Insurance for online counseling: Claim 100s, Smart!

Why Insurance for Online Counseling Just Got a Lot Less Confusing

Stop overpaying for therapy. Most major health plans now cover online counseling—but 73% of people don’t know how to use their benefits. If surprise bills have scared you away from getting help, you’re leaving money (and mental health) on the table.

What You’ll Pay With Insurance for Online Counseling [2025 Rates]:

• In-network: $0–$25 copay per session (saves you $200+ each visit)
• Out-of-network: 50–80% reimbursement after deductible
• Medicare/Medicaid: Covered in Florida—often $0 copay
• No insurance: $75–$299/session (Thrive offers payment plans)
• Major plans accepted: Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Florida Blue

Here’s the truth: Since 2020, the Mental Health Parity Act forces insurers to cover online therapy just like in-person visits. Translation? Your video therapy session should cost the same as driving to an office—except you save gas money and time.

The problem? Insurance companies don’t advertise this. They bury it in 47-page PDFs. At Thrive Mental Health, we verify your exact benefits before your first session—no surprises, no decoder ring needed. We serve Florida with programs that actually work.

Why Online Counseling Is Exploding—And How Insurance Can Save You Hundreds

Online counseling has gone from a niche option to an essential service. It’s real therapy with licensed clinicians, delivered securely through your phone or computer. Instead of fighting traffic and sitting in a waiting room, you connect from wherever you feel comfortable. The convenience is a game-changer, especially with evening and weekend options available through our Remote Mental Health Support programs.

Using your insurance for online counseling means you get the same high-quality care with typical copays of just $0–$25, saving you hundreds each month compared to self-pay rates.

At Thrive, we offer several ways to connect:

• Video sessions: Our most popular format, offering face-to-face connection that builds trust.
• Phone sessions: A great alternative when video isn’t possible.
• Secure messaging: Provides ongoing support between sessions for established clients (not for crisis situations).

What Conditions Does Thrive Treat Online?

Online therapy is serious clinical care for conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and trauma. Our clinicians use proven, evidence-based approaches:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change destructive thought patterns.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills to manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
• Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT): Improves your understanding of your own and others’ mental states.

These gold-standard treatments are highly effective in a virtual setting. We also offer specialized Online Counseling for Trauma to create a safe space for processing difficult experiences. Learn more about How CBT, DBT, and MBT Can Transform Mental Health Treatment.

Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person?

The research is clear: yes. Studies show over 80% of people find virtual therapy just as effective—or even more so—than traditional sessions. The American Psychological Association recognizes telehealth as a legitimate and beneficial treatment method. Many clients report feeling more open and honest from the comfort of their own environment, leading to better outcomes. The research on online therapy effectiveness confirms what we see every day: virtual therapy delivers real results.

How to Get Insurance for Online Counseling: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating your insurance benefits can be frustrating, but a few simple steps can save you from surprise bills. Here’s how to get clear answers.

1. Find In-Network Providers: This is the best way to keep costs low. An in-network therapist has a pre-negotiated rate with your insurer, meaning you’ll likely only pay a small copay ($0-$25). Thrive partners with major insurers to make our programs affordable.

2. Check Out-of-Network Benefits: If a provider is out-of-network, your plan may still reimburse you for a portion of the cost (often 50-80%) after you meet your deductible. We can provide a “superbill” (a detailed receipt) for you to submit to your insurer.

3. Verify Your Coverage: Never assume. Call the member services number on your insurance card and ask about your benefits for “telehealth behavioral health.” Key questions include your deductible, copay/coinsurance, and whether you need pre-authorization.

To make it easier, Thrive offers an insurance verification tool that checks your benefits for you in about two minutes. We’ll give you a clear estimate of your costs with no obligation. For a deeper dive into the terminology, read our guide on How to Read Mental Health Insurance Benefits.

Does My Plan Cover Online Therapy? Quick Coverage Checklist

Most likely, yes. We regularly work with Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and Florida Blue, all of which have robust coverage for online counseling.

Our services are available in Florida. While parity laws require similar coverage for online and in-person therapy, your specific plan details matter. Always verify.

Can You Use Medicare and Medicaid for Online Counseling?

Yes. This is one of the biggest positive changes in mental healthcare access.

• Medicare: Now covers online therapy for all members, including traditional Medicare (Part B) and Medicare Advantage plans. Many members pay a $0 copay for in-network providers like Thrive.
• Medicaid: Coverage has expanded dramatically. In Florida, Medicaid recipients have solid options for accessing online counseling. Call the number on your card to confirm your specific telehealth benefits or check out our guide on Medicaid Covered Therapy.

