Checking your mental health benefits should take five minutes. Instead, it goes like this: you find your insurance card (in the other wallet), call the number on the back, press 4 for “behavioral health,” get transferred, listen to twelve minutes of a saxophone cover of “Careless Whisper,” and then get disconnected.
So you don’t do it. And that’s understandable — not knowing your coverage is one of the most common reasons people put off therapy altogether.
Here’s how to check if insurance covers therapy, step by step, including a script. Or, skip to the end and let someone do it for you for free.
Option 1: Check your therapy coverage online
Step 1. Log in to your insurance portal or app. Look for sections labeled “Behavioral Health,” “Mental Health,” or “Benefits & Coverage.”
Step 2. Find “outpatient mental health” or “office visit, mental health.” That’s the category therapy usually falls under. Check the “in-network” column.
Step 3. Write down these four things:
- Copay or coinsurance for an outpatient therapy visit
- Your deductible, and how much of it you’ve met this year
- Whether telehealth (online therapy) is covered the same way
- Whether you need a referral or pre-authorization
Step 4. Check if the therapist is in-network. Use your insurer’s provider search or ask the practice directly.
Portal not making sense? You’re not the only one. That brings us to the phone.
Option 2: Call your insurance company (with this script)
Find the member services or behavioral health number on the back of your card. Then use this:
“Hi, I’m calling to check my outpatient mental health benefits. I’d like to see an in-network therapist for individual therapy, including online or telehealth sessions.
- What is my copay or coinsurance for an outpatient therapy session with an in-network provider?
- Do I have a deductible that applies to therapy? How much have I met so far this year?
- Are telehealth therapy sessions covered the same way as in-person?
- Do I need a referral or pre-authorization?
- Is there a limit on the number of sessions per year?
- Can you confirm that [therapist or practice name] is in-network with my plan?
- Can I get a reference number for this call?”
Tip: always ask for a reference number and write down the name of the person you spoke to. If there’s ever a billing question, it’s your receipt.
What the answers mean for your therapy cost
- “You have a $30 copay” → You’ll likely pay $30 per session. Nice and simple.
- “Your deductible applies first” → You’ll pay more per session until you meet your deductible, then costs drop.
- “20% coinsurance after deductible” → You pay a percentage of the session rate once your deductible is met.
- “Out-of-network only” → Look for an in-network practice instead. It’s usually much cheaper.
- “Prior authorization required” → The practice can often help with this.
For a fuller explanation of the jargon, see our plain-English guide: Does insurance cover therapy?
Common roadblocks (and what to do)
“Behavioral health is managed by a different company.” Very common. Your plan may use a separate company for mental health. The rep should transfer you or give you the number.
“We can’t tell you the cost until the claim is processed.” Ask for your copay or coinsurance for code 90837 (a standard 53+ minute therapy session) or 90834 (38–52 minutes). Those are common therapy billing codes, and asking for them usually gets a clearer answer.
“I don’t have time to sit on hold.” Fair. Keep reading.
Option 3: Let us check your insurance for free
You shouldn’t have to become an expert on insurance to go to therapy. That’s why The Healing Hour offers a free insurance check for every new client.
- Share your insurance info through our secure form (link to insurance checker).
- We verify your mental health benefits with your plan.
- We tell you what your sessions will cost, in plain English, typically within 24 business hours.
- We match you with an in-network therapist and book your first session.
No hold music. No “Careless Whisper.” No surprise bills.
Why checking your coverage first matters
In a 2025 YouGov survey, only 31% of U.S. adults felt very confident choosing a health plan that supports their mental health needs. Uncertainty about cost is one of the biggest reasons people delay care. Once you know the number, therapy stops being a vague expense and becomes just another appointment.
You’ve made enough phone calls for everyone else.
Your mom’s doctor. The school. The plumber. The pharmacy, twice. This one, we’ll make for you.
Get your free insurance check now.
Coverage varies by plan. This article is general information, not financial or legal advice.