Best Insurance for Mental Health
UnitedHealthcare offers the best insurance for mental health care because of its strong focus on member resources and many in-network therapists.
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The health insurance you get from your employer, state health exchange or Medicare will cover mental health services. But some companies offer better coverage, stronger customer satisfaction and more extra benefits than others.
The best health insurance for mental health services will depend on your unique needs and situation.
Best overall individual mental health insurance: UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare offers comprehensive mental health support, including strong digital and telehealth support.
Mental health support available through the Sanvello app
Talkspace therapy and telehealth
Access roughly 1.7 million doctors and 7,000 facilities
Cons
Not available in all states
High number of claim denials
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) offers the best overall mental health coverage because of its wide range of support features. With UnitedHealthcare, you can access mental health services through many online, virtual and mobile tools. The Sanvello app lets you track your mood, connect with peers and track your progress with weekly check-ins.
The company has a strong reputation for customer service with 4.5 out of 5 stars for member experience, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). The company also gets roughly half the number of complaints as an average company of its size.
The main disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare is that you can only get a policy in 30 states. That means roughly half the country doesn't have access to UHC plans.
States where UnitedHealthcare offers coverage
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
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Best network of mental health professionals: Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield has a network of nearly half a million mental health professionals.
Strong member experiences rating
Large network of mental health professionals
Plans commonly offer access to telehealth and digital health tools
Commitment to increasing access to mental health services for its customers
Cons
Customer service varies by BCBS company
Coverage differs significantly depending on where you live and your plan
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) stands out for its large network of doctors, including mental health professionals such as psychiatrists. That makes BCBS a good choice if you want a greater level of flexibility when it comes to choosing your therapist.
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans typically come with access to telehealth and app-based mental health services. This makes it easier to get care, especially if you have mobility issues or your schedule makes it hard to see a therapist during traditional business hours.
Keep in mind that Blue Cross Blue Shield is made up of 33 separate companies, including large subsidiaries such as Anthem and Highmark. The level of coverage you get will depend on your plan details and the company you choose. It's also worth noting that customer satisfaction differs by company.
Best for customer service: Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente offers good customer service and a holistic approach to mental health care.
Proactive approach to treatment
Five-star overall rating for marketplace health plans
90% plan renewal rate and 87% recommendation rate
Streamlined coverage through Kaiser Permanente hospitals and facilities
Cons
Available in only eight states and Washington, D.C.
You can only use Kaiser Permanente doctors and facilities
Kaiser Permanente stands out for its high levels of customer satisfaction. Kaiser customers consistently give the company strong ratings for member experience and plan quality. The company scored first for customer satisfaction in California, Maryland and the Northwest, according to a recent J.D. Power study.
Kaiser also offers customers access to a variety of evidence-based telehealth and digital mental health services. Most customers reported satisfaction with the company's telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Kaiser Permanente is increasing the number of mental health professionals on staff at Kaiser facilities.
Kaiser Permanente runs its own hospitals. That can make it easier to get care and handle paperwork compared to a normal insurance company.
The main downside is that you're limited to where you can get care. If you don't live next to a Kaiser hospital, you may face a long drive for in-person therapy. You may also need to get a referral before you can get specialty care because Kaiser uses an HMO (health maintenance organization) model.
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How to get the best insurance for mental health
When shopping for a health insurance plan with mental health services, it's a good idea to make sure you choose a plan that best fits your needs.
Check your plan's network and coverage. If you're already seeing a mental health professional, it's important to make sure they're included in your new plan's coverage. Otherwise, you may need to switch to a different mental health professional or pay out of pocket to continue seeing your existing therapist.
If you don't have a therapist, it's a good idea to check that your plan has good coverage in your area. Many therapists have long waiting lists, and many psychiatrists and psychologists don't accept insurance at all. The larger your local network, the faster you'll get an appointment.
Calculate your total costs. It's important to tally up the cost of your monthly rate, called a premium, and weigh it against the other costs you'll pay, such as your deductible, copays and coinsurance.
Look at any extra benefits, such as telehealth services and other app-based services. It's become increasingly common for large insurance companies to offer telehealth services and apps designed to help you manage your mental health.
However, the quality and level of service can differ depending on the company you choose. Compare plans based on user reviews to find the one that best suits your needs.
Other options for accessing mental or behavioral health care
Take advantage of these affordable mental health services if you don't have access to traditional insurance or your insurance doesn't cover the services you need.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best insurance for mental health services?
UnitedHealthcare offers the best insurance for mental health services. Blue Cross Blue Shield has the largest network of mental health professionals, and Kaiser Permanente offers the best customer service.
What insurance covers mental health therapy?
All regular insurance plans have to cover mental health services. That's because mental health therapy is considered an essential service.
Is an HMO or a PPO better for therapy?
A PPO (preferred provider organization) is better for therapy because you'll have access to more mental health professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists. Keep in mind, PPOs tend to have higher monthly rates than HMOs (health maintenance organizations), so an HMO may make more sense if you can get in-network services.
Methodology
Cost and membership experience data came from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) public use files. Other sources include the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), HealthCare.gov and insurance company websites.
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
