Many plans cover a wide range of online mental health services, including individual therapy, family therapy, behavioral therapy, couples counseling, and medication management. These services are often used to treat various conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and alcohol use disorder, among others providing comprehensive support for diverse mental health needs.

For those insured, online therapy services are generally reimbursed in the same way as traditional in-person therapy.

Typically, there's no limit to the number of online therapy sessions insurance companies will cover. As long as the therapy is deemed medically necessary, weekly or even biweekly therapy sessions are typically covered by insurance without any restrictions.

Moreover, getting started with online therapy is straightforward. Typically, there's no need to get prior authorization or a prescription from your primary care physician before you can see a network therapist.

Preparing for your first virtual visit is crucial for fostering a successful therapeutic journey. Learn how to prepare for your first therapy sessionto get the most out of your video session:

• Complete the Intake Documents in Advance: Before the initial visit, be sure to complete the intake documents and include all relevant medical history so that the session focuses on the treatment, not the paperwork.
• Ensure Your Tech is Ready: Test your computer, internet connection and video conferencing software to prevent any technical issues.
• Select a Private & Quiet Space: Find a quiet and comfortable space in your home for the session. A place that is not connected to high-stress activities or strong emotions is preferable. For instance, avoid your home office if work stress is a predominant concern.
• Remove Distractions: Turn off email and text notifications so they don’t pop up on your screen during your video session. Tell housemates or children not to disturb you for the next hour.
• Embrace Open Communication: It’s natural to be defensive or apprehensive at first. But therapy is designed as a non-judgmental zone dedicated to your support. You don’t need to prepare anything. Let your emotions do the talking for you.

During the course of therapy, you and your therapist will create a treatment plan that is aligned with your therapy goals. You will then track your progress towards your mental health and wellness goals.

By following these guidelines, you'll be setting up the right environment for productive virtual therapy sessions. Remember, the more open and honest you are with your online therapist, the more effective your journey towards improved mental health will be.

The frequency of virtual sessions varies depending on individual needs and therapy goals. Many clients start with weekly sessions and adjust as needed based on their progress and comfort level. 

We consider one year of therapy—or around 50 weekly sessions—as a significant milestone. Attending weekly therapy for a full year can help you understand the ups and downs that affect you throughout all seasons and equip you with a toolkit of methods to thrive in any situation.

We're here to ensure your therapy experience is seamless, even if technical issues arise. If you encounter any difficulties during your session, please try reconnecting to the platform. Should the problem persist, call or text your therapist immediately. We won't let technical challenges hinder your progress. If connecting online isn't possible due to a technical issue, we can promptly switch to a phone session to continue your care without interruption.

Booking an appointment is simple—just visit our website or give us a call. Our supportive therapy coordinator will assist you in scheduling your first session and answer any questions, ensuring you have a smooth and supportive therapy experience from the start.

Yes, many clients use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for therapy services, including online therapy.

Online therapy providers are licensed to practice in specific states to ensure you receive compliant and professional care. It’s important to confirm that your therapist is licensed in your state before scheduling a session. We can help connect you with a therapist who can practice in your location as needed.

Currently, we proudly serve clients in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Arizona, ensuring accessible and reliable mental health support no matter where you live.

Yes, virtually all insurance plans cover online therapy, recognizing its effectiveness as a treatment option, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of remote care. However, copay, co-insurance and deductible can vary significantly between different insurance providers and individual plans.

To ensure you receive the maximum benefits, contact us directly. Our experienced team will verify your insurance benefits for online therapy, ensuring you have a clear understanding of your coverage and any associated costs. We take care of the verification process, so you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Additionally, reviewing your policy documents or speaking with your insurance provider can provide further insights into what’s covered under your plan. Discover our online therapists in New York and let  us assist you in unlocking the full potential of your insurance benefits for seamless access to quality online mental health counseling.

Certain insurance plans may restrict coverage to specific types of therapy or require you to see an in-network provider. Let our team verify these details in advance, helping you avoid unexpected costs and ensuring your therapy sessions are fully covered.

