The best health insurers for mental illness
OFFER SELECTED PARTNERS
Kaiser Duration
5,0
Our ratings consider cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other attributes specific to a product category. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Availability
8 states and Washington, D.C.
provider network
39 hospitals and 734 medical facilities with 23,656 physicians
Telemedicine offered?
E
Availability
8 states and Washington, D.C.
provider network
39 hospitals and 734 medical facilities with 23,656 physicians
Telemedicine offered?
E
why we chose it
Kaiser Permanente Health Plans combine health insurance and the provision of health services through integrated care. With this system, members receive coordinated care.
Many of Kaiser Permanente's health plans cover psychiatric services and addiction treatment. If you need mental health support, a Kaiser representative can connect you with a mental health professional over the phone, in person, or via telemedicine without referral from your GP.
Kaiser Permanente plans provide coverage for most mental health disorders and treatment options, including therapy, medications, substance use disorder treatment, and crisis intervention.
Customers can also access the Ginger app for free, which offers 24/7 personal texting for support with issues such as stress management and emotional support.
Kaiser Permanente has offices in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and Washington, D.C. accessible.
More:Kaiser Permanente Health Insurance Review
OFFER SELECTED PARTNERS
Blue Cross Blue Shield
4.5
Our ratings consider cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other attributes specific to a product category. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Availability
50 states and Washington, D.C.
provider network
Varies by plan Blue Cross Blue Shield
Telemedicine offered?
E
Availability
50 states and Washington, D.C.
provider network
Varies by plan Blue Cross Blue Shield
Telemedicine offered?
E
why we chose it
Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance covers mental health services, but specific conditions and treatments depend on your location and plan. Many companies offer Blue Cross Blue Shield plans and coverage can vary 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 care may also be covered.
Blue Cross Blue Shield members can also access virtual behavior and mental health resources in select states. For example, members in Massachusetts can take advantage of the Learn to Live program, which offers free 24-hour support programs that help with depression, insomnia, substance abuse and social anxiety.
OFFER SELECTED PARTNERS
UnitedHealthcare
4.0
Our ratings consider cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other attributes specific to a product category. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Availability
49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in New York), including 18 on the ACA Marketplace
provider network
1.3 million physicians and nurses and 6,500 hospitals and nursing facilities across the United States.
Telemedicine offered?
E
Availability
49 states and Washington, D.C. (not available in New York), including 18 on the ACA Marketplace
provider network
1.3 million physicians and nurses and 6,500 hospitals and nursing facilities across the United States.
Telemedicine offered?
E
why we chose it
UnitedHealthcare provides coverage for mental health services in person, over the phone or through telemedicine 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 may receive depend on your plan.
Select UnitedHealthcare members also get premium access to Sanvello, an app that provides support and strategies for dealing with mental health disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression. The app also has features like mood tracking, meditations, peer support, and more.
More:UnitedHealthcare Health Insurance Review
OFFER SELECTED PARTNERS
Etna
3.5
Our ratings consider cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other attributes specific to a product category. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Availability
50 states and Washington, D.C.
provider network
More than 1 million providers
Telemedicine offered?
E
No site do Healthcare Marketplace
Availability
50 states and Washington, D.C.
provider network
More than 1 million providers
Telemedicine offered?
E
why we chose it
Aetna customers can access a variety of mental health treatment services, including in-person therapy and virtual consultations. If you need support, you can partner with a Personal Care Consultant who will find the best care professional for your needs. Aetna plans cover many common services like behavioral therapy and medication management.
Aetna provides access to an online tool called MindCheck. You answer a few questions about how you're feeling, and you get a score like "high stress" or "little or no stress." Based on its findings, MindCheck suggests resources to help you deal with these feelings.
More:Aetna health insurance review
OFFER SELECTED PARTNERS
Zigna
3.5
Our ratings consider cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other attributes specific to a product category. All reviews are done exclusively by our editorial team.
Availability
16 states
provider network
More than 1.5 million healthcare professionals, clinics and facilities
Telemedicine offered?
E
No site do Healthcare Marketplace
Availability
16 states
provider network
More than 1.5 million healthcare professionals, clinics and facilities
Telemedicine offered?
E
why we chose it
Cigna's health insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of mental illness. Depending on your plan, you may be able to cover individual therapy, support groups, partial hospitalization and 12-step recovery programs. You may also receive inpatient or hospitalization if medically necessary.
