One of the first questions clients ask is: "Can I use my insurance for this?" Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment, making it one of the most widely covered forms of therapy. But the details matter.
The Good News: Yes, Usually.
Because CBT has thousands of studies proving its effectiveness for anxiety, depression, and more, insurance companies actually prefer it over open-ended talk therapy. It is seen as "medically necessary" and goal-oriented, which insurers like because it aims for recovery rather than indefinite treatment.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
In-Network: If your therapist is in-network, you usually just pay a copay (e.g., $20 or $40) per session. The insurance handles the rest.
Out-of-Network: Many top CBT specialists do not take insurance directly. In this case, you pay the full fee upfront (e.g., $150-$250), and the therapist gives you a "Superbill." You submit this to your insurance, and they may reimburse you 50-80% of the cost, depending on your plan.
How to verify Your Coverage
Don't just guess. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask these three specific questions:
- "Does my plan cover outpatient mental health office visits (CPT code 90834 or 90837)?"
- "Do I have a deductible I need to meet first?" (If you have a $3,000 deductible, you'll be paying full price for a while).
- "Do you require 'pre-authorization' for CBT?"
What if I Don't Have Insurance?
If you are uninsured or have a high deductible, you still have options:
- Sliding Scale: Many clinics offer lower rates based on income.
- Training Clinics: Universities with psychology PhD programs often offer high-quality CBT for very low fees (sometimes $10-$30) because the therapists are supervised students.
- Online Platforms: Some digital therapy apps offer CBT-based programs for a monthly flat fee.
Ready to check prices?
Browse our directory to see which providers accept your specific insurance plan.
Read our full Guide to Therapy Costs →