Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Aetna®—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 Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
1550 Madruga Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
Monik Lopez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Coral Gables, Florida and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Depression, School Concerns, Physical Stress.
The most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself. If you’re struggling, we’re here to help! Call me anytime
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
5409 Gateway Centre Boulevard, Flint, Michigan 48507
Nikki Moorman is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Flint, Michigan and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Burnout, Women's Issues, Physical Stress.
I offer a warm and non-judgmental environment so my clients will feel comfortable to explore emotions, concerns, and other issues impacting their lives.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
1114 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN, USA, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105
Corinne Sundell, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Saint Paul, Minnesota and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Parenting Concerns, Perfectionism, School Concerns.
My job in the therapy office is to support you in re-membering the person you’d like to be, warts and all.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
342 N Water St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Carla Weismantel is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Grief and Loss, Abuse.
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
486 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440
Ada Wang is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Bolingbrook, Illinois. They treat Suicidal Ideation, Alcohol Use, Abuse.
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
4909 Waters Edge Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606
Christopher Deviney is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Raleigh, North Carolina and has been in practice for 6 years. They treat Personal Growth, Avoidant Personality, Alcohol Use.
I welcome all clients seeking to work together towards a better tommorow, one day at a time.
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.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Aetna and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