If you need help quickly, you can speak face-to-face with a nurse who is available 24/7 for guidance and support. If you need to make a non-urgent appointment with a psychologist, the waiting time is about 10 days.
More:Cigna health insurance review
Summary: Best psychiatric health insurance
See how the best mental health insurance companies compare in terms of overall health insurance ratings, availability of telehealth services, and types of plans they offerAffordable Care Act (ACA)Mercado.
| company | company logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Types of plans offered on the ACA marketplace | Does telemedicine offer? | Learn more CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | VIEW MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaiser Duration |  | 5,0 |  | HMO by EPO | E | View more | ||
| Blue Cross Blue Shield |  | 4.5 |  | HMO, EPO or PPO | E | View more | ||
| UnitedHealthcare |  | 4.0 |  | HMO by EPO | E | View more | ||
| Etna |  | 3.5 |  | HMO by EPO | E | View more | ||
| Zigna |  | 3.5 | | HMO by EPO | E | View more |
Source: Healthcare.gov. Based on unsubsidized ACA plans
Types of health insurance
- Health Preservation Organization(HMO)Health insurance companies often require a referral to a specialist. You are not covered if you seek out-of-network care unless it is emergency care.
- Preferred Provider Organization(PPO)Health insurance companies generally do not require a referral from your GP to see a specialist. PPO plans allow you to receive healthcare from an out-of-network provider, but benefits are covered at a much lower percentage.
- exclusive provider organization(EPA)Health plans allow you to see a specialist without referral, as long as he is in the network. EPO plans do not pay for out-of-network care unless it is a medical emergency.
How to choose the best mental health insurance
According to AHIP, a national association representing the health insurance industry, many health insurance plans cover mental health. In an AHIP study of US policyholders:
- 6 out of 10 respondents indicated that their mental health treatment is fully covered by their health insurance
- 3 in 4 said it was easy to find the support they needed
To find the best health insurance for you, consider these factors:
- Network Size:Insurance companies that contract with many mental health providers, especially in your area, offer you the widest choice of professionals and facilities in which to seek treatment.
- Virtual Appointments:The best mental health insurers often offer telemedicine and virtual consultations, so you can get mental health treatment on the go.
- Services covered:When comparing providers, pay attention to the benefits each plan covers. Consider choosing a plan that offers a good mix of inpatient and outpatient benefits for the most comprehensive coverage possible.
- Recommendations:Some health plans, such as health plans, require a referral from a family doctor, while others do not require a referral. If you want to manage your own mental health care, look for plans that don't require mental health referrals, such as: B. A PPO health plan.
- Free resources:Some health plans offer members free mental health resources, such as Kaiser Permanente, which offers free access to the Ginger app.
What is covered by psychiatric insurance?
Health plans with mental health coverage typically cover many services. Here are some of the benefits that the best mental health insurance will cover:
- speech therapy:Talking therapy is a broad category that includes specific therapy modalities such as general counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy. When you meet in person with a therapist or psychologist, insurance usually covers the session minus expenses.
- Hospital internment:A hospital stay is a more intensive mental health treatment that can be voluntary or involuntary. They stay in a hospital or facility for a short time and receive ongoing care through individual and group therapy, medication management, and coping strategies.
- Partial hospital stay:A partial admission is less intense than a full admission. During a partial hospital stay, you will undergo a structured program of psychiatric care during the day, but you will not spend the night in the unit.
- 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 undergoing substance abuse treatment.
- Emergency care:Many psychiatric health plans cover emergency psychiatric care, also known as crisis intervention. This may also include overdose treatment. The specific emergency services covered vary by plan.
- Medicine:Most health insurers cover at least part of the cost of drug treatment for mental illness. Some plans may incur copayments or other expenses for these drugs.
What does psychiatric insurance not cover?
While many health plans offer comprehensive mental health coverage, they may exclude certain treatments, such as experimental therapies and necessary non-medical services. Every insurance plan is unique, so the list of exclusions depends on your specific plan.
Here are some of the mental health services that health insurers typically don't cover:
- Addiction or mental health treatment that is not medically necessary
- half houses
- Genetic testing for psychotropic drugs
- experimental therapies
- Processing requested by a third party, such as a school or employer
- Educational programs (such as wilderness therapy) for addiction or mental health
- Mental health treatment or long-term addiction
In most cases, health insurance does not cover mental health treatments unless a procedure is medically necessary or linked to a medical diagnosis. For example, health insurance may not cover therapy for a bereavement or significant life change if the person does not have a clinical mental disorder, such as anxiety or depression, as a result of the event.
