Mental health treatment can be expensive, and without insurance, the cost of therapy sessions can add up quickly.
Fortunately, many Aetna health insurance plans cover a range of outpatient mental health services—including therapy—to help make treatment more accessible and affordable.
Whether you’re considering therapy for the first time or have been in treatment before, it’s important to know your options and understand what mental health coverage Aetna insurance provides.
This guide will help you understand your Aetna mental health coverage so that you can make informed decisions about your health care.
Key takeaways:
- Aetna provides an accessible and affordable coverage for various mental health services including therapy
- Common types of therapy covered by Aetna include CBT, DBT, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, and Family Therapy
- Aetna therapy costs $30 – $50 per session across the majority of states on the Grow Therapy network
- Aetna covers online therapy (virtual therapy) as well as in-person therapy
- Find a therapist who accepts Aetna by checking your insurance plan, using online directories, and asking for referrals
Aetna Mental Health Benefits
Aetna insurance plans can provide coverage for various types of mental health therapy, including those designed to help with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship issues. Some examples are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps people recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be causing anxiety, depression, or phobias.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: This therapy focuses on uncovering unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be causing mental health problems.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This therapy is a type of CBT that emphasizes developing problem-solving skills. It’s often used to help people with emotional regulation, self-destructive behaviors, and unstable relationships.
- Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): This therapy combines mindfulness techniques and cognitive therapy to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, to help manage them more effectively.
- Family therapy: This therapy involves the whole family and aims to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and promote positive interactions.
- Group therapy: This therapy involves a group of people who meet regularly to discuss their mental health issues and offer each other support. It can be helpful for people who benefit from the support of others and want to share their experiences.
These are some typical types of therapy that are often covered, but please refer to your specific Health Plan benefits or reach out to Aetna directly to understand what is covered under your plan.
Types of Mental Health Services Aetna Does NOT Cover
Many people are asking questions such as “is hypnotherapy covered by insurance?”, among others. Aetna knows that mental health therapy is important, and they want to make sure their members have access to the best treatments available. However, there are some types of therapy that they do not cover:
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to help people with their mental health problems. Although some people find it helpful, Aetna does not believe it is a reliable or effective treatment for mental health issues.
Non-traditional methods
Non-traditional therapy, such as biofeedback therapy, aims to help people control their body’s response to stress and anxiety by giving them feedback about their body’s functions, like their heart rate or blood pressure.
Aetna does not cover this type of therapy because they do not think there is enough evidence to prove that it’s an effective form of treatment.
Even though Aetna plans do not cover every type of therapy, they still offer coverage for many other great options that can help you improve your mental health.
It’s always a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider about which type of therapy might be best for you and your well-being.
How to Use Your Aetna Insurance for Mental Health Services
Checking your Aetna insurance plan coverage is a straightforward process that can help you access the care you need.
To find out what your Aetna therapy coverage is, follow the steps below:
- Check your insurance plan to make sure your policy is active and that you are eligible for mental health benefits.
- You can contact Aetna’s customer service department to do this.
- Locating their contact number is easy—simply refer to your insurance card or login to your online account for quick access.
- Look for a list of mental health providers who accept Aetna insurance. You can do this on Grow Therapy’s website by choosing your location and insurance company to see a list.
- Before your first appointment, call Aetna to confirm your coverage and understand any out-of-pocket costs like copayments or deductibles. You can call the number on the back of your insurance card or log into your online account.
- Before your appointment, show your insurance card and ID and confirm with the provider that they have verified your coverage and benefits. Also, confirm the appointment cost and any out-of-pocket expenses.
By following these steps, you can make sure you are using your Aetna insurance coverage effectively and getting the mental health services you need. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact Aetna’s customer service department for help.
How Much Does Aetna Cover for Therapy?
When considering psychotherapy, or other types of therapy, cost is often a primary concern. The good news is that Aetna Insurance provides coverage for a wide range of mental health services.
However, the cost of therapy with Aetna can vary depending on factors like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Additionally, individuals who are eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, or coverage under the Affordable Care Act may have additional options for more affordable mental health services.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
In-network providers are therapists who have a contract with Aetna to provide services at a lower cost, while out-of-network providers don’t have an agreement and may charge more.
