Is there free virtual therapy on the Empire Plan?

The Empire Plan lists virtual behavioral health visits through LiveHealth Online with no copayment. These are best suited to short-term or immediate support rather than ongoing weekly therapy with one clinician.

Can I use my Empire Plan out-of-network benefits for online therapy?

Yes. Out-of-network mental health benefits apply to telehealth the same way they apply to office visits. You meet the out-of-network deductible, then pay coinsurance on each session.

Should I choose Talkspace or a private therapist?

It depends on what you need. Talkspace is convenient and inexpensive in-network. A private practice tends to offer more choice of clinician, longer continuity with one therapist, and specialization in issues like trauma, teens, or couples. Many people try one and switch to the other.

Does the Empire Plan Cover BetterHelp or Talkspace? (2026)

Q: Does the Empire Plan cover Talkspace?

Yes. Talkspace is a participating provider group through Carelon Behavioral Health, the Empire Plan’s mental health administrator, so a Talkspace session is subject to the same copayment as an in-network office visit.

Q: Does the Empire Plan cover BetterHelp?

Not reliably. BetterHelp began accepting some commercial insurance plans in 2025, but its network varies by state and plan, and it does not issue superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. Most BetterHelp members still pay a subscription of roughly $70 to $100 a week. Check coverage during sign-up before assuming it applies.

The short answer

Does the Empire Plan cover BetterHelp or Talkspace?

Talkspace, yes. BetterHelp, generally not. Talkspace is a participating provider group through Carelon Behavioral Health, the Empire Plan's mental health administrator, so a Talkspace session costs the same copay as an in-network office visit. BetterHelp has started accepting some commercial plans, but its network varies and it doesn't issue superbills, so most members still pay its weekly subscription out of pocket. The Empire Plan also offers virtual behavioral health visits through LiveHealth Online with no copayment.

Talkspace: in-network through Carelon

New York State's own mental health resource page for NYSHIP enrollees lists Talkspace as an Empire Plan option. Because Talkspace participates in Carelon's network, a session is billed like any in-network visit: you pay your standard copay, with no deductible to meet first.

Talkspace offers live video sessions and private messaging, and uses a matching questionnaire to pair you with a therapist. For many people that's a quick, low-cost way to start.

BetterHelp: mostly self-pay

For most of its history, BetterHelp didn't accept insurance at all. Since 2025 it has added some commercial plans, but coverage depends on your state, your plan, and therapist availability, and there's no clear indication The Empire Plan is among them.

Two practical points matter for Empire Plan members. Without coverage, BetterHelp typically runs about $70 to $100 a week, billed every four weeks. And BetterHelp does not issue superbills, which makes using your out-of-network benefits difficult. If you're considering it, check coverage during sign-up rather than assuming.

LiveHealth Online: no copay

The Empire Plan also lists virtual behavioral health visits through LiveHealth Online with no copayment. It's well suited to getting support quickly or between appointments. It's less suited to long-term weekly therapy with the same clinician, which is where most of the benefit of therapy comes from.

When an app is the right fit

You want to start this week at the lowest possible cost.
Your concerns are fairly general, such as stress, a rough patch, or adjusting to a change.
You like messaging between sessions.
You're not sure therapy is for you and want a low-commitment way to try it.

When a private therapist tends to be the better fit

You want to choose who you work with rather than be matched by an algorithm.
Continuity matters to you. Staying with one therapist over months is strongly linked to better outcomes.
You need a specialty, such as trauma, a teenager, couples work, or recovering from an emotionally manipulative relationship.
You've tried an app and it felt too surface-level.

The cost tradeoff, honestly

Talkspace in-network is usually the cheapest option per session. A private out-of-network practice costs more at the start of the year, because you meet a deductible first. After that, Empire Plan out-of-network benefits generally cover a substantial share, and many members find the per-session difference smaller than they expected. Our guide to in-network versus out-of-network costs walks through the math.

Neither choice is wrong. The right one is whichever you'll actually stick with.

Where we fit

We're a New York practice that works with The Empire Plan out of network. We verify your benefits for free before your first session so you know your cost up front, we handle the claims, and you work with the same clinician every week, by secure video, with evening and weekend appointments.

Want to know what your Empire Plan would actually cover?

We'll check your out-of-network benefits for free, with no obligation to book.

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This article is general educational information, not insurance or medical advice. Platform coverage and pricing change frequently. Confirm your specific benefits with Carelon (1-877-769-7447, option 3) or the platform before starting. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.