Yes, most health insurance plans in the U.S. are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), these services—including therapy, counseling, and inpatient care—must be treated equally to physical health coverage, meaning no, or similar, limits on coverage.

Key details regarding mental health coverage:

• Marketplace plans, employer-sponsored insurance, Medicaid, and CHIP generally cover behavioral health treatment (psychotherapy, counseling), inpatient mental/behavioral health care, and substance use disorder treatment.
• The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) prevents insurers from placing more restrictive limitations on mental health benefits than on medical or surgical benefits.
• While coverage is required, specific benefits (like the number of sessions) can vary by state and plan.
• Always call the member services number on your insurance card to confirm specific providers, coverage limits, and required referrals.