Elizabeth RivelliInsurance Writer
Elizabeth Rivelli has nearly five years of experience covering insurance for finance publications. She has expertise in various insurance lines, including car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, life insurance and others. In her writing, she aims to make insurance more approachable and understandable for people in all stages of life. Elizabeth also writes for several insurance company blogs.
Elizabeth Rivelli
Elizabeth RivelliInsurance Writer
Elizabeth Rivelli has nearly five years of experience covering insurance for finance publications. She has expertise in various insurance lines, including car insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, life insurance and others. In her writing, she aims to make insurance more approachable and understandable for people in all stages of life. Elizabeth also writes for several insurance company blogs.
Insurance Writer
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before covering insurance, Les was a news editor and reporter for Patch and Community Newspaper Company and also covered health care, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans for multiple websites.
Fact Checked
Les Masterson
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before covering insurance, Les was a news editor and reporter for Patch and Community Newspaper Company and also covered health care, mortgages, credit cards and personal loans for multiple websites.
Deputy Editor, Insurance
Fact Checked
Updated: Feb 1, 2024, 6:37am
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Finding the best mental health insurance is vital for millions of Americans who are being treated for mental health disorders. Fortunately all Affordable Care Act marketplace plans cover mental health services, as well as many group health insurance and private health insurance plans. Here’s a look at the offerings by the best health insurance companies.
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Best Mental Health Insurance Companies
Kaiser Permanente
5.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
8 states and Washington, D.C.
Provider network
39 hospitals and 734 medical facilities with 23,656 physicians
Telehealth offered?
Yes
8 states and Washington, D.C.
39 hospitals and 734 medical facilities with 23,656 physicians
Yes
Editor's Take
Kaiser Permanente health plans combine health insurance and the delivery of health services through integrated care. Members receive coordinated care with this system.
Many Kaiser Permanente health insurance plans cover mental health services and addiction treatment. If you need mental health support, a Kaiser representative can connect you with a mental health professional through a phone, in-person or telehealth visit without a referral from your primary care doctor.
Kaiser Permanente’s plans provide coverage for most mental health disorders and treatment options, including therapy, medication, substance use disorder treatment and crisis intervention.
Customers can also access the Ginger app for free, providing one-on-one text messaging for 24/7 assistance with issues like stress management and emotional support.
Kaiser Permanente is available in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C.
More:Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance Review
Blue Cross Blue Shield
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
50 states and Washington, D.C.
Provider network
Varies by Blue Cross Blue Shield plan
Telehealth offered?
Yes
On Healthcare.com's Website
50 states and Washington, D.C.
Varies by Blue Cross Blue Shield plan
Yes
Editor's Take
Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance covers mental health services, but the specific conditions and treatments depend on your location and plan. Many companies offer Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and coverage can differ by company.
You can expect most plans to cover common mental health disorders, like anxiety, depression, eating disorders and substance abuse disorders. Inpatient, outpatient and community-based care may also be covered.
Blue Cross Blue Shield members can also access virtual behavioral and mental health resources in select states. For example, members in Massachusetts can use the Learn to Live program, which provides free, 24/7 support programs that help with depression, insomnia, substance use and social anxiety.
More:Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance Review
UnitedHealthcare
4.0
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in New York), including 18 in the ACA marketplace
Provider network
1.3 million physicians and care professionals and 6,500 hospitals and care facilities across the U.S.
Telehealth offered?
Yes
On Healthcare.com's Website
49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in New York), including 18 in the ACA marketplace
1.3 million physicians and care professionals and 6,500 hospitals and care facilities across the U.S.
Yes
Editor's Take
UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for mental health services in-person, over the phone or through telehealth appointments. The company has an extensive network of behavioral health providers, including nearly 270,000 in-person providers and 73,000 virtual providers. The specific mental health benefits you can get depend on your plan.
Some UnitedHealthcare members also have premium access to Sanvello, an app that provides support and coping strategies for mental health disorders like stress, anxiety and depression. The app additionally has features like mood tracking, meditations, peer support and more.
More:UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance Review
Aetna
On Healthcare.com's Website
50 states and Washington, D.C.
More than 1 million providers
Yes
Editor's Take
Aetna customers can access various mental health treatment services, including in-person therapy and virtual appointments. If you need support, you can get paired with a personal care advocate who will find the best treatment professional for your needs. Aetna plans cover many common services, like behavioral therapy and medication management.
Aetna lets you access an online tool called MindCheck. You answer a few questions about how you’re feeling and are given a result like “high distress” or “little to no distress.” MindCheck suggests resources to help you cope with those feelings based on your results.
More:Aetna Health Insurance Review
Cigna
3.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Availability
16 states
Provider network
More than 1.5 million health care providers, clinics and facilities
Telehealth offered?
