Talkspace Therapy App Expands Insurance Coverage to 40 Million Americans

Eric Hamilton, Tech Times 19 September 2020, 10:09 am

This year has introduced a lifestyle that we had never before imagined possible: a daily routine where we are asked to work from home, remain socially distant from others, and limit the amount of time we spend in public areas. Although these policies are beneficial to the physical health of the general public, this new lifestyle is understandably having a detrimental effect on Americans' mental health. According to a recent survey conducted among researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Massachusetts General Hospital and led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Medicine, 90 percent of American adults are experiencing emotional distress related to the current pandemic.

With no end in sight, companies are implementing innovative solutions to aid in the recovery of the country's physical and mental health. Talksapace, an online therapy company, has taken initiative throughout the pandemic to ensure that people have the ability to combat rising mental health concerns. In August 2020, the company announced that its reach has expanded to over 40 million Americans.

According to Oren Frank, co-founder and CEO of Talkspace, "We are living in the worst mental health crisis of our lifetime, where we experience political, social, and financial stressors daily...People need same-day access to care right now, and our hope with this campaign is to educate the public around the options available to them for more affordable mental health care."

About Talkspace

Talkspace is a digital platform that connects licensed therapists and psychiatrists with people seeking mental healthcare. As a digital healthcare company, all care is delivered through a user-friendly HIPAA-compliant web and mobile platform.

Developed in 2012 by Roni and Oren Frank, Talkspace serves over 1 million customers and employs thousands of therapists. Their mission is to provide more people with convenient access to licensed therapists who can help those in need live a happier and healthier life. The platform was designed with the intention of offering quality level therapy services that can guide their patients on the routes that they should take on how to improve their mental state and lead a better life. Talkspace was developed to expand access to quality mental health treatment so that more people can benefit from therapy and overcome their day-to-day challenges in a stigma-free environment.

Who is Covered?

The expansion of coverage is ground-breaking in the world of mental health. Numerous companies and major health insurers have committed to ensuring that all employees and health care subscribers are awarded access to mental health services. Access to these services can be done using an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or via insurance benefits.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Talkspace's Digital Employee Assistance Program (EAP) recently launched in April 2020. Originally set to release at a later date, Talkspace accelerated their launch in an effort to accommodate the millions of American struggling during these unprecedented times. Through the secure and confidential portal, employees are able to access online therapy and counseling via messaging and live video sessions, self-guided cognitive therapy (CBT), wellness tools and exercises, financial and legal guidance, educational content, and emergency support. Most importantly, the platform is free of charge for those who qualify.

Mark Hirschhorn, Talkspace President and Chief Operating Officer, commented on the launch by stating: "EAP usage rates are shockingly low, despite the continuously rising demand for mental health care. We knew we had to create a solution that would help employers lower their health care costs and produce better outcomes...After years of insights generated by our online therapy commercial service, we're excited to share a solution that is specifically designed to reduce friction for busy employees who are currently experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety."

Insurance Benefits

Over the last few years, Talkspace has continued to develop relationships and build partnerships with health insurers, employers, educational insurers, and other large member organizations. Major insurers covered by Talkspace include Cigna, Optum, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humera. Exact coverage will vary depending on the plan.

Most recently Talkspace added Cigna to its growing network. In May 2020, Mental Health Awareness month, the 14 million customers enrolled in employer-sponsored plans were approved to utilize Talkspace as their preferred method of treatment.

Eva Borden, Managing Director of Behavioral Strategy and Solutions at Cigna, commented: "Almost no one is immune to the emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether you're on the frontlines, juggling work from home, or in self-isolation...This is why we've accelerated efforts to bring more virtual mental health care options so that customers have easier access to the personalized support they need -- at a place and time that works for them."

