Find an Aetna Therapist

Does Aetna Cover Therapy?

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.

Types of mental health providers in Aetna’s Network

Aetna’s network includes several types of mental health professionals, each with a slightly different role in your care.

A therapist—such as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), or licensed professional counselor (LPC)—is often the first stop for many members. They provide weekly talk therapy to help with anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions.

A psychologist (PhD or PsyD) can also provide therapy, but they’re especially known for psychological testing and specialized treatment approaches, such as EMDR for trauma or DBT for emotion regulation.

A psychiatrist (MD or DO) brings medical training. They focus on diagnosis and medication management, and they’re often involved in cases with more complex conditions or when multiple health concerns overlap.

Many Aetna members find that a blended approach works best—for example, seeing a therapist weekly for talk therapy while checking in every few months with an in-network psychiatrist for medication adjustments.

Real-Life Example: Jordan’s Two-Week Timeline

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-by-Step: Booking Therapy Through Aetna

Getting therapy through Aetna is a process you can start on your own—no primary care referral needed. Here’s how to move from searching to your first session:

Step 1: Self-refer online or by phone.
Log in to your Aetna Health account and navigate to Behavioral Health, or call 1-888-632-3862 (TTY 711) and say, “I’d like to schedule therapy.” While Aetna has its own directory, many members find sites like MiResource.com easier to use and more up-to-date. Just be sure to double-check that any provider you find is also listed in Aetna’s official directory to confirm coverage.

Step 2: Complete the quick screening.
You’ll answer a brief set of questions about your symptoms, safety concerns, and preferences. It usually takes five minutes. Be honest—if you’re experiencing urgent concerns like thoughts of self-harm, flag that immediately. Doing so may unlock faster appointments within 24 to 48 hours.

Step 3: Filter the directory.
Once you’re browsing providers, you can narrow by distance, specialty, telehealth availability, language, or evening hours. Look for the green “Accepting New Patients” badge. Adding keywords such as “CBT,” “trauma,” or “ADHD” can also help you find someone who specializes in your needs.

Step 4: Confirm your cost.
Each provider profile includes a Cost Estimator tool. If you’re on a high-deductible health plan (HDHP), you’ll see the exact contracted rate you’ll pay until your deductible is met, after which normal copays or coinsurance apply.

Step 5: Book the slot.
You can choose in-person care, CVS Health Virtual Care (often available the same week), or Teladoc. CVS frequently advertises mental health appointments within seven days—and sometimes same-day availability if you’re flexible.

Step 6: Activate your free digital supports.
Most Aetna plans bundle access to apps like Calm, Sanvello, or myStrength. These tools can serve as “homework” between sessions or help bridge the gap while you wait for your first therapy visit.

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Care

Sticking with in-network providers means predictable copays or coinsurance, integrated records, and pharmacy coordination. Aetna also files claims on your behalf, which keeps billing simple.

Going out-of-network usually means paying the full fee up front and submitting a superbill for partial reimbursement later. While more costly, it can open doors to niche specialties or give you quicker access in areas where in-network providers are booked out.

How to Trigger a “Gap Exception”

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.

Cost Cheat-Sheet 

Your out-of-pocket cost for therapy with Aetna depends on the type of plan you have:

• If you’re on an HDHP PPO, you’ll usually pay 20% coinsurance after your deductible for in-network therapy that Aetna approves.
• With a Standard PPO or EPO plan, most members pay a $20–$40 copay per session.
• On an HMO plan, copays often range from $0 to $30 per visit. Referrals are rarely required, except in a handful of older, legacy state plans.
• For Medicare Advantage members, therapy typically runs about $40 per individual session.

Important: These numbers are ballpark estimates. Always confirm your exact cost in your Evidence of Coverage (EOC), since employer carve-outs and state laws can adjust the details.

And here’s a bonus tip: if you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist after the first visit, you’re free to switch. Just go back to the directory or call Behavioral Health and say, “I’d like a different provider.” There’s no penalty, no new referral, and no need to explain—Aetna expects members to find the right fit.

Advocating for Yourself When Wait Times Drag

1. Call the Member Advocacy line (number on your ID card) and open a complaint.
   
   
2. Request a gap exception—demand a gap exception if your first appointment exceeds 10 business days and quote Aetna’s 10-business-day access standard and the federal Mental Health Parity rules.
   
   
3. File an online grievance. Aetna must respond within 30 days.
   
   
4. Document every call. Names, dates, “next available” time offered. Those details move appeals faster.

Tip: Polite persistence often unlocks a sooner slot—or secures approval to use an outside psychologist Aetna doesn’t list in your ZIP code.

FAQ’s

Does Aetna cover therapy for couples?
Yes, if the sessions address a diagnosable mental-health condition for at least one partner. Relationship-enrichment only may not qualify—check your plan.

How do I find therapists that take Aetna near me?
Log in → Find Care → Behavioral Health → set distance & specialty filters. The green badge confirms the provider is in network.

What’s the difference between an Aetna therapist and a psychologist Aetna lists?
“Therapist” is an umbrella for licensed counselors (LCSW, LMFT, LPC). “Psychologist” means a PhD or PsyD who can perform testing and provide advanced modalities.

Can I switch therapists if the first one isn’t a fit?
Absolutely. Go back to the directory or call the Behavioral Health number to request a new provider—no penalty.

Is every type of therapy covered by Aetna?
Most evidence-based modalities (CBT, DBT, EMDR) are covered. Novel or experimental treatments may need prior authorization.