The Real Cost: Copays, Deductibles, and What Insurance Actually Pays

Understanding a few key terms will explain your bill and prevent financial stress. Here’s what you can expect to pay for online counseling.

• Copay: A flat fee you pay per session. For in-network providers at Thrive, this is typically $0 to $25.
• Deductible: The amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to cover costs. Many plans have low or no deductibles for mental health services.
• Coinsurance: The percentage of the cost you pay after meeting your deductible. For example, with 20% coinsurance, you pay 20% of the session fee, and your insurance pays 80%.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Coverage Type	What You Pay Per Session	What Insurance Pays	Notes
In-Network (Thrive)	$0–$25 copay	75%–100%	Best value—most predictable costs
Out-of-Network	20%–50% coinsurance after deductible	50%–80%	May require superbill for reimbursement
No Insurance (Self-Pay)	$75–$299 per session	N/A	Payment plans available at Thrive

Using your insurance can save you thousands of dollars over the course of treatment. For a deeper look at your rights under federal law, see our guide on the Benefits of Health Insurance Covering Mental Health Services.

Can You Use HSA or FSA for Online Counseling?

Yes. This is a smart way to save money. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) let you pay for therapy with pre-tax dollars, effectively giving you a 20-30% discount. Mental health therapy is a qualified medical expense, and at Thrive, we make it easy to use your HSA or FSA card for any payments.

Why Insurance for Online Counseling Just Got a Lot Less Confusing

Most major plans now cover virtual therapy—often with $0–$25 copays when you stay in-network. That includes Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and Florida Blue, plus Medicare and Medicaid in Florida. If your clinician is out-of-network, you may still get 50–80% reimbursement with a Superbills.

The catch is decoding deductibles, coinsurance, and pre-authorization. At Thrive Mental Health, we verify your benefits before your first session so you know costs upfront—no surprises.

Want details on protections and how to maximize your plan? See: Benefits of Health Insurance Covering Mental Health Services, Medical Insurance Cover Therapy, and How to Read Mental Health Insurance Benefits.

Why Online Counseling Is Exploding—And How Insurance Can Save You Hundreds

Online counseling delivers licensed care through secure video or phone—no commute, no waiting room. With in-network benefits, many clients pay just $0–$25 per session, saving $200–$300 versus typical self-pay rates. Explore Thrive’s Remote Mental Health Support for flexible evening and weekend options.

At Thrive, you can choose:

• Video sessions: Best for face-to-face connection.
• Phone sessions: When video isn’t possible.
• Secure messaging: For established clients between sessions (not for crisis).

What Conditions Does Thrive Treat Online?

Evidence-based care for anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, and trauma using CBT, DBT, and MBT. Learn more: How CBT, DBT, and MBT Can Transform Mental Health Treatment and our Online Counseling for Trauma.

Is Online Therapy as Effective as In-Person?

Yes. Research shows over 80% of people find virtual therapy as effective—or more so—than in-person. The APA recognizes telehealth as legitimate, evidence-based treatment. See the research on online therapy effectiveness.

How to Get Insurance for Online Counseling: Step-by-Step

Navigating insurance for online counseling shouldn’t require a medical degree. We verify benefits upfront so you know costs before you start.

Find in-network Thrive providers. This keeps costs low—often the difference between ~$20 and ~$200 per session.

If we’re out-of-network, many plans still reimburse 50–80% after your deductible. We’ll give you a Superbills with the correct codes for easy submission.

Verify coverage before your first session. Call your plan and ask: What’s my deductible for mental health? My copay or coinsurance for telehealth behavioral health? Do I need pre-authorization? Or use your plan’s Summary of Benefits.

Or skip the calls: use Thrive’s fast insurance verification tool and we’ll break down your costs in about two minutes. For help understanding terms, see How to Read Mental Health Insurance Benefits.

Does My Plan Cover Online Therapy? Quick Coverage Checklist

Likely yes. We frequently work with Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, and Florida Blue—most cover virtual therapy at the same rate as in-person.

Thrive serves Florida. Coverage specifics vary by plan, so always verify.

Medicare and Medicaid: Can You Use Them for Online Counseling?

Medicare covers online therapy (Part B and Medicare Advantage). Many members pay $0 copays in-network.

Medicaid coverage has expanded across Florida. Call the number on your card to confirm telehealth benefits, or see our guide: Medicaid Covered Therapy.

The Real Cost: Copays, Deductibles, and What Insurance Actually Pays

Here’s what you’re likely to pay with insurance for online counseling—and why it varies.

Copays: Flat fee per visit (often $0–$25 in-network at Thrive).

Deductibles: What you pay out of pocket before insurance shares costs. After you meet it, your plan helps pay.

Coinsurance: Your percentage after the deductible (commonly 10–20% in-network).

