How are mental health services covered by your insurance? National Check Your Coverage Day on January 21 is the perfect opportunity to discover if you’re covered for their quality mental health services as an in-network benefit..
The growing discourse among American adults is that having a mental health condition is nothing to be ashamed of and the number of people receiving mental health treatment is steadily increasing. However, millions of Americans are facing barriers to mental health care, including high costs and difficulty finding providers.
Today, you can receive convenient and affordable online therapy and psychiatry, connecting you with licensed therapists in your state through live sessions and messaging. Many major insurers, including Aetna, Cigna, and Optum, and even the federally-funded program, Medicare, cover services with minimal or no copay. Prioritize your mental health—check your coverage today and sign up for the support you deserve.
History of National Check Your Coverage Day
Mental health stigmas are gradually fading as awareness grows and seeking therapy for mental health conditions becomes more normalized. Many U.S. adults experience depression, anxiety, or some other mental or emotional condition. However, a 2019 American Psychological Association survey states that “87% agreed that having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of.” Additionally, the CDC reports that more Americans have received mental health treatment since 2019, especially younger adults and women, and SAMHSA reveals that the percentage of adults receiving mental health treatment has climbed from 21.8% in the 2022 survey to 23% in 2023.
But here’s the catch: Over half of adults with a mental illness still don’t receive treatment, which, according to Mental Health America’s “The State of Mental Health in America, 2023 Key Findings,” totals over 28 million individuals. West Health/Gallup reports that this is primarily due to the high costs associated with therapy as well as difficulty finding providers.
National Check Your Coverage Day on January 21 encourages you to find out what your health insurance covers and gain access to their mental health care services right at your fingertips.
Online therapy offers a convenient way to access mental health care, with many major insurers, including Aetna, Cigna, and Optum, covering these services with minimal or no copay.
National Check Your Coverage Day timeline
The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008 mandates that health insurance providers offer equal coverage for mental health and substance use disorders as they do for physical health.
Mental Health America’s “The State of Mental Health in America, 2023 Key Findings,” show that over half (54.7%) of adults with a mental illness don’t receive treatment, totaling over 28 million individuals.
Rock Health reports that Telehealth adoption (accessing care via telemedicine) rose to 80% from 72% in 2021.
West Health/Gallup reports that the top reasons Americans cite for not receiving care are the cost of treatment not being affordable and difficulty finding providers.
51% percent of U.S. adult survey respondents report that they’ve experienced depression, anxiety, or some other mental or emotional condition in the past 12 months, according to West Health/Gallup.
Mental Health America’s “The State of Mental Health in America” states that cost is still a significant barrier to accessing mental health care and 1 in 4 adults in frequent mental distress can’t see a doctor due to cost—a 2% increase over the last report.
SAMHSA’s survey shows that the percentage of adults receiving mental health treatment has climbed from 21.8% in the 2022 survey to 23% in 2023.
To encourage you to check your coverage and receive access to convenient and affordable online therapy and psychiatry, Talkspace establishes and sponsors National Check Your Coverage Day and the first celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
National Check Your Coverage Day FAQs
What insurance is accepted?
Providers partner with a wide range of leading insurance providers, such as Aetna and Cigna. They work with various health plans, employee assistance programs (EAP), and educational institutions to offer accessible and affordable online therapy.
What mental health services are covered by insurance?
Coverage varies based on your insurance provider and health plan, but some of the mental health services typically included are:
- Co-occurring behavioral health and medical conditions
- Psychiatric emergency care
- Talk therapy—cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy sessions
- Telemedicine or virtual therapy
- Outpatient therapy sessions
- Addiction treatment and detox services
Many health insurance plans may also cover medication management, ensuring a comprehensive approach to your mental health needs. Consult with your insurance provider for additional details.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy is proven to be as effective, if not more effective than face-to-face therapy.
National Check Your Coverage Day Activities
Check your coverage
Check to see if your insurance plan or organization covers. Many major insurers, like Aetna, Cigna, and Optum, cover their services with little to no copay.
Sign up for therapy
There's a vast network of therapists and psychiatric providers who specialize in various conditions, treatment approaches, and mental health needs. Simply answer a few questions online and you can be matched with the best therapist almost immediately.
Explore other health insurance companies
Perhaps your health insurance company isn’t meeting your needs when it comes to mental health care coverage? Now’s a great time to research and explore other options that may be a better fit for you.
What are the Benefits of Online Therapy?
No commute time and scheduling hassles
There’s no need to sit in traffic on your way to a therapist’s office or navigate busy schedules. Online therapy takes place at your convenience, right from your device. You can easily book a session when it works for you, whenever you need it.
No lengthy therapist searches
Say goodbye to long searches for the perfect therapist. You can be connected to licensed therapists and you don't have to wait weeks for an appointment—start receiving support straight away.
Easily switch providers
Finding the right therapist is key to making progress. If you feel your current provider isn't the best fit, its easy to make the switch.
National Check Your Coverage Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 21 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | January 21 | Thursday |
| 2028 | January 21 | Friday |
| 2029 | January 21 | Sunday |
| 2030 | January 21 | Monday |
