Equity & Access · Texas behavioral health news
The Border and the Barrier: How BetterHelp's Insurance Option Aims to Meet El Paso's Mental Health Needs - El Paso Times
Mental Health Equity (Google News) · April 29, 2026
In plain language
El Paso faces a severe shortage of mental health providers, leaving many residents with few options for care. The online therapy platform BetterHelp is now accepting several major insurance plans in Texas, which may help bridge this gap. This change allows people with qualifying coverage to connect with licensed therapists through video or messaging, often with a smaller co-pay. While digital therapy does not solve every issue, it provides a new way for local residents to find professional support without long waitlists.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in Texas, including Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
- El Paso has a significant shortage of mental health professionals, with about 890 residents for every provider.
- Local barriers to care include long waitlists, a lack of bilingual therapists, and cultural stigmas.
- Insurance members using the platform may pay an average copay of about $23 per session.
- Texas leads the nation in areas designated as having a shortage of mental health professionals.
- Online therapy platforms are intended for ongoing support and are not for crisis or emergency situations.
The Border and the Barrier: How BetterHelp's Insurance Option Aims to Meet El Paso's Mental Health Needs El Paso Times
Need to talk to someone in Texas? Browse Texas-licensed telehealth therapists. In crisis, call or text 988.