Is BetterHelp Covered by Insurance? Essential Information Explained
In the modern world, mental health is becoming an increasingly important topic. However, seeking professional help can often come with a hefty price tag. This article aims to shed light on various affordable therapy options available, including BetterHelp, community mental health centers, sliding scale therapists, university and college counseling services, and crisis support lines.
BetterHelp: Affordable Online Therapy Services
BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that offers sessions for adults, couples, and teenagers at a subscription price. The platform typically charges between $65 to $100 per week, billed every four weeks, which can be cheaper than traditional in-person therapy. For individuals with low income, BetterHelp provides financial aid that can reduce the cost of services.
New clients automatically receive a 20% discount, and financial aid is available for select individuals who meet low-income criteria. You can apply for this aid during the sign-up process, and the qualification depends on your income and financial burden. BetterHelp accepts various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, Google Pay, PayPal, and can utilize HSA/FSA accounts. However, it's important to note that BetterHelp services are generally not covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
Other Affordable Mental Health Services
Community mental health centers offer free and low-cost sessions. Sliding scale therapists also charge fees based on an individual's income. Some universities and colleges offer free or reduced-cost counseling for students.
In the United States, the 988 Lifeline is available for free and confidential support 24/7. If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis but is not in immediate danger, they should call their therapist or psychiatrist. The Crisis Text Line is another option, available for free and confidential support 24/7 by texting HOME to 741741.
Support Groups and Mental Health Crisis Situations
Support groups focus on mental health conditions such as addiction, depression, or anxiety and are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional. Examples include the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) family support group.
It's crucial to understand that a mental health crisis is a situation in which there is a significant chance that a person might harm themselves or others and cannot safely care for themselves. Signs of a mental health crisis may include difficulty finishing tasks, increased agitation, verbal threats, property destruction, rapid mood changes, self-harm, psychosis, losing touch with reality, inability to recognize family and friends, increased substance use, withdrawal from loved ones and activities, and challenges managing stress.
In a potentially life-threatening situation, call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis but is not in immediate danger, seeking help from a mental health professional is essential. Whether it's through BetterHelp, community mental health centers, support groups, or crisis support lines, there are many affordable options available to help you on your journey towards better mental health.
- BetterHelp, an online therapy platform, provides affordable sessions for various age groups at a weekly subscription of $65 to $100, billed every four weeks.
- New clients on BetterHelp receive a 20% discount, and financial aid is available for individuals meeting low-income criteria, with the qualification dependent on income and financial burden.
- Community mental health centers offer free or low-cost sessions, while sliding scale therapists adjust their fees based on an individual's income.
- University and college counseling services provide free or reduced-cost counseling for students, and the 988 Lifeline is a free, confidential support line available 24/7 for mental health crises in the United States.
- The Crisis Text Line, another free, confidential support option, is available 24/7 by texting HOME to 741741.
- Support groups, focused on mental health conditions like addiction, depression, or anxiety, are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional and can be found through organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) family support group.