Confirmed Coverage

The following employers and educational organizations are confirmed to provide coverage for Talkspace:

Allan Myers

Alliance Bernstein
Alliant
Alternatives EAP
ATO
Blue Sprig
BRIA Health Services
Chi Psi
Cigna
City of Irvine
City Year
Colby College
County of Riverside
Cultural Vistas
Delta Tau Delta
Dissinger Reed
e4EAP
Emergent

BioSolutions

Evolent
Expensify
GatorCare
GLG
Hana Health
Healthgrades
Joyages
Justworks Employees
Justworks Members
Kappa Alpha Order
KeepTruckin
Kenyon College
Kenzie Academy
LAIKA
LendingTree
Little Bird
LiveRamp
LPGA
Magellan Health
Mathematica
MINES and Associates
MOD Pizza
Montgomery County

Community College

New Directions

Behavioral Health

Norwest Venture

Partners

Open Society

Foundations

Precise Benefits

Group

Resources for Living
Sigma Kappa

Accessing Coverage and Getting Started

New Users

To access coverage, users must first identify if they are covered through an eligibility check. If an individual is accessing Talkspace via their EAP, they must obtain an EAP authorization code from their employer's EAP; if an individual is using their insurance benefits, they will need their Member ID. This step will inform users of their coverage benefits.

If an individual is covered and they are ready to start therapy, they can begin the process immediately. Once coverage is verified, users will be directed to take a brief assessment which will help Talkspace identify the most qualified therapists for the user. The user is then prompted to select the therapist of their choice, and then they are ready to start therapy.

Existing Users

For individuals who already pay for Talkspace services but want to transition to using their insurance, there are two options they can utilize to check their coverage.

First, they can simply request from their current therapist the eligibility questionnaire. Once users receive the survey, they will be prompted to "Get Started" and will be provided the opportunity to input their employer or college. If approved for coverage, a new "room" will be created for ongoing services; the user must then select their therapist to finalize the process.

Otherwise, they can check their coverage via their online account. Users can go to "Account Settings," scroll to the "Eligibility and Coverage" section, and then click on "Check my Coverage." The user will then be prompted to verify coverage. Again, once approved, the user will need to open a new "room" and select their existing therapist.

Once complete the user will need to contact customer support at partners-support@talkspace.com and request that they close out the self-paying services. If there are any problems during the process, users should contact customer support for further assistance.

It is important to note that not all therapists are available to provide services using insurance; in this case, users will need to either continue paying directly or select a new therapist to work with.

Using a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account

For those who are not covered by their insurance, some may have the option to request reimbursement from their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). They will need to cover the costs upfront then submit their bill to their FSA or HSA administrator. It is best to contact your account administrative directly to determine if this option is viable.

Changing Therapists

If at any point a user would like to change their therapist, the process is available on the Talkspace website. Once logged in, users can take the following steps to get a new therapist:

Find their username located on the top left corner of the screen
Click on the username, scroll down and select "Manage Subscription"
Select "Change Your Therapist"
Answer questions about your experience with your therapist
Once complete you will be presented with new therapists to select from
Review matches and select a new therapist
If the match is successful you will be reassigned to the new therapist

These steps are based on utilizing the web-based platform and may need to be modified if using the iOS or Android app.

What is Covered?

Talkspace offers multiple services to its users depending on the demands of the client. Coverage of services will be limited depending on the plan which a user is utilizing. For example, EAP will cover all costs of the clients use of Talkspace but is limited to the unlimited messaging option, while insurance coverage will vary depending on the health insurer. Contacting Talkspace will provide the greatest insight into what is covered under one's insurance plan.

Out of Pocket Costs

For those who want more coverage, need to use their FSA or HSA account, or who do not qualify for coverage, paying out of pocket is the next best option. Prices vary depending on what services are requested and for how long each service will be paid in advance.

Unlimited Messaging Therapy Plus: Includes unlimited text, video, and audio messaging. Therapists will respond daily, five days a week. Billed $260 monthly, $708 quarterly, or $1,248 biannually.

Unlimited Messaging Therapy Premium: Includes unlimited text, video, and audio messaging and one 30-minute live video session per month. Therapists will respond daily, five days a week. Billed $316 monthly, $852 quarterly, or $1,512 biannually.

Unlimited Messaging Therapy Ultimate: Includes unlimited text, video and audio messaging and four 30-minute live video sessions per month. Therapists will respond daily, five days a week. Billed $396 monthly, $1,068 quarterly, or $1,896 biannually.

Talkspace Couples Therapy: Includes unlimited text, video, and audio messaging. Therapists will respond daily, five days a week. Billed $396 monthly or $1,068 quarterly.

Live video sessions can also be added a la carte to the messaging therapy plans and couples therapy plan for $65 per 30-minute session.

