FAQs

Is therapy covered by health insurance? Therapy can be covered by insurance when it is for a medical or mental health purpose. This is similar to when you go to the dentist and they diagnosis and fill a cavity or when you go to the physical therapist and they diagnosis tendonitis and take you through rehabilitation exercises. Common mental health diagnoses include depression and anxiety.

Do you accept insurance? I accept Lyra Health and bill Lyra directly for those therapy clients. I am out-of-network for all other insurances. For clients who wish to use their out-of-network insurance benefits and hold a diagnosis, I will give you a monthly receipt for you to submit to insurance for reimbursement. You are responsible for paying the standard fee at the time of the appointment.

Do I have out-of-network benefits? Health plans vary widely. You should confirm your health coverage (e.g., calling your insurance plan) before our first appointment. You are responsible for paying the standard fee at the time of the appointment.

Does insurance cover telehealth (online) therapy? Commercial health plans in Massachusetts and New Jersey are required by law to cover telehealth health care services as they do in-person services; this is known as “coverage parity.” Massachusetts law also requires “payment parity.” In New Jersey, the payment parity will expire on December 31, 2023. Commercial insurers are not required by law to cover telehealth services from out-of-network providers. However, though not required by law, health plans may opt into payment parity or out-of-network telehealth coverage. You should confirm your telehealth coverage with your specific health plan.

Is couples therapy or marriage counseling covered by health insurance? Therapy can be covered by insurance when it is for a medical or mental health purpose. My approach to couple therapy is to identify and then help improve the interactional patterns in the relationship, not to diagnosis one partner or the other. However, under specific circumstances I may approach the couples therapy in a way that may be covered by insurance; please contact me to discuss.

Is family therapy covered by health insurance? Therapy can be covered by insurance when it is for a medical or mental health purpose. My approach to family therapy is to identify and then to help improve the interactional patterns in the relationships, not to give a diagnosis to one specific family member. However, under specific circumstances I may approach the family therapy in a way that may be covered by insurance; please contact me to discuss.

Is therapy covered by FSA/HSA/HRA? Yes, therapy or mental health counseling is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and health reimbursement account (HRA). Therapy must be for a mental health purpose, similar to when therapy is covered by insurance. You can use your FSA/HSA debit card for payment of my services.  

Insurance sounds complicated. Am I the only one who is confused? No, absolutely not! Insurance coverage for therapy can improve access to mental health care, but also has its downsides. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.