GEHA for Therapy

GEHA stands for Government Employees Health Association. Its plans are available for federal government workers, partnering with UnitedHealthcare and Aetna Signature Administrators to access their vast provider network.

GEHA plans connect members with a wide variety of mental health providers, ensuring affordable therapy that helps you take charge of your emotional and mental well-being.

Does GEHA Cover Therapy?

Yes, all GEHA plans offer coverage for mental health services, including therapy sessions with a qualified therapist. GEHA has several plans to choose from, and the coverage for mental health services differs based on which plan you have. As with many other healthcare plans, if you work with a therapist in GEHA’s provider network, you’ll pay less than with a therapist who is out-of-network with GEHA.

How Do I Check if My GEHA Plan Covers Therapy?

To check if your GEHA plan covers therapy, locate and read through a document called the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). This document shares the coverage available for members of that particular plan. They differentiate between different service categories, as well as in-network benefits and out-of-network benefits. By looking at your GEHA plan’s SBC, you can see how much you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket per therapy session.

You can also book a consultation with a GEHA benefits coordinator. They can help you understand your mental health benefits, including how much coverage you receive from your GEHA plan. Another option is to call the GEHA customer service number and request information on your mental health benefits. This number should be found on the back of your health insurance card.

How Much Does Therapy Cost With My GEHA Plan?

There are several GEHA plans, so how much therapy will cost you out-of-pocket depends on your plan. Most plans have both copays and coinsurances, which means that you may have to pay a regular fee per session as well as a portion of your therapist’s session fee. However, coinsurance rates may begin only after you have reached your deductible.

Your costs will change whether you see an in-network or an out-of-network provider. For in-network providers, here are the general costs per GEHA plan:

Standard: $20 copay
Elevate: $10 copay
HDHP: 5% coinsurance
Elevate Plus: $30
High: $20 copay

To see the costs for therapy with out-of-network providers, refer to your Summary of Benefits and Coverage document. You can expect your costs to be a 25% to 50% coinsurance after the deductible.

Do I Need a Doctor Referral to Start Therapy With My GEHA Plan?

No, you do not need to see your primary care provider (PCP) before starting therapy.

Because you do not need a referral from a doctor to access your GEHA mental health benefits, you can start using your health insurance as soon as you’re ready to begin your therapy journey.

FAQs About Types of Therapy Covered With GEHA

If you've decided to enter therapy, GEHA offers a comprehensive mental health plan to support you in this decision. They provide coverage for a variety of mental health conditions and therapy types to make mental health care as affordable as possible. Let's explore some frequently asked questions about GEHA coverage.

What Types of Mental Health Conditions Does GEHA Cover?

Whether you're experiencing a time of heightened stress or a prolonged mental health disorder, GEHA plans cover many mental health conditions, including:

Generally, your therapist will give you a mental health diagnosis after working with you for a few sessions. This diagnosis, which you may request to be withheld from you, tells GEHA how to process your mental health benefits according to your plan. Diagnoses are usually required for insurance purposes and may appear on your statements or documents.

What Types of Therapy Does GEHA Cover?

GEHA plans cover many types of therapy, including most therapies that have scientific evidence that they benefit clients with your specific diagnosis or situation. Therapy approaches, while often blended or integrated by therapists, must have clinical rigor behind them to qualify for GEHA coverage.

Some common therapy approaches that are covered by insurance include:

What Types of Therapy Does GEHA NOT Cover?

Your therapist may incorporate many types of therapy into their regular sessions with you, but not all therapies are covered by GEHA plans. Therapy approaches that do not have the scientific backing required to show efficacy are generally not reimbursable. This includes approaches like life coaching, Reiki healing, aromatherapy, and other alternative therapies.

While many enjoy and gain well-being from these techniques, they lack the same clinical rigor as other therapy approaches. GEHA prioritizes therapeutic modalities that show a direct benefit to the client.

Does GEHA Cover Online Therapy?

Yes, GEHA plans cover online therapy. If you prefer to see your therapist online rather than in person, as many people do for the sake of convenience and comfort, you’ll still pay the same amount per session.

Many GEHA plans offer members access to MDLive, an app that connects individuals with doctors online. This could include a primary doctor, psychiatrist, or even a therapist. These visits are completely covered by GEHA plans.

Does GEHA Cover Couples Therapy?

GEHA does not cover couples therapy. This is standard for many health insurance plans — it’s rare to find an insurance plan with mental health benefits for couples. As mentioned above, most therapy services need to be in pursuit of treatment for a specific diagnosis. Couples cannot receive a diagnosis, so it’s difficult for GEHA and other health insurance companies to process these benefits.

However, there are still low-cost options for seeing a couple's therapist. Ask about sliding scale options if your budget is tight, but you'd still benefit from working on your relationship together with a mental health professional.

Why Use Zencare to Find GEHA Therapy Coverage

If you're struggling with anxiety or can't seem to shake feelings of grief or sadness, finding a qualified therapist is your first step toward a more hopeful tomorrow.

How do you know if a therapist is right for you? Do they take your GEHA insurance plan? Do they specialize in therapies suited to your mental health diagnosis?

Zencare makes it easy to find a therapist without feeling overwhelmed by options. Our therapy matching service provides:

Vetted professionals: You need to know that your therapist has the experience, training, and qualifications to provide a safe and caring therapeutic expertise. Zencare ensures that all mental health professionals featured on our site are thoroughly vetted and ready to provide effective treatment.
Personalized service: Don't just Google therapists near you, hoping to find a good match. We take the guesswork out of therapy by connecting you with providers based on your specific needs and preferences. Take our matching quiz to find an in-network therapist who will understand how to navigate your unique mental health journey.
Simplified searching: Whether you're searching by location, specialty, or insurance provider, Zencare streamlines the process of finding a qualified provider with intuitive filters.
Pre-therapy connection: Connecting with your therapist lays a foundation for success in your mental health journey. This therapeutic alliance requires trust and open communication. Zencare provides video introductions before your first session that help lay the groundwork for your therapy relationship.
Security: Whether filling out our matching quiz or browsing our list of qualified therapists, Zencare does not give away your data. This allows you to search for a therapist on your terms.

Start Your Search for an In-Network GEHA Therapist

Connecting with a high-quality therapist has never been easier. You can book a free initial consultation with a licensed therapist in your state or online. Plus, our site lets you find mental health providers covered by your GEHA health insurance plan. Take our matching quiz to get started, or select your state below to browse in-network therapists.