Taking care of your mental health can burn a hole in your pockets. Everyone knows that. But what many don’t know is that Cigna mental health coverage often pays for much of the cost. If you have a Cigna insurance plan, you might be sitting on a benefit you haven’t used.
Whether you’re facing anxiety, depression, trauma, or another mental health condition, knowing your benefits is the first step to getting help.
At Alter Behavioral Health, our admissions team knows Cigna plans well and can guide you through the process. Let’s see how your Cigna coverage works, what it covers, and how you can get the support you need.
What Is Cigna Mental Health Coverage?
Cigna is one of the largest health insurance companies in the U.S. Most Cigna plans include benefits for mental health and substance use disorders. Your insurance likely helps cover expenses such as therapy, psychiatric appointments, and even inpatient treatment.
The specific benefits depend on your plan type. Some plans offer more coverage than others. Most Cigna plans make mental health care affordable for you.
A national survey on drug use and health (2019) found that having health insurance was strongly associated with greater use of mental health services, meaning coverage helps people get the care they deserve.
Think of Cigna mental health coverage as a safety net. It’s there to catch you when you need support; you just have to know how to use it.
Cigna Therapy Coverage—What’s Included?
Therapy is often the first step in mental health treatment. Cigna therapy coverage typically includes individual counseling, group therapy, and family sessions.
Here’s what you should know:
- Coverage begins immediately: Most Cigna plans help pay for therapy starting with your very first visit.
- In-network providers cost less: You’ll save money by choosing a therapist or counselor from Cigna’s large network.
- Out-of-network options exist: You can see a provider outside the network, but you’ll typically pay more.
- Sessions are usually covered monthly: Cigna usually approves ongoing therapy sessions each month.
You usually end up paying between $20 and $50 per therapy session, depending on your plan. Some plans may also have deductibles you need to pay first.
The best way to find out exactly what your plan covers is to call Cigna or reach out to us. At Alter Behavioral Health, we check your insurance for you and handle the paperwork so that you can focus on healing.
Psychiatric Visits Insurance Cigna—Understanding Medical Management
If you need medication for your mental health, you’ll probably see a psychiatrist. Most Cigna plans cover visits for psychiatric evaluations and help with managing your medications.
A psychiatrist can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medication. This is different from therapy. Therapists help you work through your feelings and build coping skills, while psychiatrists focus on the medical side and your prescriptions.
What Cigna covers for psychiatric visits:
- Your first visit with a psychiatrist
- Ongoing appointments to manage your medication
- Tests and assessments for your mental health
- Checking and updating your medications
Your copayment for seeing a psychiatrist is typically between $30 and $75 per visit, depending on your plan.
Many people get the best results when they have both therapy and psychiatric care. At Alter Behavioral Health, we coordinate both services so that you can get complete and effective treatment.
Online Counseling with Cigna—Mental Health at Home
Life can be very busy, and sometimes going to your closest mental health centre is hard. That’s where online counseling with Cigna comes in.
Cigna covers telehealth counseling through its network providers. You can have therapy sessions from your home, office, or anywhere with internet access.
Benefits of online counseling:
- No commute, saves time.
- More scheduling flexibility.
- Same therapeutic benefit as in-person.
- Lower stress for some people.
A systematic review published in 2024 found that tele-mental health services were highly accepted by patients, suggesting online counseling is an effective alternative to in-person care.
Not all therapists offer telehealth, but many do. When searching for a provider, look for those who provide virtual sessions. Most insurance websites let you filter by telehealth or virtual visits.
The copayment for online counseling with Cigna is usually the same as for in-person therapy. You receive the same mental health care via telehealth, and your coverage is the same, too.
Employee Mental Health Benefits Cigna—Understanding Your Workplace Plan
If your employer offers Cigna coverage, you have access to employee mental health benefits through Cigna. These plans often come with extra features beyond regular coverage.
Many employer plans include:
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Free counseling sessions (usually 3-6 sessions per year)
- Mental health days: Time off specifically for mental health
- Wellness programs: Resources for stress management and mental health
- Lower copays: Some employer plans have reduced costs for mental health
Check with your HR department to find out what your specific plan includes. Some employers offer strong mental health benefits at little or no cost to you.
The good news is, if your employer provides Cigna coverage, getting mental health support is probably easier than you think.
Teletherapy and Telehealth Cigna—The Modern Approach to Care
The terms sound similar, but have slightly different meanings. Teletherapy and telehealth Cigna coverage includes both:
Telehealth is a broad term for any health care you get remotely, like therapy, psychiatric visits, or medical consultations.