Yes
On Healthcare.com's Website
16 states
More than 1.5 million health care providers, clinics and facilities
Yes
Editor's Take
Cigna health insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage for mental health treatment. Depending on your plan, you can get coverage for individual therapy, support groups, partial hospitalization and 12-step recovery programs. You can also get coverage for inpatient hospitalization or inpatient residential care if it’s considered medically necessary.
If you need assistance quickly, you can speak one-on-one with a nurse, available 24/7/365, for guidance and support. If you need to make a non-urgent appointment with a mental health professional, the wait time is around 10 days.
More:Cigna Health Insurance Review
Summary: Best Mental Health Insurance
Here is how the best mental health insurance companies compare on overall health insurance ratings, the availability of telehealth services and types of plans offered in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace.
Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Types of plans offered in the ACA marketplace | Offers telehealth? | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | VIEW MORE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kaiser Permanente | ![]() | 5.0 | ![]() | HMO and EPO | Yes | View More | ||
Blue Cross Blue Shield | ![]() | 4.5 | ![]() | HMO, EPO and PPO | Yes | View More | ||
UnitedHealthcare | ![]() | 4.0 | ![]() | HMO and EPO | Yes | View More | ||
Aetna | ![]() | 3.5 | ![]() | HMO and EPO | Yes | View More | ||
Cigna | ![]() | 3.5 | ![]() | HMO and EPO | Yes | View More |
Source: Healthcare.gov. Based on unsubsidized ACA plans
Types of health insurance plans
- Health maintenance organization (HMO) health insurance plans generally require referrals to see specialists. You won’t be covered if you seek care outside of the network, unless it’s for emergency care.
- Preferred provider organization (PPO) health insurance plans usually don’t require referrals from your primary doctor to see specialists. PPO plans allow you to get medical care from a provider outside the network, but the services are covered at a much smaller percentage.
- Exclusive provider organization (EPO) health insurance plans allow you to see a specialist without a referral, as long as it’s in network. EPO plans don’t pay for out-of-network care, unless it’s a medical emergency.
How To Choose the Best Mental Health Insurance
Many health insurance plans cover mental health, according to AHIP, a national association that represents the health insurance industry. In an AHIP study of insured Americans:
- 6 in 10 respondents said their mental health treatment was fully covered by their health insurance policy
- 3 in 4 said that it was easy to find the support they needed
To find the best mental health insurance for you, consider these factors:
- Network size: Insurance companies that contract with many mental health providers, especially in your area, will give you the biggest selection of professionals and facilities where you can get care.
- Virtual appointments: The best mental health insurance companies typically offer telehealth and virtual appointments, so you can receive mental health treatment anywhere.
- Covered services: When comparing providers, pay attention to the services each plan covers. Consider choosing a plan that provides a good mix of inpatient and outpatient services for the most comprehensive coverage.
- Referrals: Some health insurance plans, such as HMOs, require referrals from a primary care provider, while others don’t demand a referral. If you want to manage your own mental health care, look for plans that don’t require a referral for mental health visits, for instance a PPO health plan.
- Free resources: Some health insurance providers offer free mental health resources for members, like Kaiser Permanente, which provides free access to the Ginger app.
What Is Covered by Mental Health Insurance?
Health insurance plans with mental health coverage typically cover many services. Here are some of the services that the best insurance for mental health covers:
- Talk therapy: Talk therapy is a broad category that includes specific therapy modalities, like general counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. If you’re meeting one-on-one with a therapist or psychologist, the session is typically covered by insurance, less out-of-pocket costs.
- Inpatient hospitalization: Inpatient hospitalization is more intensive mental health treatment, which can be voluntary or involuntary. You stay in a hospital or facility for a short period and receive continuous care through individual and group therapy, medication management and coping strategies.
- Partial hospitalization: Partial hospitalization is less intensive than full inpatient hospitalization. During partial hospitalization, you go through a structured program of psychiatric treatments during the day but don’t stay in the facility overnight.
- Substance abuse treatment: Substance abuse treatment is a specific protocol that addresses drug and alcohol addiction. Health insurance plans may cover talk therapy, medication management, 12-step programs or medical detox for people going through substance abuse treatment.
- Emergency care: Many mental health insurance plans cover emergency psychiatric care, also called crisis intervention. This might also include overdose treatment. The specific covered emergency services vary by plan.
- Medication: Most health insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of pharmaceutical treatment for mental health disorders. Some plans may have a copay or other out-of-pocket costs for these medications.
What Does Mental Health Insurance Not Cover?
While many health plans provide comprehensive mental health coverage, they may exclude certain treatments like experimental therapies and non-medically necessary services. Every insurance plan is unique, so the list of exclusions will depend on your specific plan.
