Does Cigna Cover Therapy? Explore Your Coverage Options
If you’re a Cigna member, you may be wondering, does Cigna cover therapy? The answer is yes—Cigna therapy coverage typically includes a wide range of mental health and behavioral health services. Whether you are dealing with stress, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or suicidal ideation, therapy can help improve your quality of life. But your actual benefits will depend on your specific insurance policy, deductible, and copayment responsibilities.
This guide explains what Cigna health insurance covers, what expenses to expect, and how to confirm your mental health benefits.
What Are Mental Health Benefits?
Mental health benefits are services included in your health insurance that support emotional, psychological, and behavioral well-being. These benefits may cover:
Individual and couples therapy
Medication management
Group therapy
Support for addiction, schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders
Access to primary care physicians and nurse practitioners for evaluation
Cigna offers mental health support through its subsidiary, Cigna Healthcare, and aligns coverage with the Affordable Care Act. Many plans also offer accessibility features like text messaging or telephone support through virtual care services.
Does Cigna Insurance Cover Therapy?
Yes, Cigna typically includes therapy in its behavioral health benefits. This includes coverage for in-person and online sessions, depending on medical necessity and prior authorization requirements. Cigna therapists include licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other health professionals.
Conditions commonly covered under Cigna insurance include:
Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse
Bipolar disorder
PTSD
Schizophrenia
Personality disorders
Coping issues or life stressors
These services must be delivered by an in-network health care provider or approved out-of-network clinic.
How Much Does Therapy Cost with a Cigna Insurance Plan for Mental Health?
Your out-of-pocket expense depends on several factors:
Your insurance plan deductible
Your copayment or coinsurance
Whether the provider is in-network
Type of care (standard therapy, PHP, or IOPs)
Number of sessions covered annually
In general, copayments range from $10 to $50 per visit. If your plan has coinsurance, you may pay a percentage of the session fee instead. These rates are based on your policy, insurance company guidelines, and medical necessity of the services.
What Types of Behavioral Health Treatment Does Cigna Cover?
Cigna typically covers:
Medication therapy management
Individual and couples therapy
Psychiatric evaluations
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
Therapy for addiction, alcohol use, and dual diagnoses
Emergency department services for mental health crises
Some plans also include employee assistance programs (EAPs), which provide short-term counseling and referrals for ongoing care.
What Types of Conditions Does Cigna Cover?
Cigna may cover therapy for:
Behavior disorders
Mood conditions like depression or bipolar disorder
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic attacks
Substance use and alcohol addiction
Eating disorders
Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia
Suicidal thoughts or crisis episodes
Emotional challenges related to grief, education, or family conflict
All treatment must meet medical necessity and be recommended by a licensed physician or doctor of medicine.
What Kinds of Behavioral Health Services Are Not Covered by Cigna?
Cigna may exclude:
Coaching services that are not medical
Services by unlicensed providers
Non-clinical group sessions
Therapy not backed by medical evidence
Services performed without consent or prior authorization
Treatments at unapproved facilities
Your summary of benefits will outline any excluded services and coverage limits.
How to Check if Your Cigna Plan Covers Therapy
1. Check Your Cigna Insurance “Summary of Benefits” (SOB)
This document outlines your health care coverage, copayment, and deductible amounts. Review the mental health and behavioral health sections carefully.
2. Contact Cigna Directly
Use the customer service number on your Cigna card or access your Cigna member account online. Ask about:
In-network Cigna therapists
Copayment, deductible, and session limits
Virtual therapy and SMS or text messaging options
Coverage for medication or clinic-based programs
Whether Medicare Advantage or Flexible Spending Account can be used
You can also check coverage for specific specialties like Cigna Healthcare chiropractic coverage.
How Much Does Therapy with Cigna Cost?
Therapy costs vary by provider type, treatment setting, and whether you’ve met your deductible. With an in-network therapist, your copayment could be as low as $10 to $30 per visit. If you’re using coinsurance, expect to pay a percentage of the total session fee.
Many plans offer reduced rates when using preferred providers, and you may qualify for reimbursement through a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Cigna Insurance Therapy Copay
Most Cigna insurance plans have a fixed copayment per session for behavioral health services. This amount is often clearly listed in your policy. If you see a primary care provider for a mental health consultation, your copay may differ from a specialist visit. Some Medicare Advantage Plans may also offer lower rates.
To verify your cost, speak with your health care provider, call Cigna customer service, or review your benefit summary.
Therapy for Teens in Orange County
At Adolescent Mental Health in Orange County, we work directly with Cigna and other insurance companies to make therapy accessible for families. Our licensed social work and mental health team treats adolescents facing anxiety, depression, addiction, and more.
We help you understand your insurance policy, confirm coverage, and schedule treatment based on medical necessity. Whether your teen needs individual therapy, group support, or PHP/IOP care, we are here to help.
Call today to verify your Cigna therapy coverage and connect with our compassionate health care providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Cigna cover therapy for mental health conditions like depression or anxiety?
Yes, Cigna covers therapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therapy must be considered medically necessary and provided by a licensed health care provider within Cigna’s network. Coverage may include individual therapy, group sessions, and medication management. Some plans may also offer access to virtual therapy via phone, text messaging, or video.
2. What types of therapy are covered under my Cigna insurance plan?
Cigna typically covers behavioral health services such as individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and intensive treatment programs like partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs). Additional services like medication therapy management and psychiatric evaluations are also commonly included. However, the exact services covered depend on your insurance policy and medical necessity.
3. What is the typical copayment for therapy sessions with Cigna?
The copayment for therapy varies by plan, but many Cigna insurance policies charge between $10 and $50 per session when using in-network providers. Some plans may use coinsurance instead, where you pay a percentage of the session cost. High-deductible plans may require you to pay the full rate until the deductible is met. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), those funds may help cover the expense.
4. How can I confirm if a therapist is covered under my Cigna plan?
To verify coverage, you can review your summary of benefits (SOB), contact Cigna customer service, or use the provider search tool on Cigna’s website. Make sure the therapist is in-network to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs. You can also ask the provider’s office to verify your benefits and check for any prior authorization requirements. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, additional steps may be needed to confirm eligibility.
