How Cover My Mental Health Helps Patients Fight Insurance Denials

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, The Educated Patient spoke with Joe Feldman, founder of Cover My Mental Health, about the persistent and widespread barriers that prevent millions of Americans from accessing mental health care. Feldman identifies three main factors driving the crisis: demand, supply and insurance.

On the demand side, stigma continues to discourage many individuals from seeking care, especially young people and families who may not know where to begin. Even when people are motivated to get help, they often encounter supply-related barriers. Many mental health providers are at full capacity, and insurance directories frequently list clinicians who are no longer accepting patients, lack the right expertise or no longer participate in the network. This leaves patients — particularly those needing specialized care for conditions like eating disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder — struggling to find appropriate providers.

The third and perhaps most frustrating challenge is insurance coverage. Despite laws requiring parity between mental and physical health coverage, millions of mental health claims are still denied by private insurers every year. These denials often cite a lack of “medical necessity,” limit the number of covered visits or restrict the frequency of therapy sessions. The result is that patients and their clinicians must fight to justify care that would be readily approved for physical health conditions.

Feldman founded Cover My Mental Health to help individuals and families navigate these challenges. The nonprofit provides free, actionable tools that anyone can use immediately — without needing legal help or specialized knowledge of health plan regulations. The website organizes resources by specific obstacles, such as coverage denials or telehealth restrictions, and offers practical materials like template letters, videos and step-by-step guidance that empower users to advocate for themselves.

The organization emphasizes accessibility and simplicity. Rather than overwhelming users with complex legal or insurance terminology, Cover My Mental Health focuses on clear, usable information that helps patients take immediate action. A unique feature of the site is guidance on how to authorize a trusted friend or family member to assist with insurance calls and paperwork — an invaluable support for people in crisis.

Feldman’s mission is rooted in optimism and empowerment. Cover My Mental Health seeks to remind people that mental health is health, that they are entitled to care, and that effective advocacy can make a real difference. Through its practical resources and growing success stories, the organization is helping more patients overcome systemic barriers and access the treatment they need and deserve.