the financial cost of Talkspace easier, or to clarify any confusion!

Sources

1. Carlbring, P., Andersson, G., Cuijpers, P., Riper, H., & Hedman-Lagerlöf, E. (2017, December 7). Internet-based vs. face-to-face cognitive behavior therapy for psychiatric and somatic disorders: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 47(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2017.1401115
2. Chakrabarti, S. (2015). Usefulness of telepsychiatry: A critical evaluation of videoconferencing-based approaches. World Journal of Psychiatry, 5(3), 286. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v5.i3.286
3. HHS’s New Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Benefit Resources Will Help People Seeking Care to Better Understand Their Rights. (2022, April 27). HHS’s New Mental Health And Substance Use Disorder Benefit Resources Will Help People Seeking Care to Better Understand Their Rights | SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20220427/hhs-new-mental-health-substance-use-disorder-benefit-resources
4. Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) | Medicaid. (n.d.). Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) | Medicaid. https://www.medicaid.gov/chip/index.html
5. Bloomberg Business. (2020, August 10). Talkspace Expands Affordable Mental Health Care Offering for 40 Million Americans via Insurance Coverage. Bloomberg. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2020-08-10/talkspace-expands-affordable-mental-health-care-offering-for-40-million-americans-via-insurance-coverage

More Talkspace Resources

1. We Bought Talkspace (Video) – Here’s Our Complete Review
2. Why Michael Phelps Says, “Talkspace Saved My Life”
3. Insurances Talkspace Accepts – Covers 40 Million Americans
   • Use Your HSA to Cover Talkspace
   • Kaiser & Talkspace
   • Cigna & Talkspace
   • Justworks & Talkspace
   • United & Talkspace
   • Aetna & Talkspace
   • UF & Talkspace
4. Talkspace Cost Breakdown – What We Paid
   • The True Price of Talkspace
   • The Secret Talkspace Maintenance Plan
   • Why Talkspace Couples Therapy Only Has 1 Price
5. The Public and Private Talkspace Discounts We Found
   • Proof Talkspace No Longer Offers Financial Aid
6. Talkspace Phone Number (?)
7. Talkspace Company Financial Info
   • About Talkspace’s New CEO
   • Talkspace in Canada
   • Talkspace in India and the UK
8. The Salary of Talkspace Therapists
   • Careers at Talkspace
   • Employee Benefits at Talkspace
   • Employee Talkspace Login
9. How To Cancel Your Talkspace Subscription
   • How To Get Your Talkspace Refund
   • How to Delete Your Talkspace Account
   • How to Change Your Talkspace Therapist
10. The Talkspace App Is Popular!
11. Talkspace Versus Calmerry
12. Talkspace Versus Brightside
13. Talkspace Versus Sesame Care

Final Talkspace Review Summary