Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Online Therapy?

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Online Therapy?

Yes, most Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance company health plans cover online therapy.¹ In addition, many Blue Cross Blue Shield chapters have relationships with online networks.

Jump to Section

• Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Online Therapy?
• How to Verify BCBS Coverage for Telehealth Therapy
• The Benefits of Online Therapy
• Who is Virtual Therapy Not Right For?
• How Much Does Online Therapy Cost Without Insurance?
• Online Therapy at Athena Care?

How to Verify BCBS Coverage for Telehealth Therapy

Athena Care is in-network with most major insurance plans. Find out more about your insurance coverage by calling your insurance company or contacting Athena Care at 877-641-1155.

The Benefits of Online Therapy

One of the key advantages of telehealth therapy is the ability to participate in therapy sessions via your phone, computer, or tablet. This implies that you may conduct online therapy nearly anywhere with a fast, dependable internet connection. Furthermore, evidence shows that online treatment can be equally effective as in-person therapy for various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and panic disorder.²

According to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care,³ when comparing virtual visits to office visits, around 63% of patients and 59% of doctors observed no difference in the overall session quality.

The following are some additional benefits of online therapy:⁴

• Affordability
• Convenience
• Comfort
• Treatment can be more accessible, especially for those in rural or remote areas and those with physical disabilities

Furthermore, patients may opt for face-to-face therapy if online counseling proves helpful and is associated with positivity. According to research⁵ led by an adjunct clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, college students who needed more extensive eating disorder therapy were more likely to seek it after participating in a digital body-image program.

Who is Virtual Therapy Not Right For?

Online therapy is unsuitable for those requiring immediate and direct treatment or in-person intervention. For example, mental health professionals don’t recommend online therapy for a severe substance use disorder or more complex mental health-related symptoms unless you are simultaneously receiving additional in-person therapies or treatments from a licensed therapist.

How Much Does Online Therapy Cost Without Insurance?

Some alternatives provide online therapy without insurance if you cannot find online therapy that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Most online therapy services charge between $60 and $90 per session.⁶ Some platforms are more or less expensive based on their functionality. For example, you should expect to pay more if you have access to medication management with a psychiatrist. On the other hand, it may be less expensive if your package solely involves communicating with a mental health therapist.

Online Therapy at Athena Care

The following are guidelines for using online therapy at Athena Care:

• In order to protect your privacy and confidentiality, virtual visits are conducted using our HIPAA compliant technology.
• Virtual visits are offered at no additional cost to you.
• ​You can participate in sessions from home or any location deemed appropriate by you and your Care Provider.

Initial visits, psychological testing, or visits requiring lab collections or a medical exam must be done in person. Virtual visits are covered by most insurance companies but some plans may include a surcharge for the use of a telemedicine platform.  Not all of our Care Providers offer this service.  Ask your Care Provider or call our office at (615) 320-1155 for more information.

Sources

1. Healthwise Staff. “Using Telehealth Counseling.” Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Healthwise, Incorporated, www.healthwise.net/bcbst/Content/StdDocument.aspx?DOCHWID=acl3520. Accessed 22 June 2022.
2. Pescatello, Meredith S., et al. “Treatment Engagement and Effectiveness of an Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program at a University Counseling Center.” Taylor & Francis, Informa UK Limited, 6 Oct. 2020, www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10503307.2020.1822559?journalCode=tpsr20
3. Nelson, Jennifer. “Using Telehealth for Mental Therapy Appointments.” Next Avenue, Next Avenue, 5 Nov. 2019, www.nextavenue.org/therapy-session-telehealth
4. Cherry, Kendra. “The Pros and Cons of Online Therapy.” Verywell Mind, Dotdash Media, Inc., 16 May 2022, www.verywellmind.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-therapy-2795225.
5. Jones, Megan, et al. “A Population-Wide Screening and Tailored Intervention Platform for Eating Disorders on College Campuses: The Healthy Body Image Program.” Journal of American College Health, 21 May, 2014, 62:5, 351-356, 10.1080/07448481.2014.901330
6. Leamey, Taylor. “Here’s How Much You Should Expect to Pay for Therapy in 2022.” CNET, 18 May 2022, www.cnet.com/health/mental/how-much-does-therapy-cost.