Psychiatry Sessions: The initial evaluation for psychiatry services cost $199; follow-up sessions are $125. Prices are reduced if multiple sessions are paid for in advance: Initial evaluation plus one follow up cost $312 (10% savings); initial evaluation plus three follow-ups cost $518 (15% savings); initial evaluation plus six follow-ups cost $799 (20% savings).

Insomnia Therapy: The Insomnia Therapy program is an 8-week program that is paid in two monthly installments of $260 each, totaling $520.

Benefits of Talkspace

Therapy has been steadily growing in popularity as our society begins to remove the stigma traditionally associated with mental health. People are starting to understand the benefits that therapy can bring to an individual's life, including alleviating emotional and psychological symptoms, developing and implementing healthy coping mechanisms, utilizing a professional as a sounding board, accomplishing more goals, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, promoting positive personal change, helping with relationships, and the list goes on. However, not everyone has the opportunity to experience these luxuries due to the many barriers that prevent people from attending traditional therapy.

Thankfully, Talkspace was developed to create a platform to help individuals overcome these barriers so that they can receive the help they deserve. For example, online therapy provides users the ability to attend therapy without requiring a commute, so employees with a strict schedule can be accommodated. Additionally, online therapy is less expensive when compared to traditional therapy methods and allows users to interact with their therapists on a regular basis.

Working with a Qualified Therapist

Not only does Talkspace provide an easy to use platform for its customers, but it also ensures that all users are guaranteed to be paired with a qualified therapist. All therapists working at Talkspace have been carefully trained and vetted. In fact, interns or therapists who are not fully licensed and still under supervision are not permitted to work with Talkspace - all therapists must have already completed over 3,000 hours of clinical experience to be considered. Those selected to work with Talkspace are trained in different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), existential-humanistic, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, mindfulness, and more.

Benefits to the Employer

In a recent study conducted and published by Talkspace, clients reported that they experienced a 56% increase in work productivity and a 50% decrease in hours missed following treatment. This trend is prompting more businesses to seek resources for their employees because the statistics indicate that healthy employees actually save on the company's bottom line.

Resources During the Pandemic

The benefits of telehealth services have truly been highlighted as a result of the pandemic. "We're seeing disruptions to travel; sporting events, concerts, and conventions canceled; an unstable stock market; schools and workplaces closed or conducting business virtually; the shuttering of bars and restaurants; and the implementation of curfews and quarantines," said Talkspace in a recent blog post.

Because of this we are witnessing an expansion in coverage for remote mental health services. Companies and consumers around the globe are adopting changes that promote the wellbeing of their communities, and resources are being provided to aid in people's mental state during these times. In addition to expanding partnerships in 2020, Talkspace has made a commitment to help those who are currently struggling. They are now offering the following services:

Coronavirus Facebook Support Group. This group is dedicated to providing individuals with a sense of community and connection. It is therapist-led and allows visitors to seek guidance and receive tips and resources about their mental health, specifically as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Instagram Channel. This Q&A platform allows for users to pose a question on Instagram, which will be followed by a response from a licensed therapist. Common topics discussed include anxiety, loneliness, fear, and working from home.

Coronavirus Resource Hub. This hub consists of an assortment of blogs addressing the many concerns present during the coronavirus outbreak. These include discussions on anxiety and stress tips, staying socially and emotionally connected, parenting and family, relationships, working from home, political and social issues, work, financial strain, and healthcare; this hub also reviews the long-term implications of the outbreak. Recent articles include:

Therapy Program for COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety. Specifically developed as a result of the pandemic, this is a 16-day therapist led program designed to provide support and tools for Talkspace users looking for assistance during the pandemic. The program is free to all existing users and covers topics such as how to reduce stress and physical sensations of stress and anxiety, what skills can be used to manage stress at home for individuals and their families, identifying how to problem solve new and unexpected issues that arise due to COVID-19, and developing an understanding on how individuals can improve their overall happiness and quality of life.

To learn if you are experiencing anxiety or depression at this time, you can first take the Anxiety Test or Depression Test offered on their website.

Changing the Future

This is just the beginning of a new era - a time where mental health resources are readily available and affordable to all people in the United States, and one where we are fighting to overcome the stigma of mental illness. By providing education on mental health issues, promoting tools for individuals to utilize in times of need, and expanding coverage for mental health services, we have an opportunity to change the mental state of generations to come. Thanks to companies dedicated to improving mental health resources, we can only hope for a better future.

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