Find a Cigna Psychiatrist
Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024Cigna Healthcare (now part of The Cigna Group’s Evernorth division) runs one of the largest behavioral-health networks in the country — more than 300,000 in-person clinicians plus 163,000 virtual professionals. This guide will walk you through how to locate a Cigna therapist, understand your Cigna mental health coverage, and book care (virtual or in-office) without guesswork.
How Cigna Mental-Health Coverage Works
| Plan Type | Typical 2025 Member Cost* | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Employer & Marketplace PPO/HMO | $0–$40 copay for in-network therapy (no separate mental-health deductible) | Copay or coinsurance applies after medical deductible (if any) |
| High-Deductible/HSA | 20 % after deductible, then $0–$40 | Same coverage, different timing of cost share |
| Cigna Medicare Advantage | $0 virtual mental-health therapy; $15–$40 in-person copay | Many plans quote $0 MDLIVE visits |
*Always check your own Evidence of Coverage (EOC); employer carve-outs can vary.
Coverage basics
- Unlimited medically necessary visits. No preset annual cap.
- One combined medical deductible. Mental health shares the same threshold as doctor visits.
- Telehealth parity—often $0. Many plans waive the copay for MDLIVE video therapy and psychiatry.
- No referral required for PPOs and most Open Access HMOs; gatekeeper HMOs may ask for a PCP note.
Types of Mental-Health Providers in network with Cigna
| Provider Type | What they do |
|---|---|
| Cigna Therapist / Counselor (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) | Weekly talk therapy, stress, life transitions |
| Cigna Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | Psychological testing, EMDR, DBT |
| Cigna Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | Diagnosis, medication management |
Real-Life Use Case: How Maya Found a Therapist That Takes Cigna
Maya, a 33-year-old software engineer in Seattle, felt rising anxiety after a company downsizing. Here’s her 11-day journey:
Day 1 – Portal Login Maya opens myCigna.com → “Find Care & Costs” → “Behavioral Health.”
Day 1 – Smart Match The directory’s SmartMatch recommends five therapists that take Cigna within five miles, each tagged “Accepting new patients.”
Day 2 – Cost Check Using the estimator, she confirms her mid-tier PPO charges $25 per in-office session—or $0 for MDLIVE video.
Day 3 – First Video Visit She books a same-week slot with Jordan Kim, LCSW—an in-network Cigna therapist specializing in CBT for anxiety.
Day 10 – Medication Consult Jordan suggests a low-dose SSRI. Maya schedules a 30-minute tele-psychiatry visit with a Cigna psychiatrist for the next day (also $0).
Total time from search to session: under two weeks, no out-of-pocket cost.
Step-by-Step: Booking Therapy Through Cigna
Log in to myCigna or the Cigna app. Tap Find Care → Behavioral Health.
Filter. Choose “virtual” or “in-person,” specialty (trauma, couples, ADHD), language, evening hours.
Confirm cost. Click “Estimate costs” under each listing to see your exact copay or coinsurance.
Book an appointment. For MDLIVE slots, scheduling happens inside the portal. For local offices, call the number listed.
Complete pre-visit forms. Some clinicians send digital intake packets; fill them out to avoid delays.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: What to Know
| Stay In-Network (recommended) | Go Out-of-Network |
|---|---|
| Predictable copay or coinsurance | Pay full fee, then submit for partial reimbursement (PPO only) |
| Claims filed automatically | No reimbursement for HMO/OAP plans |
| Integrated with your Cigna case-management team | Wider choice; useful for niche specialties |
If no in-network appointment is available within 10 business days, request a “network deficiency exception.” Cigna may cover an outside clinician at in-network rates under parity rules.
Digital & Telehealth
Telehealth sessions count the same as office visits toward visit limits (if any) and deductibles.
Cost & Coverage
| Setting | Employer/Marketplace PPO & HMO | High-Deductible Plan | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person Therapy (45 min) | $0–$40 copay | 20 % after deductible | $15–$40 copay |
| MDLIVE Therapy | Often $0 | Deductible, then $0 | $0 |
| Initial Psychiatric Eval | $30–$60 copay | 20 % after deductible | $20–$50 copay |
Keep in mind, if the first provider you work with doesnt feel like the right fit, switching therapists that take Cigna is penalty-free.
Advocating for Yourself When Wait Times Are Long
- Document Calls. Note name, date, and “next available appointment.”
- Ask for Care Coordination. Cigna’s Behavioral Health Concierge can hunt for cancellations.
- Request Network-Deficiency Approval. If no slot within 10 business days, you can see an outside clinician at in-network rates.
- Escalate. File a grievance through myCigna; state law often requires a response in 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cigna cover therapy?
Yes. Outpatient therapy with in-network licensed clinicians is a core medical benefit; typical copay $0–$40 or 20 % coinsurance after deductible.
How do I find therapists that take Cigna near me?
Log into myCigna → Find Care & Costs → Behavioral Health and filter by zip code, specialty, and availability.
What’s the difference between a Cigna therapist and a Cigna psychologist?
“Therapist” is an umbrella term (LCSW, LMFT, LPC). “Psychologist” means a PhD/PsyD who can conduct testing and advanced modalities. Both are Cigna mental health providers if enrolled.
Are psychiatrists that take Cigna accepting new patients?
Many are, especially via MDLIVE. Use the “Accepting new patients” filter and consider virtual appointments.
Does Cigna mental health coverage include telehealth?
Most plans waive or reduce copays for MDLIVE therapy and psychiatry through 2025.
Find care for Cigna
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Cigna and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
