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Does Insurance Cover Therapy in Utah?

By Sheila Jacobson Long, LCSW · 2026-07-07

One of the first questions people ask before starting therapy is a practical one: will my insurance pay for it? It is a fair thing to want to know up front, and the honest answer is that it usually depends on your specific plan. The good news is that many Utah health plans include mental-health benefits, and finding out what yours covers is straightforward once you know what to ask. This post explains how insurance coverage for therapy generally works in Utah, which plans Gentle Guardians Counseling is in-network with, and exactly how to verify your own benefits so there are no surprises.

How mental-health coverage usually works

Most health plans treat therapy as part of your behavioral or mental-health benefits. Whether a given session is covered, and how much you owe, depends on details in your specific plan, such as your deductible, copay or coinsurance, and whether your therapist is in-network.

Being in-network simply means your provider has a contract with your insurer, which typically lowers your out-of-pocket cost. Because plans vary so widely, the only way to know your exact coverage is to check the details of your own policy, which we will walk through below.

Insurance plans Gentle Guardians accepts

Gentle Guardians Counseling is in-network with a wide range of Utah plans, which makes therapy accessible for many families. We are currently in-network with:

  • SelectHealth
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Regence
  • United Healthcare / UMR
  • University of Utah Health Plans
  • PEHP
  • EMI Health
  • HMHI BHN
  • Aetna
  • Intermountain Healthcare EAP
  • Crime Victims Reparations

If you are paying out of pocket

Not everyone uses insurance, and that is completely fine. Some people are uninsured, have a plan we are not in-network with, or simply prefer to pay privately for more flexibility and confidentiality. Gentle Guardians also accepts cash, credit card, HSA funds, and ecclesiastical (bishop or priest) pay.

If you pay out of pocket, you are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate under the federal No Surprises Act, a clear written estimate of expected costs before you begin. We are always happy to talk through the options so you can choose what works for your situation.

How to verify your own benefits

Because coverage is so plan-specific, we always recommend confirming your mental-health benefits directly with your insurer before you start. It only takes a few minutes and prevents unexpected bills. Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask:

  • Do I have outpatient mental-health or behavioral-health benefits?
  • Is Gentle Guardians Counseling in-network with my plan?
  • Do I have a deductible, and has it been met this year?
  • What is my copay or coinsurance for outpatient therapy?
  • Do I need a referral or prior authorization?

We are happy to help you sort it out

Insurance can feel confusing, and you do not have to figure it out alone. If you are unsure about your coverage or which payment option makes sense, reach out and we can help point you in the right direction.

Gentle Guardians Counseling sees clients in Bountiful, Sandy, or by telehealth across Utah, and new clients can start with a free 15-minute consultation. Call or text us at (801) 251-6102 with any questions about insurance or getting started. Keep in mind that only your insurer can confirm your exact coverage, so verifying your own mental-health benefits is always the surest step.

Frequently asked

Which insurance plans does Gentle Guardians Counseling accept?

Gentle Guardians is in-network with SelectHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Regence, United Healthcare/UMR, University of Utah Health Plans, PEHP, EMI Health, HMHI BHN, Aetna, Intermountain Healthcare EAP, and Crime Victims Reparations. We also accept cash, credit card, HSA, and ecclesiastical (bishop or priest) pay. Because plan details vary, it is best to verify your specific mental-health benefits with your insurer.

How do I find out what my insurance will cover for therapy?

Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask whether you have outpatient mental-health benefits, whether Gentle Guardians is in-network, your deductible status, your copay or coinsurance, and whether a referral is needed. This takes just a few minutes and helps you avoid surprise costs. Only your insurer can confirm your exact coverage.

What if you are not in-network with my insurance?

You still have options. Gentle Guardians accepts cash, credit card, HSA funds, and ecclesiastical pay, and self-pay clients receive a Good Faith Estimate of costs under the No Surprises Act. Call or text (801) 251-6102 and we can talk through what works for you.