Chances are, your insurance does cover online therapy—even if you've been told otherwise. Insurance representatives can sometimes provide incomplete or inaccurate information. Let us double-check your coverage for you. Contact us at 212-960-8626, and our dedicated team will verify your insurance benefits to ensure you have the correct information about your coverage.

If it turns out your insurance truly doesn’t cover online therapy, we recommend exploring other options such as sliding scale fees available through different providers or community resources. Don't let misinformation prevent you from accessing the mental health support you need. Reach out to us, and we'll help guide you towards the best possible solutions for your well-being.

We understand that filing insurance claims can be a cumbersome process. That's why we take care of everything on your behalf. After each online therapy session, our experienced team will file the claim directly with your insurance provider, ensuring all details are accurately presented to maximize your reimbursement. 

This seamless approach allows you to focus entirely on your therapy without the added burden of paperwork and administrative tasks. Experience hassle-free insurance claims and continue your journey toward mental well-being with ease and confidence.

If your insurance changes while you’re in therapy, inform our support billing team immediately. We will promptly verify whether we are in-network with your new insurance plan and determine any new copays or deductibles that may apply. Our dedicated team handles all the necessary adjustments to ensure your online therapy covered by insurance continues seamlessly without interrupting your sessions.

By letting us know in advance, we can provide you with accurate details about your new coverage, helping you avoid any unexpected costs or disruptions in your mental health care.

For personalized assistance and to ensure a smooth transition, contact us at 212-960-8626. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you continue to receive the high-quality online mental health counseling you deserve.

Online therapy has become the preferred therapy option for most people. Convenience and accessibility along with cost-efficiency and the additional layer of privacy have made online therapy popular among clients and their therapists.

Online therapy can help with a long list of mental and emotional issues. These include depression, anxiety, bereavement, life transitions, work stress, self-esteem, sleep disturbances, family or relationship issues and substance use disorders, among others.

Online therapy is a game-changer for people with physical limitations, transportation issues, a demanding schedule or who live in remote living areas. Online therapy bridges the access gap to mental health care, eliminating geographical or mobility barriers to mental health services.

Online therapy is not for everyone. Here are some cases where online therapy might not be the best solution:

Face-to-face Meeting Priority: Some people prefer traditional in-person appointments. They may have difficulty establishing a therapeutic relationship or expressing their feelings online.

Severe Mental Illness: Individuals with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression often need more intensive treatment than online therapy can provide.

Co-occurring Disorders: People with multiple mental health issues may need a more comprehensive treatment approach than telehealth can provide.

Child Therapy: Young children are most often unsuitable candidates for online therapy. Online therapy is a better fit for adults who have developed the necessary levels of focus, comprehension and verbal communication that children have not.

Unstable internet connection: Those without reliable internet access or the necessary technology may have difficulty participating in online therapy.

Where appropriate, we treat complex conditions such as trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and addiction through online sessions. Our online therapists also treat a wide range of mental health issues including PTSD, anger management and postpartum depression.

If you are currently experiencing a crisis, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

A major deterrent to traditional therapy for many individuals is the high cost associated with it, which is a formidable barrier to mental health care. However, online therapy offers an equally effective alternative that removes financial barriers while ensuring quality care and support.

Let's explore how:

Save on Travel Costs: Online counseling is cheaper than traditional therapy because it does not require travel. Individuals can save on transportation, parking, and other incidental costs associated with individual therapy.

Use Insurance: Almost all insurance companies are extending coverage to online sessions. Working with an online therapist that takes insurance allows you to access necessary care without incurring large out-of-pocket costs.

Preventive Approach, Long-Term Savings: Online counseling services can help you save money in the long run by addressing mental health issues before they get worse. With early intervention, many individuals can avoid additional medical costs. This preventative approach to mental health care improves overall mental health outcomes and reduces costs in the long run.

