Aetna is one of the largest health insurers in the U.S., covering over 23 million members. If you have Aetna insurance, you have multiple options for accessing online therapy at reduced costs—including partnerships with major telehealth platforms and Aetna's own virtual care services.
Platforms That Accept Aetna
Several leading online therapy platforms have direct partnerships with Aetna, allowing you to use your benefits with minimal out-of-pocket costs:
Talkspace
Aetna In-NetworkLeading platform with comprehensive Aetna partnership for therapy and psychiatry.
- • Services: Individual therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry, teen counseling
- • Typical copay: $0-$30 per session
- • Formats: Video, audio, messaging
Cerebral
Aetna In-NetworkCombined therapy and medication management platform.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, medication management
- • With Aetna: Starting at $29/month with insurance
- • Best for: Those needing both therapy and non-controlled medications
Brightside Health
Aetna In-NetworkSpecializes in depression and anxiety with strong clinical outcomes.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, crisis care
- • With Aetna: Copay-based pricing
- • Best for: Moderate to severe depression/anxiety
Amwell
Aetna In-NetworkFull-service telehealth with mental health specialists available 24/7.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, urgent care
- • With Aetna: Standard copays apply
- • Best for: Those wanting clinical telehealth feel
Aetna's Own Telehealth Options
Beyond third-party platforms, Aetna offers telehealth services through its own partnerships:
Teladoc (Aetna Partnership)
Many Aetna plans include access to Teladoc for mental health services. Check your member portal or call member services to see if this benefit is included in your plan.
- • Therapy and psychiatry available
- • Often $0 copay for Aetna members
- • Access through Aetna member portal
How to Verify Your Aetna Coverage
Aetna plans vary significantly—what's covered under one plan may not be covered under another. Here's how to check your specific benefits:
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1
Log into Aetna Member Portal
Visit aetna.com and sign in to access your plan details and benefits summary.
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2
Check "Behavioral Health" benefits
Look for mental health/behavioral health coverage details, including telehealth provisions.
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3
Call Member Services
Call the number on your card and ask specifically about telehealth mental health coverage and which platforms are in-network.
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4
Use platform eligibility checkers
Talkspace, Cerebral, and others have real-time insurance verification during sign-up.
What About Platforms That Don't Accept Aetna?
Popular platforms like BetterHelp don't accept any insurance, including Aetna. However, if you prefer these platforms, you have options:
- • Out-of-network reimbursement: If you have a PPO plan, submit claims for partial reimbursement
- • HSA/FSA: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for cash-pay platforms
- • Consider in-network options: Talkspace offers similar features and accepts Aetna
Typical Costs with Aetna
Your actual costs depend on your specific Aetna plan, but here's what members typically pay:
The Bottom Line
Aetna provides solid coverage for online therapy through partnerships with major platforms like Talkspace, Cerebral, Brightside, and Amwell. If you're an Aetna member, you can likely access therapy for just a copay rather than paying hundreds out of pocket.
Start by checking your specific plan benefits through the Aetna portal or member services, then use the eligibility checker on your platform of choice to confirm coverage before signing up.