Headway

Headway operates as a therapist marketplace that connects patients with in-network providers, making it one of the most affordable therapy options for insured patients. The platform accepts six major insurance carriers and patients typically pay only their copay — often $20-$40 per session versus $100+ for out-of-network alternatives. Headway operates in 13 states and focuses on matching patients with therapists based on specialty, availability, and insurance compatibility. Where Headway differs from direct-to-consumer platforms like BetterHelp is the insurance model: BetterHelp charges a flat subscription regardless of insurance, while Headway routes patients through their existing coverage. The tradeoff is that Headway is a marketplace, not a clinical practice — the platform connects patients with independent therapists rather than employing them directly, which means quality and approach vary by provider. Headway also does not offer psychiatry or medication management. For patients with insurance who want affordable therapy with transparent copays, Headway is one of the strongest options. For patients who need medication or have no insurance, other platforms will be more appropriate. Headway operates in 13 states and focuses on matching patients with therapists based on specialty, availability, and insurance compatibility. Where Headway differs from direct-to-consumer platforms like BetterHelp is the insurance model: BetterHelp charges a flat subscription regardless of insurance, while Headway routes patients through their existing coverage. The tradeoff is that Headway is a marketplace, not a clinical practice — the platform connects patients with independent therapists rather than employing them directly, which means quality and approach vary by provider. Headway also does not offer psychiatry or medication management. For patients with insurance who want affordable therapy with transparent copays, Headway is one of the strongest options. For patients who need medication or have no insurance, other platforms will be more appropriate.

Who it suits

Patients with health insurance who want affordable, in-network therapy or psychiatry without navigating the billing complexity themselves. Headway is especially useful for finding providers who accept specific plans like Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, or UnitedHealthcare — the directory shows real-time insurance acceptance and availability, eliminating the guesswork that comes with calling individual practices.

How Headway compares

Headway has become one of the most effective platforms for finding affordable in-network therapy, handling the complex insurance credentialing process that keeps many qualified therapists out of insurance networks. The result is a larger pool of available in-network providers than patients typically find on their own. The tradeoff is that Headway is a marketplace connecting patients with independent providers rather than an integrated clinical platform — care quality and experience vary by individual therapist, and Headway does not provide the clinical oversight or outcome tracking that platforms like Lyra Health or SonderMind offer.

Care offered

• Mental Health & Psychiatry

Included

• Therapy / Counseling
• Initial Evaluation & Diagnosis
• Medication Management
• Prescription Refills

Convenience

• Couples / Family Sessions
• Evening & Weekend Hours

Cost

$20–$60/visit

• Per visit

Headway is an insurance-first platform — if you have coverage through Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, or other major plans, you typically pay only your copay, usually $20–$60 per session. Headway does not charge a platform fee or membership fee. Without insurance, self-pay rates vary by provider and typically run $100–$200 per session. Headway handles all insurance verification and billing, so there are no surprise bills after your appointment.

Insurance

Plans listed: Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare.

Coverage varies by plan. Confirm yours with the provider before booking.

States served by telehealth

30 states

• TX
• CA
• FL
• NY
• IL
• WA
• GA
• CO
• OH
• PA
• AZ
• NC
• NJ
• VA
• MA
• MD
• MN
• MI
• WI
• OR
• TN
• SC
• CT
• IN
• MO
• NV
• UT
• KY
• AL
• LA

Telehealth providers must be licensed in the state where you are during the visit.

How visits happen: Video sessions through Headway platform or provider preference.

How to start

Search Headway's directory for a therapist or psychiatrist in your state who accepts your insurance. Filter by specialty, availability, insurance plan, and provider background. Book directly through the Headway platform — no referral or phone call needed. Headway verifies your insurance benefits in advance and handles all billing directly with your insurer, so you only pay your standard copay at the time of your appointment.