Online therapy with insurance offers a cost-efficient and equally effective alternative to traditional therapy. Because of its convenience, expanded coverage options, and potential cost savings, online therapy is an excellent option for individuals seeking psychological support without breaking the bank. By exploring these options, individuals can make a sound financial decision that simultaneously prioritizes their mental health and well-being.

How to Choose An Online Therapy Provider

Before you start looking for an online therapist, ask yourself these fundamental questions:

• What do I want to get out of online therapy?
• What drains me of energy?
• In what situations do I often have difficulty?
• What negative emotions affect me most on a daily basis?

There are different types of therapists. One way to choose a therapist is by looking at the type of mental health issues they specialize in. For instance, If you have social anxiety, an anxiety therapist with relevant experience is essential.

Another way of choosing an online therapist is by looking at the type of therapy that most resonates with you right now. Some types of therapy are very solution-focused and action-based – like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – while others, such as psychodynamic and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), are more open-ended and follow the track of the emotions

To help you find the right online therapist that match your need, consider the following criteria:

Credentials and qualifications: Ensure that the therapist you choose is qualified to provide therapy. Look for degrees, certifications and professional memberships that demonstrate their expertise in the field.

Specialization and expertise: Consider the specific areas of expertise or specialization that the therapist offers. If you have specific mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or relationship issues, look for a therapist with relevant experience and training.

Therapy approach and techniques: Different therapists use different types of therapy.  Some are faster pace; others take longer and can take you further. Read up on them and see if one type calls out to you.

Availability and scheduling: For therapy to really work, you need to commit to regular weekly sessions. Choose a session time that works with your schedule and confirm with your therapist that this time will be reserved for you each week.

Reviews and testimonials: Read online reviews or testimonials from past clients to gauge a therapist's reputation and effectiveness. Keep in mind that individual experiences can vary, but many positive reviews can point to a trustworthy therapist.

Cost and insurance coverage: Understand therapy fees and payment options. Ask about insurance coverage for online therapy or if they offer sliding scale fees based on income. It's essential to determine whether their services are affordable and within your budget.

Online platform and technology: Evaluate the online platform used by the therapist. Confirm that it is secure, user-friendly, and maintains client confidentiality.

Try Before You Decide: It may take a few sessions to establish rapport with your therapist. Let your feelings guide your decision over the course of the first few sessions. Ask yourself if you feel understood, comfortable expressing your thoughts and feel safe in their presence. Good therapy requires trust. If you feel like you’re not connecting, don’t give up. You haven’t found your therapist yet. Keep looking, but give each potential relationship a fair chance, ideally over 3 to 5 sessions.

Manhattan Mental Health Counseling is leading the way in providing high-quality, budget-friendly online mental health counseling. Our group comprises licensed therapists and limited permit mental health counselors, all dedicated to providing skillful, accessible, and affordable online therapy, ensuring you receive personalized and effective care tailored to your unique needs.

Unlike subscription-based online therapy platforms, we accept insurance for our services, making our online therapy services both flexible and budget-friendly. This approach allows you to access professional support without the constraints of fixed monthly fees. All our online counseling services are conducted through secure live video chat, providing a private and convenient environment for your therapy sessions.

We believe in the power of therapy to heal and transform lives and are dedicated to serving the community and improving the well-being and relationships of all.

Yes, we provide online therapy that takes insurance, including Medicaid via Healthfirst. This ensures that you can access professional mental health support without financial strain. If you have any questions about your coverage, our support team is here to help.

No matter what you're facing, be it anxiety, depression, family issues, or other mental health challenges, our online counseling services that accept insurance are here to help you overcome obstacles from the comfort of your own space.

We proudly accept the following insurance plans for online mental health counseling: Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Healthfirst. We are an in-network provider with these insurance companies. Rest assured, these insurance plans include online counseling. Additionally, our online therapy services are reimbursable under most out-of-network insurance plans.

While psychiatrists and certain nurse practitioners can prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications through video visits, mental health counselors and social workers do not. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who usually do not provide talk therapy. Our licensed providers offer talk therapy but do not prescribe medication.

If you are looking for medication management services, consider psychiatric care options, including the services of a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.