Equine therapy has become an increasingly respected form of mental health and trauma recovery treatment in the behavioral health space.
For government employees navigating the unique pressures of public service—whether civilian or military—finding access to innovative treatment options like equine-assisted therapy can be an essential step in their journey toward healing.
But a common question arises: Are leading equine therapy programs covered by the types of insurance typically available to government workers?
Understanding the answer requires a closer look at what equine therapy entails, how insurance for government employees is structured, and which plans are more likely to approve or reimburse this kind of treatment. Among the most frequently asked-about insurance carriers is GEHA, which provides coverage to millions of current and retired federal workers.
In this blog, SeaIsleNews will explore how equine therapy fits into behavioral health benefits and what government employees need to know to get the support they require.
Equine therapy—also known as equine-assisted therapy or equine-assisted psychotherapy—uses guided interactions with horses to help individuals process trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and more.
Participants may groom, walk, or engage in groundwork with the horse under the supervision of a trained therapist. These sessions do not necessarily involve horseback riding but are designed to create emotional breakthroughs by promoting trust, emotional regulation, and self-awareness.
Because horses are highly responsive to human emotion and behavior, they act as mirrors, helping participants identify patterns in their relationships, responses, and coping mechanisms. Equine therapy can be especially effective for clients with post-traumatic stress, emotional numbing, attachment issues, and even co-occurring disorders.
Leading residential and outpatient treatment centers across the country are incorporating equine therapy into their trauma-informed care models, particularly those serving military veterans, first responders, and high-stress professions—groups that include many government employees.
The short answer is: sometimes. Coverage for equine therapy depends heavily on the specific insurance plan, the setting in which the therapy is delivered, and whether the treatment is deemed medically necessary by a licensed provider.
Unlike more conventional forms of therapy, equine therapy often falls into a gray area for insurance companies. While it may be evidence-based and delivered by licensed clinicians, it is still categorized by many plans as “alternative” or “complementary” therapy.
That said, coverage is gradually expanding. For government employees who receive insurance through the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, plans vary in their inclusiveness.
Some will cover equine therapy if it is part of a broader treatment plan within a licensed facility. Others may require prior authorization, documentation of medical necessity, or limits on the number of sessions.
GEHA, or the Government Employees Health Association, is one of the most widely used insurance providers for federal workers and retirees. As a nonprofit carrier that specializes in FEHB and other government-related plans, GEHA offers a range of coverage options that support mental health and substance use treatment. But how does GEHA treat equine therapy?
In many cases, GEHA provides coverage for equine therapy when it is part of an approved behavioral health treatment program delivered in a clinical setting. For instance, if a residential treatment center integrates equine sessions into a broader therapeutic model—alongside group therapy, individual counseling, and evidence-based modalities—those equine sessions may be eligible for coverage.
Clients typically need a referral or approval from their provider, who must document that equine therapy is a core component of the individual’s treatment plan. While not all GEHA plans explicitly list equine therapy as a covered service, members have had success receiving partial or full coverage when the therapy is included in a licensed, in-network facility’s offerings.
It is strongly recommended that government employees call GEHA directly or speak with a treatment center that accepts GEHA to confirm eligibility and expected costs before beginning therapy.
Government employees covered by GEHA and other FEHB plans include a wide range of professionals. This may include active and retired federal workers, military personnel and veterans, law enforcement officers, postal employees, and others.
Additionally, many state-level employees and contractors working in public agencies may have access to health plans that offer similar benefits.
Equine therapy is particularly relevant for individuals in high-pressure or trauma-exposed roles. Veterans dealing with PTSD, law enforcement officers experiencing emotional burnout, or civilian employees facing chronic anxiety or substance use challenges may all find equine therapy to be a beneficial component of their recovery.
The key to receiving insurance coverage is linking the therapy directly to a documented mental health diagnosis and ensuring that it is provided within the parameters of the insurance plan’s requirements.
Many of the top equine therapy programs for government employees are embedded in residential or intensive outpatient behavioral health treatment centers. These facilities often specialize in trauma-informed care and are experienced in navigating the insurance complexities that come with alternative therapies like equine-assisted treatment.
When equine therapy is offered as part of a larger, integrated care plan—including therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and trauma-focused care—insurance carriers are more likely to provide reimbursement. This is particularly true when the program is staffed by licensed mental health professionals and accredited by reputable organizations.
Programs that accept GEHA and other federal employee insurance plans often have pre-authorization teams that help verify benefits and advocate for the client. This can be especially valuable for government employees who are unfamiliar with the mental health coverage provisions in their plan or unsure how to navigate approval for specialized treatment.
Before enrolling in a program that offers equine therapy, it’s essential for government employees to do a few things. First, contact the insurance provider and ask if equine-assisted therapy is covered when prescribed by a licensed clinician. Second, confirm that the treatment center accepts the specific insurance plan—such as GEHA—and ask whether equine therapy is included in their curriculum and billable through insurance.
Government employees should also ask whether the therapy will be conducted by a licensed behavioral health professional with credentials in equine-assisted interventions. This distinction can make the difference between approval and denial when it comes to insurance reimbursement.
Finally, consider whether the facility offers other services needed for a well-rounded recovery. Equine therapy works best as part of a holistic treatment plan, especially when dealing with complex conditions like trauma, depression, addiction, or anxiety. Government employees should seek programs that understand the unique challenges of public service life and offer trauma-sensitive care designed with their experiences in mind.
While equine therapy is not yet universally covered across all insurance carriers, its inclusion is becoming more common in behavioral health treatment—especially for government employees seeking care through comprehensive programs.
With the increasing acknowledgment of trauma and stress among public service workers, programs that accept GEHA and other federal plans are stepping up to offer meaningful, experiential therapies that go beyond the traditional therapy room.
For government employees interested in equine therapy, the path to covered care starts with information. Ask about your insurance benefits. Choose programs that specialize in serving public sector workers. Look for facilities that take a whole-person approach to healing. And most importantly, know that help is available—and healing is possible.
Whether you’re a federal worker covered by GEHA, a veteran navigating TRICARE and FEHB options, or a state employee with behavioral health coverage, the opportunity to experience the powerful healing potential of equine therapy may be closer than you think.
With the right program and proper insurance verification, leading equine therapy programs can become an accessible and life-changing part of recovery for government employees nationwide.
