Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Aetna®—now part of CVS Health—covers a wide range of services, from talk therapy to inpatient treatment and digital self-help apps. What’s confusing is how to unlock that coverage without surprise bills, denials, or week-long phone marathons. This article walks you through every step, in plain English, so you can focus on feeling better instead of fighting paperwork.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA)
Remote only
Benjamin Ingraham is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Work/Life Balance, Drug Use, Grief and Loss.
You don't have to face life's challenges alone. Everyone deserves a supportive place to explore their thoughts and begin their own journey.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Counselor, Psychotherapist
1684 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256
Kate Stewart is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Medina, Ohio and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Sexual Assault, Childhood Abuse, Relationship Violence/Stalking/Harassment.
Our passion is creating a safe space to treat adults, children, couples, and families with their mental health needs.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
2460 West Ray Road, Chandler, Arizona 85224
Kelly Huffaker is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Chandler, Arizona and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Cognitive Functioning, Anger Issues, Depression.
Dedicated to fostering a supportive environment where individuals can find healing, understanding, & empowerment on their journey towards mental wellness.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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Asa Aramburo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Phoenix, Arizona and has been in practice for 25 years. They treat Parenting Concerns, Childhood Abuse, Peer Difficulties.
I value building rapport and trust in the client-therapist relationship and working with my clients to achieve their desired goals in therapy.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
5540 Falmouth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230
Stephen Barlow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Richmond, Virginia. They treat Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety, Self-Harm.
I help people overcome anxiety, depression, and stress stemming from relationships or past experiences, in individual or couples counseling.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
4700 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282
William Alkhoury is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Borderline Personality, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.
Meaning-Centered & Existential Therapy
The depth of provider info meant zero guesswork—my friend’s been with the same, right-fit clinicians for two years.
— Kate
Short answer: yes. When a licensed clinician decides that counseling or psychiatry is medically necessary, Aetna treats it like any other covered medical service. Most HMO, EPO, and employer PPO plans list a $0–$40 copay for in-network, 45-minute individual sessions, while high-deductible plans apply 20 %–30 % coinsurance after you meet the deductible.
Key takeaways:
No preset visit cap: session frequency is driven by clinical need, not a number in your handbook.
No referral required: you can self-refer directly to a mental-health provider on almost every commercial plan.
Prior authorization is rare: only higher-intensity programs (IOP, residential, ketamine, TMS) normally require extra paperwork.
Medicare Advantage (MA): most Aetna MA plans quote a $40 copay per individual outpatient visit.
Pro tip: Open the Aetna Health app → Find Coverage Details and plug in the exact therapist you’re considering. The estimator tool tells you your copay or coinsurance before you ever pick up the phone.
| Provider type | What they do |
|---|---|
| Therapist (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) | Weekly talk therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions |
| Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | Psychological testing; advanced modalities like EMDR & DBT |
| Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | Diagnosis, medication management, complex co-morbidities |
Many members mix and match: weekly sessions with a therapist that accepts Aetna plus quarterly med check-ins with an in-network psychiatrist.
Day 1, 9 AM — Online check-in. Jordan, a 29-year-old product manager, opens the Aetna portal, completes the five-minute mental-health screener, and picks a triage-call slot for noon.
Day 1, 12 PM — Care Options Call. The case manager explains that CVS Health Virtual Care can do video therapy tomorrow, while local therapists that take Aetna have openings in about 12 days.
Day 1, 3 PM — Directory Deep Dive. Using filters (evening hours, CBT, LGBTQ+ friendly), Jordan picks Marina Ortiz, LCSW—an Aetna therapist three miles away.
Day 12 — First in-person session, $25 copay on a mid-tier PPO.
Jordan’s path shows how quickly you can connect with a therapist that accepts Aetna once you know where to click and what to ask.
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Self-refer online or by phone | Online: sign in to Aetna Health → Behavioral Health. Phone: call 1-888-632-3862 (TTY 711) and say, “I’d like to schedule therapy.” Directories like MiResource.com are often easier to use and more frequently updated with accurate information about in-network providers. However, it’s always a good idea to double-check that any provider you find is also listed in your official Aetna directory to confirm coverage. | No primary-care referral needed; you’re in control of the process. |
| 2. Complete the quick screening | Five minutes of questions on symptoms, safety, and preferences. | Be honest - but if relevant - flag urgent concerns (e.g., thoughts of self-harm) to unlock 24- to 48-hour options. |
| 3. Filter the directory | Set distance, specialty, telehealth, language, evening hours; look for the green “Accepting New Patients” badge. | Add keywords like “CBT,” “trauma,” or “ADHD” to drill down. |
| 4. Confirm cost | Click Cost Estimator in each profile. | HDHP members see the exact contracted rate until their deductible is met. |
| 5. Book the slot | Pick in-person, CVS Health Virtual Care (often same week), or Teladoc. | CVS advertises many mental-health visits within seven days—or same day if you’re flexible. |
| 6. Activate free digital supports | Most plans bundle Calm, Sanvello, or myStrength. | Use them as homework between sessions or while you wait for the first visit. |
| Stay In-Network | Go Out-of-Network |
|---|---|
| Predictable copay/coinsurance; claims filed for you. | Pay full fee up front, then submit a superbill for partial reimbursement. |
| Integrated chart and pharmacy. | Access niche specialties or shorter waits in saturated cities. |
If you can’t book an in-network appointment within 10 business days—Aetna’s own standard for routine mental-health care —call Member Services and request a network gap exception (also called a “single-case agreement”). Aetna will either (1) find you a faster in-network slot, or (2) approve out-of-network care at in-network rates. Keep the reference number they give you.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
