Woman relaxing on couch with headphones and laptop — online therapy from home

Blue Cross Blue Shield covers online therapy. Here's where to use it.

BCBS plans vary by state — that's why we checked coverage across the most common plans so you don't have to call around.

34+ Platforms Reviewed Expert-Written Updated Monthly No Sponsored Rankings

Platforms That Accept BCBS for Online Therapy

Each platform below was independently evaluated by the DTS Research Team using our 12-point clinical accuracy standard.

We checked 34+ platforms' insurance networks and narrowed to these 3 for Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage specifically. One important note: BCBS is a federation of independent companies (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Anthem Blue Cross, CareFirst, etc.), so coverage varies by state. Verify your specific plan with the platform before signing up.

Bottom Line
Talkspace is the broadest bet for BCBS members — in-network with most affiliates. Because BCBS varies by state, always verify your specific plan before signing up.
3 platforms reviewed  ·  Copays from $15–50/session

Talkspace

Best for BCBS coverage — in-network with most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans

4.6 Top Rated

Talkspace accepts most BCBS plans across the country, making them one of the easiest options for Blue Cross Blue Shield members. Most BCBS members pay a copay of $15–30 per session — a fraction of the $69–109/week self-pay price. They offer both therapy and psychiatry, so if medication is part of your plan, you can manage everything in one place. The tradeoff: because BCBS is a federation, coverage varies by state — Talkspace works with most but not all BCBS affiliates. Check your specific plan when you sign up.

Read our full Talkspace review →

$15–30/session w/ BCBS In-network — most BCBS PPO, HMO $69–109/week self-pay Video Messaging
✦ Verify your Blue Cross coverage instantly Check If My BCBS Plan Is Covered
Editorially reviewed · DTS Research Team See full review →
Also worth considering

Headway

Best for therapist choice — browse BCBS-covered providers yourself

4.5 Recommended

Headway lets you browse therapist profiles filtered by your BCBS plan — so you pick the person, not an algorithm. They're in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield in select states, including BCBS of Texas, Anthem, and several other affiliates. Copays typically run $20–50 per session. Headway handles all the insurance billing, so you don't deal with claims. The tradeoff: BCBS coverage through Headway isn't available in every state yet, so check availability in your area.

$20–50/session w/ BCBS In-network — BCBS in select states $100–200/session self-pay Video Phone
Find My BCBS Therapist
Editorially reviewed · DTS Research Team See full review →

Grow Therapy

Best for broad coverage — accepts BCBS plus 70+ other carriers

4.3 Recommended

Grow Therapy accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield alongside 70+ other insurance plans, and they handle all the billing automatically. Most BCBS members pay $0–50 per session after deductible. Like Headway, you choose your therapist from detailed profiles. They also accept Medicaid and Medicare in select states, making them one of the most broadly covered platforms. The tradeoff: they're newer than Talkspace, so the therapist network is smaller in some areas.

$0–50/session w/ BCBS In-network — most BCBS plans $80–150/session self-pay Video Phone
Check My BCBS Coverage
Editorially reviewed · DTS Research Team See full review →
Person on couch during an online therapy video call

"Your BCBS card already covers therapy — the hard part is finding which platforms accept it. We did that part for you."

— Based on analysis of 34+ platforms' insurance networks

How Blue Cross Blue Shield Coverage Works for Online Therapy

Most BCBS plans cover online therapy the same way they cover in-person sessions. But there's an important wrinkle: BCBS isn't one company — it's a federation of 34 independent companies operating in different states. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Anthem Blue Cross, CareFirst BCBS, and Highmark BCBS are all separate organizations with different provider networks.

What this means for you: Your coverage depends on which BCBS company issues your plan, not just that you "have BCBS." The platforms above work with most BCBS affiliates, but always verify your specific plan.

Copay: Most BCBS members pay $15–50 per therapy session with an in-network provider. This is significantly less than the $150–300 out-of-pocket cost for the same session.

Deductible: Some BCBS plans require you to meet a deductible before mental health coverage kicks in. Many BCBS plans exempt mental health from the deductible — check your specific plan documents or call the number on your card.

PPO vs. HMO: BCBS PPO plans give you more flexibility to choose online therapy platforms. HMO plans may require a referral from your primary care doctor before starting therapy. If you have an HMO, ask your doctor for a mental health referral first.

EAP benefits: Many employers with BCBS plans also offer an Employee Assistance Program with 3–8 free therapy sessions. Ask your HR department before using your regular benefits.

$15
avg copay with BCBS in-network

Quick Comparison

Talkspace Headway Grow Therapy
Copay w/ BCBS$15–30/session$20–50/session$0–50/session
Self-Pay Price$69–109/week$100–200/session$80–150/session
In-NetworkYes — most BCBS plansYes — select statesYes — most plans
FormatVideo + MessagingVideo + PhoneVideo + Phone
Best ForMessaging therapy, psychiatryChoosing your own therapistBroadest insurance acceptance
Rating4.6/5 Top Rated4.5/5 Recommended4.3/5 Recommended

BCBS is a federation of 34 independent companies. "In-network with BCBS" at the national level doesn't guarantee coverage for your specific state affiliate — always check your plan before booking your first session.

What If My BCBS Plan Isn't Accepted?

Not every BCBS plan works with every platform. If you get a "not covered" result, you still have options:

Out-of-network reimbursement
Many BCBS PPO plans cover out-of-network mental health at 50–70% after deductible. Pay upfront, submit a claim for partial reimbursement. Call the number on the back of your card to check your out-of-network mental health benefits.
BCBS EAP
Even if your therapy coverage is limited, your employer's EAP through BCBS may offer free sessions — typically 3–8 — as a separate benefit.
Financial assistance programs
BetterHelp offers financial aid that can reduce costs by 10–40%. Calmerry starts at $42/week without insurance. Both are affordable alternatives when insurance doesn't apply.
Affordable self-pay alternatives
See our guide to affordable online therapy for platforms starting at $30/session with no insurance required.

Looking for something different?

Online therapy with Aetna → Online therapy with Cigna → Online therapy with UnitedHealthcare → Affordable therapy without insurance → Online therapy for anxiety → Online therapy for depression →
Man on couch with earbuds during an online therapy session

About Our Editorial Process

DTS

DTS Research Team Editorial

Insurance Navigation · Anxiety Disorders · CBT

Every recommendation on this page was independently researched, cross-referenced against current clinical literature, and verified for accuracy by the DTS editorial team. Platforms are re-evaluated monthly.
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We're not therapists — we're researchers who spent hundreds of hours comparing these platforms so you don't have to. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up. This never influences which platforms we recommend. For professional guidance, please consult a licensed mental health provider.

Insurance coverage depends on your specific BCBS plan and which BCBS affiliate company issues it. Copay estimates are based on averages and may vary. We update monthly, but confirm your coverage directly with the platform before signing up.