Choosing an in-network provider can help save you money. Additionally, your plan may not even have out-of-network benefits, so be sure to confirm if you are considering seeing a provider on an out-of-network basis.
Deductibles
Another factor that affects the cost of mental health services is your policy’s deductible.
A deductible is the amount you will have to pay before your insurance starts covering the cost of therapy. For example, if your deductible is $500, you have to pay that amount before your insurance will cover the cost of therapy sessions.
Aetna Therapy Co-Pay
Another factor to keep in mind is your co-pay, or co-payment. That’s the fixed amount you have to pay for each therapy session. Co-pays can vary depending on your plan and the therapist you see.
It’s important to know that everyone’s insurance plan is different, so it’s a good idea to check your mental health coverage and contact Aetna if you have any questions.
You can do this by contacting them directly or by logging into your online account to review your benefits and plan details.
Find a Therapist Who Takes Aetna
Finding a therapist who accepts your insurance is not as difficult as you might think. There are several resources available to help you. Here are some steps you can take to find a therapist who takes Aetna:
Check Your Aetna Insurance Plan
The first thing to do is check your insurance plan. This will show you what mental health services are covered and what you might have to pay for.
You can do this by looking at your Aetna online account, calling the customer service number on your insurance card, or reading your plan documents.
Use Aetna’s Online Directory
- To access Aetna’s online directory, you can visit their website or download their mobile app.
- From there, you can search for providers by location, specialty, gender, language, and other factors to help you find a provider that meets your specific needs.
- You can also read reviews from other patients and see ratings for each provider to help you make an informed decision.
Using Aetna’s online directory can save you time and effort in finding a mental health provider. Instead of calling multiple providers to see if they accept your insurance, you can quickly and easily find in-network providers in your area with just a few clicks.
Check Your Employee Assistance Program
If your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), it can be a good starting point for finding a mental health provider who accepts Aetna insurance. You can contact your EAP to ask about mental health services covered by Aetna and request a list of in-network providers in your area.
EAPs can often provide additional support and guidance as you navigate the mental health care system, including information about your insurance coverage, available treatment options, and how to access mental health services.
It’s important to remember that your EAP is a confidential resource, and your employer will not be notified of any mental health services you receive through the program.
If you’re not sure whether your employer offers an EAP or how to access these services, you can check with your HR department or consult your employee handbook for more information.
Ask for Referrals
Asking for referrals from people you trust, such as your primary care physician, friends, or family members, can be a helpful way to find a mental health provider who accepts Aetna insurance.
Your health care professional may have worked with mental health providers in the past and may be able to recommend someone who is a good fit for you. Additionally, your friends or family members may have received mental health care in the past and could suggest a provider who they found to be helpful.
When asking for a referral, it’s important to be specific about what you’re looking for in a provider. This could include factors such as their location, specialties, and availability. By providing this information, you can help those giving you referrals to provide you with more relevant and useful recommendations.
Once you have received a referral, it’s important to do your own research as well. This can include looking up the provider’s credentials, reading reviews from other patients, and checking to see if they accept Aetna insurance.
By taking the time to gather information, you can make an informed decision about which provider is right for you.
Consider Teletherapy Options
When it comes to finding a therapist, it’s important to know that you have options beyond just in-person appointments. One such option is teletherapy, which is a form of therapy that is conducted through a secure online video platform or over the phone.
Aetna covers these services, which can be a convenient option for people who are unable to attend in-person sessions or prefer to receive therapy from the comfort of their own home.
Teletherapy can be especially helpful if you live in remote areas or have difficulty traveling to appointments, as it allows you to connect with a therapist regardless of your physical location. Additionally, if you’re unable to leave your home due to physical or mental health reasons, teletherapy can be a great way to still receive the mental health support you need.
While finding a therapist may take some time and effort, it’s important to keep in mind that the benefits of therapy can be significant. Taking the time to research and find a provider that meets your needs is an important step towards improving your mental health and feeling better.
Grow Therapy can help connect you with a therapist who is credentialed in your state, offers online appointments, and accepts Aetna. Browse our marketplace to find the best provider for you.
You can also find an Aetna therapist by top cities:
