Is Mental Health Treatment Included in Cigna’s Insurance Coverage?

If you’re exploring whether Cigna health insurance includes mental health treatment, you’re not alone. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD are increasingly recognized as essential aspects of overall wellness, and access to care can be a crucial step toward recovery. Cigna offers a range of mental health and substance use benefits, making it easier to find support tailored to your needs. This guide will help you understand what Cigna covers and how to navigate your benefits to access quality mental health care.

Cigna Supports Mental Health Treatment

Cigna is a leading health insurance provider offering a wide range of behavioral and mental health programs. Its coverage includes therapy, medication management, and structured treatment programs. Taking care of your mental health is essential for a balanced life. If you’re exploring Cigna’s mental health coverage, First Light Recovery can help you understand your options and access quality care.

Mental Health Coverage with Cigna

Cigna integrates mental health care and physical health under a unified policy framework. This approach ensures accessible and effective care for conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorder, and thought disorders.

Cigna also provides:

  • Therapy options: Individual, group, and family counseling.
  • Medication management: Guidance from licensed psychiatrists.
  • Structured programs: Coverage for inpatient and outpatient treatment.

First Light Recovery partners with Cigna to offer these services, ensuring clarity on coverage and minimizing costs.

Understanding Behavioral Health Providers Cigna’s behavioral health network includes a variety of licensed professionals who offer mental health services:

  • Therapists (Ph.D./MS Level): These include psychologists (LP), family therapists (LMFT, LMC), social workers (LCSW, LSW), nurse practitioners (ARNP, APRN), and clinicians (LMHC). They primarily provide talk therapy to help assess and address mental health concerns.
  • Psychiatrists (MD/DO/NP Level): Medical doctors (MDs), doctors of osteopathy (DOs), and nurse practitioners specializing in psychiatry can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe medications when necessary. 
  • Inpatient Facilities: Inpatient mental health treatment centers, like First Light Recovery, provide structured, round-the-clock care for individuals facing severe mental health challenges. These facilities often include a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, therapists, and medical staff to support intensive recovery efforts.

Understanding the qualifications and roles of these professionals can help you choose the right provider for your needs.

Fair Access to Mental Health Services

Cigna is committed to promoting fair access to mental health services through a wide range of programs designed to meet diverse needs. These include in-person and online therapy, substance use treatment, and personalized coaching, ensuring comprehensive support for mental healthcare. Cigna enhances accessibility by integrating behavioral health with primary care and providing innovative digital tools, such as telehealth platforms and mobile apps, for convenient access to therapy and support.

Digital Tools for Mental Health

Cigna provides a comprehensive suite of digital tools to enhance its members’ accessibility and convenience in mental health care. Through partnerships with platforms like MDLIVE and Talkspace, Cigna offers virtual therapy services, enabling members to connect with licensed therapists via video or phone from their homes.

Additionally, Cigna has integrated services from Ginger, providing 24/7 on-demand mental health support, including confidential coaching through text-based chats, self-guided learning activities, and, when necessary, video-based therapy and psychiatry.

These digital platforms offer flexibility in scheduling, eliminate the need for travel, and maintain privacy, making mental health support more accessible. Members can access these services through the myCigna portal, ensuring seamless integration with their health benefits.

By leveraging these digital tools, Cigna addresses common barriers to mental health care, such as time constraints and geographical limitations, empowering members to seek support when and where they need it.

How to Check Cigna Coverage

  1. Log into Cigna’s member portal: Review your benefits under the mental health section.
  2. Call Cigna customer service: The number on your ID card connects you to detailed information.
  3. Review plan documents: Access your Summary of Benefits for specifics on deductibles, copays, and limits.
  4. Contact First Light Recovery: We verify your Cigna benefits and explain potential costs.

Do You Need a Referral?

Cigna’s plans may or may not require a referral for mental health services. Many PPO plans allow direct access to therapists without referrals, while some services, like inpatient programs, may need preauthorization. First Light Recovery can assist with the referrals and approvals process to streamline your treatment.

Finding In-Network Providers

Use Cigna’s online provider directory to locate in-network mental health providers. Choosing in-network care reduces out-of-pocket expenses and ensures compliance with your policy.

“The team at First Light Recovery stepped in and handled all the Cigna details, clarified my benefits, and ensured everything was in place for my treatment. I’m so grateful for their help.”

Alex, First Light Recovery Patient

Contact First Light Recovery for Guidance

As an in-network provider with Cigna that specializes in mental health treatment, including evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). First Light Recovery ensures our services align with Cigna’s negotiated rates to minimize your expenses. Our team assists with verifying benefits, managing paperwork, and helping you maximize your insurance coverage so you can focus on recovery without worrying about the financial stress.

Contact First Light Recovery to verify your Cigna benefits and start your path to wellness. We simplify insurance processes so you can focus on getting the help you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cigna cover online therapy?

Many Cigna plans include telehealth services, giving members access to virtual therapy and other mental health support. These online sessions offer a convenient and flexible way to receive care from licensed professionals, no matter where you are.

What if my mental health claim is denied?

If a claim is denied under your Cigna plan, you have the option to appeal the decision. Start by carefully reviewing the denial notice to understand the specific reasons provided. Then, follow the appeals process detailed in your plan documents to submit your request for reconsideration. Cigna’s customer service team is available to assist you throughout the process.

Does Cigna cover intensive mental health programs?

Yes, Cigna covers mental health programs, such as inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment, depending on your plan. Preauthorization may be required for these services to ensure medical necessity.

What’s the difference with self-insured plans?

Self-insured plans are employer-customized, so coverage may vary. Confirm details with your employer or Cigna.

How do I find an in-network provider?

Cigna’s online directory allows you to search for in-network providers by location and specialty. Using in-network providers significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs and ensures that your care aligns with your insurance coverage. First Light Recovery is proud to be an in-network provider with Cigna, offering high-quality mental health treatment.

Dr. Randall Turner First Light Recovery

Dr. Randall Turner received his medical degree from TUNCOM in Nevada and completed his Psychiatry Residency training at Loma Linda University. He’s board-certified in Psychiatry and also in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.

He and his practice provide services to hospitals and institutions all over California. He has extensive experience with varied populations, including in geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine. Every day, he strives to thoroughly understand human psychology and psychopathology with the hope of relieving suffering and fostering the growth of those he treats.