Can You Get Online Therapy Covered by Insurance? Here’s How Reimbursement Works
Many people are surprised to learn that even if an online therapy platform doesn’t accept insurance directly, you can still get reimbursed by your provider. Platforms like Online-Therapy.com offer all the documentation you need to file an out-of-network claim with your insurance company.
This guide walks you through how it works, what to expect, and how to make the most of your benefits.
Does Insurance Cover Online Therapy?
Yes, in many cases. But how it works depends on your plan:
- In-network coverage: Platforms like Talkspace and Teladoc partner with insurance companies to bill directly.
- Out-of-network reimbursement: Other platforms, like Online-Therapy.com, provide documentation you can submit to your insurer for partial reimbursement.
Because many insurance plans now include mental health and telehealth benefits, chances are good that you can get reimbursed—if you follow the right steps.
How Reimbursement for Online Therapy Works
Reimbursement doesn’t happen automatically. You need to:
- Choose a platform that gives you the right paperwork (like a superbill)
- Attend therapy sessions
- Collect documentation (more on that below)
- Submit it to your insurance company
- Wait 2–4 weeks for a check or deposit
What Documents Do You Need for Reimbursement?
Insurers need specific documents to process your claim. Here’s what they ask for and why:
- Superbill
A detailed receipt that includes:
- Your name
- Date of session
- Service type (e.g., individual therapy)
- Therapist’s name, credentials, and NPI
- CPT and diagnosis codes
Why: Proves the session was a billable, medical service.
- CPT Codes
Examples:
- 90834 – 45-minute therapy session
- 90791 – Intake/diagnostic assessment
Why: Tells your insurer what kind of service was provided.
- Diagnosis Code (ICD-10)
Examples:
- F41.1 – Generalized Anxiety
- F33.1 – Major Depression
Why: Insurers only reimburse for services addressing recognized mental health conditions.
- Therapist Credentials
License number, credentials (e.g., LCSW, LMFT), and NPI number.
Why: Only licensed providers qualify. - Proof of Payment
Credit card receipt, platform invoice, or confirmation email.
Why: You must have paid out-of-pocket first to get reimbursed.
Why Some Platforms Are Reimbursement-Friendly (and Others Aren’t)
Not every online mental health platform qualifies for insurance reimbursement.
To be eligible, a platform must:
- Employ licensed therapists (not coaches or peers)
- Offer live sessions that follow billable CPT guidelines
- Provide detailed documentation (like a superbill)
Many services don’t meet all three. For example:
- BetterHelp offers flexible messaging, but may not provide CPT-coded receipts
- Coaching apps and peer-to-peer support often don’t count as therapy
By contrast, Online-Therapy.com offers weekly sessions, therapist credentials, and downloadable receipts—all aligned with insurer standards.
Comparison Table: Online Therapy and Insurance Reimbursement
| Platform | Reimbursement Friendly | In-Network? | Best For |
| Online-Therapy.com | Contact Your Provider | No | Worksheets + structure |
| BetterHelp | Contact Your Provider | No | Flexible messaging |
| Talkspace | Yes (some plans) | Yes | In-network convenience |
What About Medicaid?
Medicaid coverage depends on your state. Some state Medicaid plans reimburse for virtual therapy, others require in-person care, and many only cover certain platforms.
We’ve created state-specific guides you can explore here:
- Online Therapy in Michigan with Medicaid
- Medicaid and Therapy in Pennsylvania
For the most accurate info, call the number on the back of your Medicaid card and ask about “telehealth mental health reimbursement.”
How to Submit a Claim for Reimbursement
- Download the medical claim form from your insurer’s website
- Fill out the sections related to service, provider, and payment
- Attach your superbill and proof of payment
- Submit via member portal, mail, or email if provided
- Wait 2–4 weeks for processing
How to Request Reimbursement Documents from Online-Therapy.com
If your online mental health provider does not provide a built-in download button for invoices or superbills, their support team can assist you in accessing the necessary documents. Use the following email template to streamline your request. While it is specific to Online-Therapy.com, change it to fit your provider, and still ask for the correct items:
Sample Email
Subject: Request for Reimbursement Documentation (Superbill/Invoice)
Dear Online-Therapy.com Support Team,
I hope you’re doing well. I am currently using your platform for therapy sessions and would like to request the appropriate documentation to submit an out-of-network reimbursement claim to my insurance provider.
Specifically, could you please provide:
- An itemized invoice or superbill for my sessions
- The CPT codes and ICD-10 diagnosis code used for billing
- My therapist’s full name, license number, and NPI number
- Confirmation of payment (if not already included)
If any of this information is already available within my account, I’d appreciate your guidance on how to access and download it.
Thank you in advance for your assistance!
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Account Username or Registered Email, if different]
Final Thoughts
Reimbursement for online therapy is more accessible than most people think. If you have out-of-network benefits, using a platform like Online-Therapy.com can be a smart, affordable choice. Just make sure to keep your receipts and submit the right documentation.
Ready to get started? Try Online-Therapy.com today and download your superbill after each session. Save 20% using code: THERAPY20
