Insurance FAQs for Online Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance and Therapy

Q1: Do you accept insurance for therapy sessions?

A1: Yes, we accept a variety of insurance plans. Over 90% of our clients use insurance to pay for therapy. We work with many insurance providers to make mental health services more accessible.

Q2: What insurance providers do you accept?
A2: We accept several major insurance providers across Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. If you don’t see your insurance listed, please contact us to confirm whether we can work with your plan.In addition to insurance, clients can pay for services using all major credit cards. To ensure care is accessible, we also offer specialized programs and partner with community organizations to support individuals who may face financial barriers in accessing therapy.

Q3: How do I know if my insurance will cover therapy?
A3: Our team will verify your insurance benefits and eligibility before booking your first session. However, we also recommend that clients contact their insurance provider directly to confirm their mental health benefits.

Q4: Will I need a referral from my primary care doctor to see a therapist?
A4: Some insurance plans may require a referral from your primary care doctor, while others do not. Our team can guide you through this process to ensure everything is in order for your first appointment.

Q5: What if I don’t have insurance or I can’t use it for therapy?
A5: We understand that not everyone has access to insurance or mental health benefits they can use for therapy. That’s why we offer cash payment options and have our SHIFT Access to Care Program. With this program, clients can begin therapy with our Associate Therapists for as low as $50 per session, based on availability.To ensure care is accessible, we also offer specialized programs and partner with community organizations to support individuals who may face financial barriers in accessing therapy.

Q6: What is the SHIFT Accessible Care Program?
A6: The SHIFT Access to Care Program makes therapy more accessible for clients without insurance and supports client who are seeking lower-cost options. You can start therapy with an Associate Therapist for only $50 per session, depending on therapist and program availability.

Q7: Do you offer sliding scale fees?
A7: Yes, in addition to insurance and cash payment options, we offer a sliding scale for clients who need additional flexibility. Please contact us to discuss your financial needs, and we'll work together to find a solution.

Q8: Can I use insurance for online therapy sessions?
A8: Yes, many insurance plans cover online therapy. If you want online therapy, our team will check your coverage and help you set up virtual/online/telehealth sessions. We also recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your benefits and eligibility.

Q9: How do I get started with insurance coverage for therapy?
A9: You can begin by completing our Online Therapy Request form or simply reach out to us to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. Our Client Care Coordinator will guide you through the process, including verifying your insurance benefits and ensuring you're connected with the right therapist for your needs.

Q10: Do I need to disclose if I have secondary insurance?
A10: Yes, it's important to disclose any secondary insurance plans at the start of your therapy journey. Failing to provide this information upfront could lead to delays in processing your claims, interruptions in treatment, or even denials of coverage. In some cases, you may be held responsible for the full cost of therapy sessions. Be sure to share all insurance details with our Client Care Coordinator to ensure smooth coordination of benefits and prevent any billing issues.

Q11: I hear a lot about culturally responsive care and culture in therapy. Why do you focus so much on this, and why is it important to my mental health?

A11: Culture shapes how we see ourselves, how we cope with stress, and how we make meaning of life’s challenges. Too often, traditional mental health care overlooks these influences, which can leave people feeling unseen or misunderstood. At SHIFT Your Journey™, we center culturally responsive care because it allows us to recognize the unique pressures, values, and strengths that come from your background, identity, and lived experiences. When your culture is respected and integrated into therapy, healing feels more authentic, effective, and sustainable.

Q12: I’ve heard you mention evidence-based care. What does that mean, and why does it matter for me?

A12: Evidence-based care means the approaches we use in therapy are grounded in research and proven to work. Instead of relying on guesswork, we use treatments that studies show help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other challenges. At SHIFT Your Journey™, this ensures you’re not just talking about problems—you’re receiving strategies that have been tested, adapted for your needs, and applied in ways that lead to real, lasting change.

Q13: What does it mean when you talk about “SHIFT Therapeutic Fit”? Why might I be reassigned to a different therapist?

A13: SHIFT Therapeutic Fit is our commitment to matching you with the therapist who can best support your healing. Because we have a diverse collective of highly trained clinicians, we sometimes reassign clients if clients believe another therapist’s expertise, style, or lived experience will serve them better. This isn’t about starting over—it’s about making sure you have the strongest possible partnership for your journey. A good fit between client and therapist is one of the biggest predictors of progress in therapy, and we take that seriously.