Mental health therapy denied by insurance — how to appeal

About Mental health therapy

Mental health therapy denials are frequently appealable under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, which requires that mental-health benefits be no more restrictive than medical/surgical benefits. The strongest appeals identify parity violations specifically — for example, session limits that don't apply to comparable medical care.

Common reasons Mental health therapy gets denied

• Determined not medically necessary
• Number of covered sessions exceeded
• Out-of-network provider
• Specific therapy modality excluded

Evidence that helps overturn a Mental health therapy denial

• Provider letter with diagnosis and treatment plan
• Mental Health Parity Act argument (services must be at parity with medical/surgical)
• Clinical guidelines (APA, AACAP)
• Treatment response documentation

Recommended approach

For most Mental health therapy denials, our triage will recommend the Strong Appeal ($249) tier. We prepare a professionally-structured appeal that addresses the specific denial reason, cites the relevant clinical evidence, and meets your insurer’s appeal-rights deadlines. Treatment cost exposure: typically $100–$300 per session.

What to do next

1. Find your denial letter (or EOB) and check the appeal deadline.
2. Upload it to InsureDefense for a free triage — no payment required to see the assessment.
3. If you choose to proceed, you’ll receive a draft within 24 hours (12 hours for urgent cases).
4. Submit the appeal to your insurer using the fax / portal / mailing address we provide.
5. Track the insurer’s response using our 14/30/45-day follow-up reminders.

Upload your Mental health therapy denial See pricing