Is Equine Therapy Covered By Insurance?

When someone mentions therapy, most people think about sitting across from a therapist speaking one-on-one or participating as part of a group. What many people leave out is the option of engaging in equine therapy. This type of therapy helps people from all walks of life deal with their issues, including mental health disorders and substance use disorders. The question is this: Is equine therapy covered by insurance? Hillcrest explores this topic and how working with horses can help your child make tremendous progress in expressing their thoughts and feelings. 

Contact Hillcrest now to find out more about our adolescent equine therapy programs.

What is Equine Therapy?

Before answering the question, “Is equine therapy covered by insurance?”, let’s talk about what is involved in this type of therapy. As far back as 600 B.C., the Greeks realized that sick patients often appeared to feel better emotionally when they were around horses. In 1969, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association began, and then morphed into the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International. 

Equine therapists introduce people to the horses and follow guidelines for safe and effective equine therapy. Equine therapy uses horses as part of therapy to help people who struggle with issues like mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The horses are trained by experts who understand how helpful equine therapy can be, including for teenagers. 

The person in therapy will engage in tasks like feeding, grooming, and riding the horses, and leading them on walks. Equine therapy can be done by working with an individual therapist or as part of a treatment center. Therapists are trained to work with individuals, groups, and families, and help both children and adults. 

How Does Equine Therapy Work?

When it comes to making decisions about whether a child should try equine therapy, parents first want to know how it works.

Good candidates for working with horses include those who have trouble communicating with others. They often feel comfortable around horses, partly because they know animals do not judge them. They can just be themselves as they focus on working and bonding with the horse. 

Horses often act in manners that reflect the emotions and state of mind of the person who works with them. This means whether the person feels anxious or calm, the horse will pick up on that and act accordingly. Equine therapists observe how the person and horse work together and can pick up clues to how the individual is feeling.

As well, working with horses helps build trust between the person and the animal. The skills learned can be extrapolated and used to improve a person’s self-esteem and ability to trust others. 

What Mental Illnesses Does Equine Therapy Treat?

One of the great things about equine therapy is that it can help people who have a multitude of mental health disorders and more. Most treatment programs will do an initial assessment to make sure they have the correct diagnosis for the people they treat.

Types of mental illnesses that equine therapy can help include:

• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Psychotic disorders
• Trauma disorders
• Personality disorders
• Substance abuse 
• Behavioral disorders
• Dual diagnosis
• Suicidal ideation

Is Equine Therapy Covered By Insurance?

If someone identifies this type of therapy as worth exploring, they will likely wonder, “Is equine therapy covered by insurance?” The answer depends on different factors, including which policy a person has and whether the equine therapist is in-network or not.

Some insurance companies consider equine therapy to be alternative or non-essential and will not cover it. The individual might try submitting a pre-authorization request because they can include all needed documentation and referrals.

Even if a person is initially turned down for insurance coverage, they can challenge the decision by filing for an appeal. It can take as little as confirmation from a physician or mental health expert that the person has a diagnosis and can benefit from working with therapeutic horses to change the insurance company’s mind.  

If insurance won’t step up and cover equine therapy, parents can ask the treatment center they have in mind about private pay options and any available scholarships.

Can You Attend Other Types of Therapy Along with Equine Therapy?

While some people choose to use equine therapy as their only type of therapy, it can also work in conjunction with other types of therapy. In fact, many people thrive when given sit-down therapy, group therapy, and experiential therapies such as equine.

Many people choose from the following list of therapies to complement their equine program:

• Adolescent Therapy Programs
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Education
• Behavioral Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Interpersonal Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Personal Development 

When someone begins treatment with a solo therapist or at a residential facility, they will be assessed to determine which types of therapy will offer them the best chance of healing or minimizing many of their symptoms. This helps them learn ways to self-care, interact with others, and accelerate in preparing for life as an adult.

Begin Treatment for Teenage Mental Health Disorders or Addiction at Hillcrest

Do you have a teenager who struggles with poor mental health or a substance use disorder and want to know your options for the best treatment plan available? Hillcrest opened its doors to a modern and beautifully decorated residential treatment program to help teens in trouble.

Our licensed staff of mental health experts and other clinicians help adolescents bridge the gap between where they are now and the improvements they need to make. We help people through the use of therapies and any necessary FDA-approved medications. 

Contact us today and begin the process of entering a program that will elevate your mental health and leave you prepared for a bright future.