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.
Mental health impacts every part of life—from your ability to manage stress to your quality of life at home and work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people take control of negative thoughts and build healthier habits. If you have Cigna health insurance, you may be eligible to receive CBT through an in-network health care provider. Understanding how CBT works and what your insurance policy covers can help you begin your path toward mental wellness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. A trained mental health professional works with the patient to change harmful thought patterns and unhelpful behaviors. CBT is structured and short-term, often delivered in weekly sessions at a clinic, health center, or through telehealth
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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Each patient receives personalized treatment based on their symptoms, health history, and goals. Your primary care physician may refer you to a CBT specialist for anxiety, depression, or chronic stress management.
CBT is used to treat a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues. Patients often seek CBT to deal with stress, grief, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, or low mood. Others may need support after a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder, or postpartum depression. CBT is also useful for those recovering from substance abuse, alcohol misuse, or eating disorders such as binge eating or bulimia.
People who experience bullying, trauma, sexual abuse, or emotional neglect may benefit from CBT. It can also help with daily issues like managing anger, building social skills, and learning how to improve relationships.
CBT is one of the most well-researched forms of therapy. It is backed by evidence and supported by insurance companies like Cigna, which often list it under their behavioral health benefits. CBT is effective in treating major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), PTSD, and more.
It can help people build insight into their feelings and behaviors while developing healthier ways to cope with pain, stress, and emotional triggers. Whether the issue is anger management, paranoia, hoarding disorder, or relationship conflict, CBT offers practical tools to improve mental and emotional functioning.
CBT is considered safe. However, some people may feel discomfort when discussing painful thoughts or memories. This emotional response is normal and often part of the healing process. Unlike medication, CBT has no pharmacological side effects. Many patients combine CBT with medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or primary care physician for best results.
Before starting CBT, you should check with your Cigna insurance provider to confirm your policy details. Call the number on your card or log into your Cigna portal. Ask if CBT is covered, if the therapist is in-network, and what your deductible or copayment will be. Some plans may require a referral from a primary care physician or prior authorization.
You can also check if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which may provide short-term CBT counseling sessions for free.
If you’re using Medicare or another insurance company, verify coverage for clinical mental health counseling services, especially if you plan to work with a therapist who holds a Master of Science in counseling or social work.
CBT is a structured form of clinical mental health counseling that focuses on how your thoughts influence your behavior. It is rooted in the idea that by changing negative thought patterns, you can change the way you feel and act. It teaches specific coping skills, improves emotional regulation, and addresses current problems.
Unlike some other therapies, CBT does not dwell heavily on childhood experiences. Instead, it focuses on the present. It is practical and results-focused, often involving homework, journaling, meditation, or mindfulness exercises like yoga or music therapy.
CBT works by helping the patient recognize distorted thinking. The therapist and patient identify negative thoughts that lead to emotional pain or harmful behavior. Once these patterns are identified, the therapist teaches ways to challenge and reframe them. Over time, this leads to healthier thinking and better emotional management.
CBT may be combined with art therapy or physical therapy, depending on the needs of the patient. Therapists may use worksheets, role-play, breathing exercises, or stress reduction techniques to build emotional strength and resilience.
CBT is used to treat a wide range of conditions and symptoms, including:
CBT is also helpful for people dealing with life transitions, divorce, job stress, caregiving, and parenting challenges. It is often used in schools, hospitals, and community clinics.
Without health insurance, CBT can cost between $100 and $250 per session. The price varies depending on the therapist’s education, location, and specialty. Therapists with a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling, psychology, or social work may charge different rates.
Some therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income. Community clinics and nonprofits may also offer low-cost CBT. If you don’t have insurance, ask about financial aid or payment plans.
For those with Medicare, private insurance, or employer-based insurance, most plans cover CBT as part of mental health services. It’s important to check your policy for coverage details, especially if you are managing multiple health needs like medication, physical therapy, or psychiatric care.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a powerful tool that can improve your emotional health, thought patterns, and daily behavior. Whether you’re managing depression, anxiety, grief, or stress, CBT can help you develop the coping skills you need to feel better and function more fully.
With Cigna health insurance, many patients can access CBT with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Speak with your primary care provider, therapist, or Cigna representative to verify your benefits and schedule your first session.
1\. Does Cigna cover Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for all mental health conditions?
Cigna typically covers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and more. However, coverage may vary based on your insurance policy, plan type, and provider network. It’s best to check directly with your insurance company or log into your Cigna account to verify if the specific condition you’re seeking treatment for is included.
2\. Can I use CBT in combination with medication or other treatments?
Yes, CBT is often used alongside other treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or holistic practices like yoga, meditation, or music therapy. A primary care physician or mental health professional can create a treatment plan that includes CBT, medication management, and additional support services. This combination often improves results, especially for conditions like schizophrenia, panic disorder, or major depression.
3\. How many CBT sessions are usually needed to see results?
Most patients see noticeable improvement in 6 to 20 CBT sessions, depending on the condition and treatment goals. Some individuals benefit from short-term CBT, while others may need longer support for chronic mental health issues. Your health care provider will assess your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
4\. Can children or teens receive CBT under a Cigna health insurance plan?
Yes, Cigna covers CBT for children and teens when it is medically necessary and delivered by a licensed therapist or health care provider. CBT can help young people cope with bullying, school stress, learning difficulties, social skills issues, and behavioral concerns. A parent or guardian may need to provide consent, and a referral from a pediatrician or primary care provider may be required.
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