Here are some of the mental health services that health insurance policies don’t usually cover:
- Addiction or mental health treatment that’s not medically necessary
- Halfway houses
- Genetic testing for psychotropic medication
- Experimental therapies
- Treatment requested by a third party, like a school or employer
- Educational programs (like wilderness therapy) for addiction or mental health
- Long-term mental health or addiction treatment
In most cases, health insurance doesn’t cover mental health treatments when intervention isn’t clinically necessary or connected to a medical diagnosis. For example, a health insurance plan may not cover therapy for bereavement or a major life change if the individual isn’t experiencing a clinical mental health disorder, like anxiety or depression, as a result of the event.
Can You Buy Standalone Mental Health Insurance?
Insurance companies don’t sell standalone mental health insurance plans, but many health insurance policies provide coverage for mental health treatment as part of the benefits.
In addition to private and group health insurance, you can also get mental health coverage through Medicaid, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), VA healthcare, therapy apps and some nonprofit organizations.
Do All Health Insurance Companies Have to Offer Cover Mental Health?
Health insurance providers aren’t legally required to offer mental health coverage. The federal parity law instead says that insurers that provide mental health coverage must provide mental health/substance use disorder treatment that’s equal to or better than physical health coverage.
For example, under the federal parity law, an insurance company can’t charge a $25 copay for an annual checkup with a primary care provider and a $100 copay for a psychologist visit. The law also makes it harder for insurance companies to limit mental health-related appointments annually.
The federal parity law applies to many types of health insurance, including ACA marketplace plans, employer-sponsored coverage (for companies with more than 50 employees), Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Medicare is exempt from the federal parity law.
Does Health Insurance Cost More if it Covers Mental Health?
Health insurance plans that cover mental health aren’t necessarily more expensive than plans that exclude coverage for mental health. In fact, some health insurance plans, like ACA marketplace plans, must provide mental health services as one of the 10 essential benefits.
The cost of health care that includes mental health coverage varies based on many factors, including your location, the insurance company and the type of plan you choose. You can get a few insurance quotes to find the best mental health insurance with the lowest premium.
Related: Worst states for mental health
Other Options for Getting Mental Health Services
Besides private health insurance, there are many other ways you can get access to mental health treatment. Maybe you can’t afford health insurance premiums or your employer doesn’t offer medical insurance. Regardless of your situation, here are some alternative ways to get mental health treatment with or without insurance.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded health insurance program for low-income Americans. To get Medicaid, you must meet the income requirements in your state. Medicaid covers various mental health and substance abuse disorder treatments, including individual and group therapy, partial hospitalization, medical detox, residential treatment and medications.
Therapy apps
You might consider trying a therapy app if you don’t have mental health insurance. These mobile apps allow you to connect with a licensed mental health professional virtually or over the phone whenever convenient. Many apps, like Talkspace and BetterHelp, charge a monthly fee rather than a per-session rate.
Related: 10 Best Online Therapy Services
Employee Assistance Program
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource that helps individuals overcome personal issues that are affecting their job performance. This program provides counseling and treatment for various issues, including substance abuse, financial problems and relationship challenges. But you can only participate in an EAP if your employer offers it.
Veterans Affairs
If you served in the military, there are several ways to take advantage of mental health treatment services. VA offers free individual and group counseling for combat veterans, as well as substance abuse treatment programs, even for those not enrolled in VA Healthcare. If you have VA Healthcare, you can access more comprehensive mental health treatment benefits.
College counselors
If you’re in college, your campus health center may offer mental health services with licensed counselors. These services are often free for full-time students. On-campus counseling can be an accessible option for students who need assistance with stress management, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and even career uncertainty.
Nonprofit organizations
Many nonprofit organizations provide free mental health and addiction support through toll-free hotlines. These hotlines provide 24/7 crisis support and can give referrals to local treatment centers. Here are some resources that are available nationwide:
- SAMHSA National Helpline
- NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- The Trevor Project
Methodology
Forbes Advisor’s overall ratings for the best health insurance companies are based on:
- Complaints made to state insurance departments (50% of score): We used 2021 complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
- Plan ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (25% of score): The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits health plans and produces ratings based on specific metrics.
- Plan ratings from the Affordable Care Marketplace (25% of score): We used the federal government’s overall quality rating for the company’s plan(s). Where government ratings weren’t available, a company’s Forbes Advisor rating is based on complaints and its NCQA scores.
Best Mental Health Insurance FAQs
Does standard health insurance cover mental health treatment?
Many standard health insurance plans cover mental health treatment. Health plans on the Affordable Care Act marketplace must provide coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Many other health plans, like employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, also offer mental health benefits.
Can you be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions?
No, a health insurance company typically can’t deny coverage for a pre-existing condition, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes or mental health disorders.
Does Medicare cover mental health?
Medicare covers mental health, including Medicare Part B, which covers individual therapy, mental health screenings, partial hospitalization and medication management. Medicare Part A, also called hospital coverage, pays for inpatient mental health care. If you have Medicare Part D, most prescription medications for mental health treatment are also covered. Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, may additionally offer expanded mental health benefits that go beyond Parts A and B.
Next Up in Health Insurance
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