Does my insurance cover therapy in California?

Today, most plans include [some sort of coverage for mental health care](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance). You can check your mental health coverage for your current plan by doing any of the following: - Enter your insurance plan details on [Headway](https://headway.co) to see if we can instantly verify - Visit your insurance company's website or app - Review your EOB (explanation of benefits) and look for details on "behavioral health benefits" - Call your insurance company directly to ask

How much will my therapy session cost in California?

Once you select a therapist and enter [your insurance details](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance), we'll verify your insurance and estimate your in-network session costs. Because we partner with 70+ of the nation's top insurance plans, we're able to provide you with accurate estimates before you even book.

How do I find a therapist in California who accepts my insurance?

Select your state and insurance on [Headway](https://headway.co) — then, use filters to add any other preferences such as ethnicity, age, gender, and therapy style. We'll provide a list of providers who match your preferences and accept your plan, and you'll be able to review their profiles and book directly.

Which insurance plans does Headway accept in California?

Headway therapists are currently able to accept Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield (in select states), Cigna, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, and all Optum affiliates. These larger insurance networks also administer mental health benefits for third-party insurance carriers, and often our providers are able to accept those, as well.

Do I have to pay to use Headway?

No, it doesn't cost anything to find a therapist on Headway. Once you're ready to book, we'll find [your mental health benefits](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance) and show you a price estimate per session. You won't be charged until after the session.

When am I going to be charged?

A few days before [your first session](https://headway.co/clients/first-therapy-session), we'll verify your account has enough funds by placing a temporary hold on your payment method. This hold will be the same amount as your estimated cost and will have "Headway" as the statement description. After your session, we'll cancel this hold and issue a charge for the estimated cost.

How do I pay for my care?

You can pay by card (credit, debit, HSA, FSA, or HRA Card) or by connecting your bank account. After a session, your therapist will confirm the details and we’ll bill your payment method on file. We’re able to bill you at the time of service because our system reads your benefits in real time (vs. waiting for your claim to process).

Are video visits with a therapist online covered by my insurance?

Most insurance plans will cover telehealth services (video visits). When you add [your insurance details](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance), we can help determine if telehealth is covered by your specific plan.

Are all the clinicians on Headway licensed?

Yes, all clinicians on Headway are required to be fully licensed. Headway clinicians include talk therapists (LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, Counselor, LPC, LP, LCAT, and Psychologist) and medication management providers (Psychiatrists, Nurse Practitioners, MDs, and DOs).

Is online therapy more affordable than in-person therapy?

It depends. If you’re using insurance, online and in-person therapy often cost about the same, [based on your coverage and provider network](https://headway.co/clients/understanding-health-insurance). Some find online care more convenient and accessible. With Headway, you can find therapists who accept your insurance and get a cost estimate before you book.

Is there a difference between a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist?

Yes. “Therapist” and “counselor” are general terms for professionals who provide talk therapy for mental health challenges. Their titles may vary based on training and licenses. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose conditions, prescribe medication, and sometimes offer therapy. On Headway, you can find both therapists and psychiatrists to support your needs.

What can I expect at my first therapy session?

In your first session, think of it as an opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know each other. They'll likely ask about what brought you to seek therapy and about your goals. Together, you'll figure out what works best for you, and set a comfortable rhythm for sessions that follow. Not sure where to start? Headway's directory makes it easy to find a therapist who fits your needs and takes your insurance, helping you feel confident walking into your first session. Explore therapists in California and view their profiles for more information on who they are and how approach their sessions.

Is virtual therapy with a California therapist an option for me if I'm located in a different state?

There are a few factors the determine if you can see a provider in California from your state. First, California and your state must be reciprocity states, which is an agreement that effectively allows a licensed professional to "transfer" their license to the other state. Additionally, the provider must go through the reciprocity licensing process. Headway's directory shows you all of the providers licensed in California, making it easy to tell which providers you can see virtually from your location. Individual provider's profiles provides information on where they're located and what modalities they offer.

What therapy types do Headway's therapists offer?

Headway's network includes a range of therapy styles—think Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and more. There are therapists trained in everything from solution‑focused work to trauma-informed or family therapy. With Headway, you can explore and connect with therapists in California who matches your needs. Use Headway's directory to find someone who offers the kind of care you're looking for, in a way that resonates with you.