Telehealth FAQ
Telehealth Therapy in Massachusetts
Yes, you can see a therapist online in Massachusetts. Here are plain answers on where you need to be, privacy, insurance and whether video therapy works, from a telehealth-only practice based in Natick.
BCBS · Optum · Harvard Pilgrim · United · Aetna · Cigna · Online in MA & RI
How Does Telehealth Therapy Work in Massachusetts? The Short Answer
Telehealth therapy is therapy by secure video. You join from a private space on your phone, tablet or laptop, and you need to be physically in Massachusetts or Rhode Island during each session, because that's where Ashti Mistry, LICSW, is licensed. For many people, research finds video therapy works about as well as in-person therapy, and Massachusetts law protects telehealth coverage on many health plans.
Before your first session
What You Need, and What You Don't
Online therapy takes less setup than most people expect. If you can join a video call, you have what you need. Here's what matters for a session that feels private and steady.
A Device With a Camera
A smartphone, tablet or laptop with a built-in camera and microphone is enough. You don't need special equipment or any technical expertise to join.
A Steady Connection
Standard home broadband or 4G/5G mobile data is fine for most sessions.
A Private Space
Somewhere you can speak freely for the whole session. It doesn't need to be perfect, or even at home, just reasonably private.
To Be in MA or RI
You need to be physically in Massachusetts or Rhode Island for each session, whether you join from home, work or another private spot.
Your Session Link
The practice sends your session link with joining instructions once your appointment is arranged. When it's time, open the link and allow camera and microphone access when prompted.
Help Before You Start
Not sure about the tech? Contact the practice before your first session if you'd like help getting set up.
Massachusetts law
What Massachusetts Law Says About Telehealth
Chapter 260 of the Acts of 2020 wrote telehealth coverage into Massachusetts insurance law. Here's what that means for therapy, in plain terms. This is general information, not legal or insurance advice, and your own plan documents have the final word.
Covered like in-person care
If a state-regulated Massachusetts health plan covers therapy in person, it must also cover therapy by telehealth when the service can be appropriately provided that way.
No higher cost to you
Your deductible, copay or coinsurance for a telehealth visit can't be higher than for the same service in person. For behavioral health, in-network therapists must also be paid at least the in-person rate, a rule with no end date.
Self-funded plans can differ
Some employers pay claims through a self-funded plan. Those plans are governed by federal law (ERISA) rather than Massachusetts insurance law, so these rules may not apply. Ask your HR team or member services which kind of plan you have.
What to expect
How Do Online Sessions Start?
- 01
Free Consultation
Start with a free 15-minute video consultation with Ashti. No obligation.
- 02
Check Coverage
We're in-network with six insurers, and limited sliding scale spots are offered; ask about them during your consultation. See Rates & Insurance
- 03
Book Your Intake
Once you decide to go ahead, we schedule your intake at a time that suits you. Flexible appointment times are available.
- 04
Meet by Secure Video
Settle into your private space and join your one-hour session by secure video.
The research
Is Video Therapy as Effective?
For many people, yes. A 2021 meta-analysis in Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy found that therapy by live video led to substantial improvement, and that its outcomes differed negligibly from in-person therapy. Results were strongest for anxiety, depression and PTSD, especially with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (Fernandez et al., 2021).
Video therapy isn't the right fit for every person or every situation. Fit depends on your needs, your access to technology and the kind of care you need. During your free consultation, we talk through whether online therapy suits you, including any reason a different level of care might help more.
Why People Choose Online
- 1
No commute
Skip the drive, the parking and the waiting room
- 2
Familiar space
Talk from a room where you already feel at ease
- 3
Easier to keep
Fewer missed sessions when life gets busy
- 4
Quicker to begin
Fewer hurdles between deciding to reach out and your first session
Online or in person, the right fit with your therapist matters most.
Where you can be
Places That Work for a Session
At home
A bedroom, a home office or any room with a door that closes, at a time when you're least likely to be interrupted.
In a parked car
A parked car can work well as a private space with a decent mobile signal. Just make sure you're parked safely and can talk freely.
At a hospital
If you're spending long days at a hospital, a family room or another quiet space can work for a session.
Away for work or family
Visiting family on the Cape or working in Providence for the week? You can keep your usual session from a hotel room or a guest room.
With a little one nearby
Babies in arms are welcome during online sessions. Other adults don't join, since sessions are just for you.
Outside MA or RI
Because of licensing, sessions can only happen while you're in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. If you'll be away, we can talk about scheduling around it.
Common questions
Telehealth Therapy Questions, Answered
Do I have to be physically in Massachusetts for each session?
Yes, or in Rhode Island. Licensing follows where you are during the session, not where you live, and Ashti Mistry, LICSW, is licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. So a Massachusetts address isn't enough on a day you're out of state.
Who will I see for online therapy sessions?
Your sessions are with Ashti Mistry, LICSW, Founder & Clinical Director, who has practiced since 2017. She draws on approaches such as CBT, ACT, DBT skills, mindfulness and trauma-informed care, fitted to what you bring. Meet Ashti
Is online therapy private?
Yes, with a few limits. Sessions are by secure video, and on your end it helps to choose a private space, use headphones and keep your session link to yourself. What you share is confidential, with a few exceptions the law requires, such as if a child, an elder or a person with a disability is being abused or neglected, or someone is in serious and immediate danger. We'll go over this at your first session.
Does insurance pay the same for telehealth therapy in Massachusetts?
For many plans, yes. Under Massachusetts law, a state-regulated plan that covers therapy can't charge you more for a telehealth session than for the same session in person. If your employer's plan is self-funded, different rules may apply, so it's worth asking member services which kind of plan you have.
Do you take insurance for online therapy?
Often, yes. We're in network with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Cigna, Harvard Pilgrim, Optum and UnitedHealthcare for sessions in Massachusetts; Rhode Island sessions are private pay, and we can provide a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Maya, our Executive Admin Assistant, verifies your benefits before your first appointment. Private pay is also available. See Rates & Insurance
Do you offer in-person sessions?
No. Bee Insightful Therapy is a telehealth-only practice based in Natick, so every session, including your intake, happens by secure video, and there's no office to visit.
How soon can I start online therapy?
We're accepting new clients, and the typical wait to start is about a week. You can reach out through the contact page or call (617) 603-0630 to set up your free consultation; we aim to reply within 1 business day.
Can I have online sessions in another language?
Sessions are in English. If you'd be more comfortable in another language, please ask during your free consultation and I'll help you find the right fit.
Keep reading
Explore Related Pages
Rates & Insurance
Session fees, private pay, sliding scale spots and the plans we accept.
Rates & insurance
Take the first step
Start Therapy From Wherever You Are
A free 15-minute consultation with Ashti Mistry, LICSW. Bring your questions about privacy, insurance or getting set up, and we'll talk about whether we're the right fit.
Online sessions for adults located in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.