Can you get standalone mental health insurance?
Insurance companies do not sell stand-alone mental health plans, but many health insurance policies provide coverage for mental health treatment as part of benefits.
In addition to private and group health insurance, you can also obtain mental health insurance through Medicaid, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), VA Healthcare, therapy apps, and some nonprofit organizations.
Must all health insurers offer coverage for mental health?
Health insurance companies are not legally required to offer health insurance. Instead, federal parity law states that insurers providing mental health care must provide mental health/substance disorder treatment that is equal to or better than physical health care.
For example, under federal parity law, an insurance company cannot charge a $25 copay for an annual visit to a family physician and a $100 copay for a visit to a psychologist. The law also makes it harder for insurers to cap mental health-related visits annually.
The Federal Equality Act applies to many types of health insurance, including ACA market plans, employer-sponsored insurance (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 plans that cover mental health are not necessarily more expensive than plans that exclude mental health coverage. In fact, some health plans, such as the ACA Marketplace plans, are required to offer mental health services as one of their 10 core benefits.
The cost of health care that includes mental health coverage depends on many factors, including your location, insurance company and the type of plan you choose. You can get some insurance quotes to find the best psychiatric insurance with the lowest premium.
Other ways to get mental health services
Nextprivate health insuranceThere are many other ways to access mental health treatment. Maybe you can't afford health insurance premiums or your employer doesn't offer health insurance. Regardless of your situation, here are some alternative ways to get mental health treatment with or without insurance.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federally and state-funded health insurance program for low-income Americans. To receive Medicaid, you must meet income requirements in your state. Medicaid covers a variety of treatments for mental health and substance use disorders, including individual and group therapy, partial hospitalization, medical detox, inpatient treatment and medications.
therapy apps
You might consider a therapy application if you don't have psychiatric insurance. These mobile apps allow you to connect virtually or over the phone with a licensed psychologist whenever it's convenient for you. Many apps, such as Talkspace and BetterHelp, charge a monthly fee rather than a per-session fee.
Related: Top 10 online therapy services
Employee Assistance Program
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource that helps people overcome personal issues that are affecting their job performance. This program provides counseling and treatment for a variety of issues including substance abuse, financial issues and relationship issues. However, 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 seek mental health treatment services. The VA offers free individual and group counseling to combat veterans and substance abuse treatment programs, including those not enrolled in VA Healthcare. If you have VA Healthcare, you can access broader mental health treatment services.
college counselor
If you are in college, your campus health center may offer psychiatric services with licensed counselors. These services are usually free for full-time students. On-campus counseling can be an affordable option for students who need help dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even job insecurity.
non-profit organizations
Many non-profit organizations offer free mental health and addiction support through toll-free hotlines. These hotlines provide 24/7 crisis support and can refer you to local treatment centers. Here are some resources that are available nationwide:
- Nationale SAMHSA-Hotline
- NAMI-Helpline(National Alliance for Mental Illness)
- Crisis and Suicide Lifeline 988
- The Trevor Project
methodology
The Forbes Advisor overall rating for theThe best health insurersbased on:
- Claims to State Insurance Departments (50% of score):We used 2021 claim data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
- National Quality Assurance Board Plan Ratings (25% of score):The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that accredits health plans and produces ratings based on specific metrics.
- Affordable Care Marketplace Plan Ratings (25% of score):We used the federal government's overall quality rating for the company's plans. Where government ratings were not available, a company's Forbes Advisor rating is based on complaints and NCQA results.
Best mental health insurance FAQ
Does standard health insurance cover mental health treatment?
Many standard health insurance plans cover mental health treatment. health plans inAffordable Care ActThe market must provide coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Many other health plans, such as employer-sponsored health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, also offer mental health benefits.
Can you be denied your insurance coverage if you have pre-existing conditions?
nobodyHealth insuranceThe Company generally cannot deny coverage for a pre-existing medical condition such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes or a mental disorder.
Does Medicare cover mental health?
Medicarecovers mental health, including Medicare Part B, which includes individual therapy, mental health screening, partial hospitalization, and medication management. Medicare Part A, also known as hospital insurance, pays for mental health care for inpatients. If you have Medicare Part D, most prescription drugs used to treat mental illness are also covered. Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, can also provide expanded mental health benefits beyond Parts A and B.
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Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be appropriate for your circumstances. We do not provide financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise any individual or the purchase or sale of any specific stock or security. Performance information may have changed since publication. Past performance is not a guide to future results.
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