Many individuals these days seek therapy services for mental health problems. However, some people shy away from therapy as they believe they cannot afford it.

Fortunately, individual and group health insurance policies may cover the cost of these services, including those provided by psychologists.

What is Covered by Insurances?

The services covered by health insurances depend on the policy and coverage provided by your insurance company. Generally, several health insurers include coverage for mental health therapy as part of their policy provisions.

This coverage may include the following:.

Diagnostic Evaluation

The cost of diagnostic evaluations required by a professional psychologist may be covered by insurance providers. An evaluation helps identify the nature and extent of the mental health issue you’re dealing with.

During this process, a psychologist may interview and examine the patient and recommend the most viable therapies to deal with the problem.

Outpatient Treatment

If your insurance policy covers outpatient treatment, it can help cover the cost of the visits made to the psychologist. Outpatient treatment is an effective approach to treating mental health conditions without the need for hospitalization.

Something to note is that the number of therapy sessions covered by an insurance company varies depending on the plan provided.

Inpatient Treatment

Insurance companies may also offer coverage for inpatient psychiatric care, which involves hospitalization for those in need of specialized treatment beyond the typical outpatient sessions.

Inpatient psychiatric care may include services such as medication prescriptions and counseling sessions, among others. Under most insurance plans, inpatient care is limited to specific conditions and cases. Therefore, it’s essential to check with your insurer to confirm whether your plan covers inpatient care or not.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Partial hospitalization programs allow you to receive psychiatric care while living at home. This program involves daily therapies or treatment that can last for several hours per day and several weeks in total.

The program aims to help individuals receive treatment without the need for hospitalization. PHP is usually less costly than inpatient hospitalization, and most insurance plans cover it.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs are similar to partial hospitalization programs but involve fewer hours per day. People who opt for this option can seek therapy while maintaining their daily lives.

The sessions can last for several days each week, and they mostly occur in the evening, so you can attend after work. Insurance companies may cover this option as it’s cost-effective and can help a patient to continue with their daily lives while seeking therapy for their mental health condition.

Couple and Family Therapy

Insurance providers may also cover therapy sessions that involve more than one person. Couple or family therapy is a perfect example of such sessions.

Family therapy helps family members to learn how to support a loved one dealing with mental health problems. Additionally, couple therapy involves sessions that aim to repair damaged relationships, increase communication, and promote overall mental wellness.

Conclusion

Most health insurance policies cover the cost of therapy and treatments related to mental health problems, including those provided by psychologists.

It’s essential to know what your insurance policy covers before visiting a mental health professional. If you’re interested in seeking help and not sure your insurance policy covers therapy, consider calling your insurance provider to inquire about what services are covered.