Teletherapy specifically refers to therapy delivered online.
Cigna covers both options, making mental health care more flexible than ever. Since the pandemic, telehealth has grown a lot, and Cigna now covers these services in most plans.
Why choose telehealth?
- Accessibility – You can see mental health providers who aren’t in your area
- Convenience – Schedule sessions around your life
- Comfort – Some people open up more easily at home
- Safety – You control your environment
If you prefer traditional in-person therapy, Cigna covers that too. The choice is yours.
How to Use Your Cigna Mental Health Coverage
Using your benefits is straightforward. Here’s exactly what to do:
Step 1: Verify Your Coverage
Call Cigna or look at your insurance card to see what mental health benefits you have. Check your copayment and any deductible fee.
Step 2: Find a Provider
Use Cigna’s online provider directory to look for therapists, psychiatrists, or counselors near you. You can filter by location, therapy type, or telehealth options.
Step 3: Schedule Your First Appointment
Call the provider and ask if they take Cigna. Tell them your plan details so they can confirm your coverage.
Step 4: Attend Your Appointment
Bring your insurance card to your first visit. You’ll fill out some paperwork. Be open with your provider about how you’re feeling.
Step 5: Keep Going
Stick with regular appointments. Consistency helps you get the best results from mental health treatment.
What If Your Coverage Seems Limited?
Some Cigna plans have limits, like a set number of sessions covered each year or needing Cigna’s approval before you start treatment. These rules can be different for each plan.
If your plan has restrictions, ask about appeals. Sometimes Cigna will approve more sessions if your therapist requests them. Don’t assume the first answer is final.
A research study published in PubMed (2024) compared psychotherapy costs before and after insurance coverage. Researchers found that when mental health parity laws were put in place, more people were able to attend therapy, and they paid less out of pocket for their sessions.
The Mental Health Parity Act requires insurance companies to cover mental health care similar to how they cover physical health care.
Insurance rules and coverage policies play a major role in whether people can actually access mental health care.
At Alter Behavioral Health, we work with Cigna all the time to help clients get the care they need. We know how to navigate the system and get approvals.
Cigna Coverage Beyond Outpatient Therapy
If you need more intensive treatment, Cigna covers that too. Many Cigna plans include:
- Inpatient hospitalization – 24/7 care in a hospital setting
- Residential treatment – Extended care in a treatment facility
- Partial hospitalization programs – Day treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient programs – Several hours of therapy per week
These higher levels of mental health care need prior authorization from Cigna. This means Cigna checks to make sure you really need that level of treatment before they cover it. This is a normal part of the process. Getting help from a treatment center that knows how to work with insurance can make things much easier.
Why Verify Your Insurance Before Treatment
Here’s a reality: Many people delay treatment because they assume they can’t afford it. They don’t know their coverage exists, and accessing mental health care is so easy for them. Don’t be that person.
Verifying your Cigna mental health coverage could make a big difference in your life. Knowing what’s covered helps remove a major barrier to getting help.
At Alter Behavioral Health, our admissions team can verify your insurance for you. We take care of the details so you can focus on your health. We understand Cigna plans, know what gets approved, and can help you get the care you need.
Your Path Forward
Mental health treatment is within reach. Cigna mental health coverage exists so people like you can access care whenever you need it. Understanding your benefits means knowing that healing is possible and affordable.
Whether you need online counseling with Cigna, psychiatric medication management, or intensive residential treatment, your insurance likely covers it. You just need to take the first step.
Stop wondering. Stop waiting. Contact Alter Behavioral Health today. We’ll verify your Cigna mental health coverage, explain exactly what you have, and get you scheduled with the right provider.
Your mental health matters. Let’s get you the help you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cigna cover all types of therapy?
Most Cigna plans pay for individual, group, and family therapy. What’s covered depends on your plan, but we can check this for you.
What’s the difference between copay and coinsurance?
A copay is a set fee you pay each visit. Coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost you pay. Your plan will say which applies.
Can I see any therapist with Cigna?
You can see any therapist, but you’ll pay less if you choose one in Cigna’s network. Check their directory for the best prices.
Does Cigna cover medication for mental health?
Yes, most Cigna plans help pay for psychiatric medications. Your cost depends on your plan.
Is prior authorization required for therapy?
Some plans require approval before you start therapy, but not all. We’ll find out for you during insurance verification.
What if Cigna denies my claim?
You can appeal if your claim is denied. We help clients with appeals and often get approvals.
Does Cigna cover substance abuse treatment?
Yes, most Cigna plans include coverage for substance use treatment like detox, residential care, and outpatient programs.
