May 5, 202611 min read
Types of Family Therapy Explained
Learn about the main types of family therapy, how each approach works, and how therapy can help families build stronger relationships.
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Same-day assessments · Orange County, CA
Same-day assessments · Orange County, CA
Clinically Reviewed by Brittany Astrom Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatm
Jake
Clinical Editorial Team
Clinically Reviewed by Brittany Astrom Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatm
Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings.
Therapy plays a vital role in supporting a patient’s mental health. If you’re insured through Cigna, you may be wondering what behavioral health services are included in your insurance policy. From individual therapy to couples therapy, Cigna offers many options, but the specifics of coverage depend on your plan type, copayment, deductible, and network status.
This guide provides clear information on Cigna’s mental health coverage, including PHPs, IOPs, and more. We also explain how to verify your insurance benefits, what types of health care services are eligible, and how much therapy may cost under Cigna therapy coverage.
Cigna supports a broad spectrum of mental and behavioral health treatments. These services are often part of employer plans, Medicare Advantage plans, or health savings account eligible high-deductible plans. Whether you’re facing stress, substance abuse, or a diagnosed disease such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, coverage options are available.
Learn about the main types of family therapy, how each approach works, and how therapy can help families build stronger relationships.
Explore how family therapy for addiction recovery helps loved ones rebuild trust, improve support, and create a healthier path forward.
Take the Next Step
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health, the Rize OC team is here to help — confidentially and with no obligation.
Cigna covers online therapy sessions through approved platforms. Patients can connect with Cigna therapists via telephone, video, or text messaging, including SMS. Online therapy helps with accessibility and allows you to receive care from a clinic, health care provider, or registered nurse without leaving your home.
Cigna partners with national platforms like Talkspace and may offer employee assistance program benefits that include short-term therapy services at no cost.
Adolescents dealing with panic, suicidal ideation, anxiety, or substance use can benefit from therapy covered under Cigna. Many health care providers in Cigna’s network specialize in working with teens and offer trauma-informed care. These services may be offered in outpatient settings or intensive care programs depending on the diagnosis.
Couples therapy can address challenges related to addiction, communication, and emotional intimacy. Cigna may cover couples therapy if there is a qualifying mental health diagnosis and the treatment meets medical necessity requirements. In some cases, both partners must be Cigna-insured for full coverage, depending on the insurance company rules.
Cigna covers psychiatric evaluations, medication prescriptions, and follow-ups. These services are often delivered by a physician, nurse practitioner, or doctor of medicine. Medication therapy management is also included when a patient is prescribed psychiatric medicine to treat conditions like depression or schizophrenia.
Verifying your Cigna therapy coverage is simple. Use these three methods:
Every plan comes with a Summary of Benefits. This document includes therapy benefits, copayment and deductible details, and covered services like IOPs, PHPs, and mental health counseling. It’s available on your Cigna member dashboard or through your human resources department.
Call Cigna customer service using the number on your member ID card. Ask the representative: “Does Cigna cover therapy?” They will verify your insurance policy, explain out-of-pocket expense, and inform you if prior authorization is required. For Medicare or Medicare Advantage members, different terms may apply.
Rize OC is a health care provider that works with Cigna to confirm coverage for mental health services. We can check your policy, find an in-network therapist, and walk you through each step of the insurance verification process. This ensures your treatment meets medical necessity and maximizes reimbursement potential.
Costs vary based on the plan, provider network, and service location. Patients may be responsible for a copayment, a percentage of the total payment, or full cost if the provider is out-of-network. If you’re using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you can apply those funds to cover therapy sessions.
Rates differ depending on your insurance company’s network agreements and your location’s community rates.
For most PPO plans, Cigna does not require a referral. Patients with HMO or EPO plans may need a referral from a primary care physician to see a mental health specialist. In some cases, Cigna may require prior authorization for PHP, IOP, or psychiatric care.
Always consult your plan details or speak with a health professional to confirm whether a referral is necessary.
Cigna provides access to care for many mental health conditions, including co-occurring substance abuse issues. Whether you need ongoing therapy, medication, or structured programs, your plan may include:
These benefits are typically guided by the Affordable Care Act, which mandates health insurance plans to include essential health benefits, including mental health care.
Cigna covers treatment for a wide range of behavioral health and medical conditions:
Cigna covers multiple levels of care based on patient needs and medical necessity:
Services must be delivered by licensed providers such as a clinic, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or licensed therapist.
At Rize OC, we accept Cigna and many other major insurance companies, including Aetna and Elevance Health. We work with your primary care team or behavioral health specialist to ensure you receive the therapy services you need with minimal delay or confusion.
Our team assists in:
We value your mind, health, and peace of mind. Start therapy that fits your needs and your insurance coverage.
1\. Does Cigna cover therapy for mental health and substance abuse?
Yes, Cigna covers therapy services for a wide range of mental health and substance abuse conditions. These include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, panic disorders, and more. Coverage typically includes outpatient therapy, IOPs, PHPs, and medication management. The services must meet medical necessity guidelines and be provided by a licensed health care provider.
2\. What is the cost of therapy with Cigna insurance?
The cost of therapy varies by insurance policy, plan type, and network status. Most Cigna plans require a copayment per session, ranging from $15 to $60. Some plans involve deductibles or coinsurance percentages. Patients can also use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to cover therapy expenses. Contact Cigna customer service to verify your specific cost details.
3\. Do I need a referral to start therapy under Cigna?
Many Cigna PPO plans allow patients to start therapy without a referral. However, HMO and EPO plans may require a referral from a primary care physician. It’s important to check your plan’s policy or consult with a health professional to avoid delays. Prior authorization may also be needed for higher levels of care like PHPs or IOPs.
4\. What types of therapy providers are included in Cigna’s network?
Cigna’s network includes licensed therapists, psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and social workers. These providers may work in a clinic, hospital, or virtual setting. Cigna partners with platforms offering text messaging and telemedicine support to improve accessibility. In-network Cigna therapists must meet state licensure and credentialing requirements, and services are generally covered when aligned with Cigna therapy coverage criteria.
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