Learn about Aetna’s mental health coverage, including what services are covered, what is not covered, and how to use your insurance for therapy. Understand the costs involved, find a therapist who accepts Aetna, and make informed decisions about your mental health care.
By Derek Lee, VP of Insurance Operations
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 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:
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.
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 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 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.
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:
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
