Overview

Equine therapy, or equine-assisted therapy, is increasingly recognized as a powerful modality for treating mental health and substance use disorders. When provided in a residential setting, the therapeutic benefits can be even more impactful, offering a structured, immersive environment for deep emotional work. 

But a common and practical question arises for many families and individuals seeking this kind of care: Can insurance be used for residential equine therapy programs?

The short answer is: sometimes, but it depends. Insurance coverage for residential equine therapy is influenced by several factors, including the type of insurance, the clinical necessity of the treatment, and how the program is licensed or accredited. 

While equine therapy continues to gain legitimacy in behavioral health, navigating coverage can still be confusing. ClinicSpots helps you explore your insurance options for equine therapy programs and connect with top doctors and accredited treatment centers near you.".

What Is Residential Equine Therapy?

Residential equine therapy refers to a treatment program where individuals live on-site often on a ranch or therapeutic campus and engage in equine-assisted therapy as part of a broader clinical curriculum. These programs typically combine traditional evidence-based treatments (like cognitive behavioral therapy or trauma-informed care) with equine activities designed to build trust, emotional regulation, communication, and resilience.

Equine therapy may include grooming, leading, or riding horses under the guidance of trained professionals. It’s not about horsemanship or riding skills, rather, it's about creating relational experiences that mirror human dynamics in a safe and nonjudgmental space. For people who have not responded well to conventional outpatient settings, residential programs that incorporate equine therapy can be life-changing.

Insurance and Equine Therapy: Why It’s Complicated

Insurance carriers tend to cover therapies that are considered "medically necessary" and provided by licensed professionals in accredited settings. That’s where equine therapy enters a gray area.

Most insurers still categorize equine-assisted psychotherapy as complementary or alternative therapy. While some behavioral health plans acknowledge its therapeutic value especially when used for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or substance use—not all do. Even when equine therapy is part of a residential treatment plan, it may not be itemized separately, making the coverage details even harder to untangle.

Here are some of the factors that influence coverage:

How to Find Out If Your Insurance Covers Equine Therapy

If you’re hoping to use insurance to cover a portion of residential equine therapy, the best approach is to work directly with the admissions or billing team at the treatment center. Many facilities have insurance specialists who can conduct a verification of benefits (VOB) and help you understand what will—and won’t be covered.

You can also contact your insurance provider directly. Ask the following:

• Does my plan cover residential treatment for mental health or substance use?
• Are alternative therapies such as equine-assisted psychotherapy covered?
• What providers or programs are in-network for this level of care?
• What are the deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums for residential behavioral health?

It’s also helpful to ask about health plans that cover equine therapy specifically, as some private and employer-sponsored plans may allow for exceptions or reimbursements for “adjunctive therapies” when part of a clinically approved treatment plan.

Medicaid and State-Sponsored Insurance: A Special Consideration

When it comes to public insurance like Medicaid, coverage for residential equine therapy is limited but not impossible. Each state administers Medicaid differently, so access to services depends on local policies, provider licensing, and facility eligibility.

For example, a leading facility that takes Georgia Medicaid may incorporate equine therapy under broader behavioral health programming if it aligns with the treatment goals outlined by a clinician. These programs must meet state requirements for residential care, and equine therapy cannot usually stand alone as a reimbursable service it must be embedded within an approved clinical plan.

Parents and guardians looking into Medicaid options should consult with their behavioral health provider or regional behavioral health authority to determine what's available locally.

Private Pay, Hybrid Models, and Superbilling

Because insurance doesn’t always cover equine therapy in residential settings, many families turn to private pay or hybrid funding models. This often means paying out of pocket for the equine therapy component while relying on insurance for core residential treatment services.

In some cases, treatment centers can provide a superbill; an itemized receipt that includes diagnostic and procedural codes—so families can submit claims for partial reimbursement. The likelihood of success depends on the policy’s out-of-network benefits and how the therapy is documented.

This is a common strategy for families who want their child to attend inpatient equine programs in Georgia, for example. 

Many equine therapy centers in Georgia operate as hybrid programs offering residential behavioral care supported by adjunctive equine therapy that may or may not be covered.

Core Questions Families Should Ask

If you're considering a residential program that includes equine therapy, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few important questions that can guide your decision-making:

• Does the program accept insurance, and if so, which carriers?
• Is equine therapy part of the core treatment plan or an optional add-on?
• Are licensed clinical professionals providing the therapy?
• Is the program accredited and licensed to deliver residential behavioral health treatment?
• Can the facility assist with insurance verification or provide a superbill?

Asking these questions upfront can prevent financial surprises and help you determine whether a program meets both your therapeutic goals and budget.

Start on the Path to Recovery with Equine Therapy

Equine therapy offers a compassionate, engaging way to address deep emotional wounds, especially when integrated into a residential treatment model. While insurance coverage remains inconsistent, progress is being made. 

More insurers are beginning to recognize the clinical value of equine-assisted therapy, particularly when provided by credentialed professionals in an accredited treatment setting.

Families and individuals exploring this path should take heart: yes, insurance can be used for residential equine therapy programs, but it requires careful coordination and realistic expectations. 

With the right questions, support from treatment center staff, and a clear understanding of your benefits, it is absolutely possible to make this unique healing approach accessible.

By combining clinical insight with financial planning, more people can access the transformative experience of equine therapy in a residential setting, without sacrificing quality or outcomes.

Conclusion

Residential equine therapy offers a powerful path to emotional healing, especially for those facing mental health or addiction challenges. While insurance coverage can be complex, it’s often possible with the right facility and documentation. By asking informed questions, working with experienced providers, and exploring all available resources, families can access this unique therapy without being overwhelmed by financial barriers. Healing with horses isn’t just hopeful it’s increasingly attainable.