Cost Factor	In-Network (with insurance)	Out-of-Network (with insurance)	No Insurance (Self-Pay)
Copay	Typically $0–$25 per session	Varies, often higher or applied after deductible	N/A
Deductible	You pay 100% until met	You pay 100% until met	N/A
Coinsurance	Your percentage after deductible (e.g., 10–20%)	Your percentage after deductible (e.g., 20–50%)	N/A
Session Cost	Copay only (after deductible is met)	Full fee initially, then reimbursed by insurance	$75–$299 per session (Thrive rates vary by program)

Using your benefits can save thousands over a course of care. Learn more about your rights: Benefits of Health Insurance Covering Mental Health Services.

Can You Use HSA or FSA for Online Counseling?

Yes. Pay with pre-tax dollars from your HSA/FSA to save roughly 20–30% on copays, coinsurance, or self-pay sessions.

Is Online Therapy Right for You? Pros, Cons, and Thrive’s Flexible Options

Online therapy offers incredible convenience and access, but it’s important to know if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros:

• Accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere in Florida.
• Cost-Effective: Use your insurance to pay just a small copay.
• Convenience: No commute, no time off work, and flexible scheduling.

Cons:

• Tech Issues: A stable internet connection is essential.
• Privacy: Finding a private space at home can be challenging.
• Digital Barrier: Some people prefer the dynamic of an in-person session.

Important: Online therapy is not for immediate crises. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or are in a mental health emergency, call or text 988 immediately to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

At Thrive, our virtual and hybrid Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization (PHP) programs offer more structure than traditional weekly therapy, addressing many of these challenges with intensive, expert-led support.

Therapy vs. Psychiatry: What’s Covered?

Many people confuse these two, but both are typically covered by insurance.

• Therapists provide talk therapy to help you develop coping skills and work through emotional challenges.
• Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe and manage medication.

Thrive offers both services, often in combination, and your insurance plan will generally cover both at a similar rate. Learn more about our Psychiatry Medication Management services.

How Does Thrive Protect Your Privacy Online?

Your privacy is legally protected and fundamental to our work. We use HIPAA-compliant, encrypted video platforms to ensure your conversations and records are secure and confidential. What you share in therapy stays in therapy, protected by strict ethical and legal standards.

What If Insurance Won’t Cover Online Counseling?

If your plan falls short or you don’t have insurance, you still have options.

• Self-Pay & Payment Plans: Thrive offers competitive self-pay rates and flexible payment plans for our IOP and PHP programs.
• Out-of-Network Reimbursement: We can provide a superbill to help you get reimbursed by your insurance company for a portion of the cost.
• Community Resources: Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer free support groups and resources.

FAQs: Insurance for Online Counseling

How much does online counseling cost with insurance?

With in-network insurance for online counseling, most Thrive clients pay a copay between $0 and $25 per session after meeting their deductible. Without insurance, self-pay rates for therapy typically range from $75–$299 per session, depending on the program. Because Thrive’s virtual IOP and PHP programs are more comprehensive than standard therapy, insurance coverage makes this high level of care much more affordable.

Does insurance cover online therapy the same as in-person?

Yes, in most cases. Mental health parity laws require most plans to cover online therapy at the same rate as in-person care. This includes major insurers like Cigna, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, as well as Medicare and Medicaid in Florida. Always call your insurer to confirm your specific “telehealth behavioral health” benefits.

What if my Thrive therapist is out-of-network?

You can still get care. You would pay the session fee upfront, and we would provide a superbill (a detailed receipt) for you to submit to your insurance. Depending on your plan’s out-of-network benefits, you may be reimbursed for 50–80% of the cost after your deductible is met.

Are Thrive’s online psychiatrists covered by insurance?

Yes. If your insurance plan includes mental health benefits, our online psychiatry and medication management services are typically covered just like therapy. You’ll pay your standard copay or coinsurance. We can verify your specific benefits for you before you book an appointment.

Your Path to Affordable Online Counseling Starts Here

Stop letting insurance confusion block your recovery. Using insurance for online counseling saves you $200–$300 per session—that’s thousands of dollars over your treatment.

At Thrive Mental Health, we eliminate the guesswork:

• We verify your benefits upfront (no surprise bills)
• Accept all major insurers: Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Optum, Florida Blue
• Most clients pay just $0–$25 copays
• Serve Florida

Our virtual and hybrid programs deliver more than weekly therapy—we offer Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and ongoing Virtual Therapy with evening and weekend options.

Ready for support? Thrive offers virtual and hybrid IOP/PHP programs with evening options. Verify your insurance in 2 minutes (no obligation) → Verify Your Benefits Now or call 561-203-6085. If you’re in crisis, call/text 988.