Cigna, now operating health services through its Evernorth brand, covers over 18 million Americans and offers comprehensive mental health benefits including telehealth therapy. If you have Cigna insurance, you have multiple pathways to affordable online therapy—through partner platforms, Cigna's own virtual services, and potentially free EAP sessions.
Platforms That Accept Cigna
Several major online therapy platforms have in-network agreements with Cigna:
Talkspace
Cigna In-NetworkTalkspace has a direct partnership with Cigna, making it one of the easiest options for members.
- • Services: Individual therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy
- • Typical copay: $0-$30 per session
- • Formats: Video, audio, unlimited messaging
- • Note: Cigna EAP members may get free sessions through Talkspace
Cerebral
Cigna In-NetworkTherapy and medication management with strong Cigna acceptance.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, medication management
- • With Cigna: Starting at $29/month with insurance
- • Best for: Combined therapy + non-controlled medication needs
MDLive
Cigna In-NetworkFull-service telehealth platform with behavioral health specialists.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, primary care
- • With Cigna: Often included as primary telehealth benefit
- • Best for: Those wanting integrated healthcare
Brightside Health
Cigna In-NetworkSpecialized in depression and anxiety treatment.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, crisis support
- • With Cigna: Standard copays apply
- • Best for: Moderate to severe depression/anxiety
Cigna's Own Virtual Care Options
Beyond third-party platforms, Cigna offers telehealth services directly through its Evernorth network:
myCigna Virtual Care
Many Cigna plans include virtual behavioral health visits accessible through the myCigna app or website. This connects you directly with Cigna-credentialed providers.
- • Access through myCigna app or mycigna.com
- • Connects with in-network therapists and psychiatrists
- • Standard behavioral health copays apply
- • No separate platform signup required
Free Sessions Through Cigna EAP
Before paying anything, check if you have Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits through your employer's Cigna plan. EAP typically provides:
Typical Cigna EAP Benefits
- • 3-8 free therapy sessions per issue per year (varies by employer)
- • No copay, no deductible for EAP sessions
- • Includes family members in your household
- • Often available through Talkspace for Cigna EAP members
To check: Call the EAP number on your benefits card, or ask your HR department about mental health EAP coverage.
How to Verify Your Cigna Coverage
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1
Log into myCigna
Visit mycigna.com or use the myCigna app to view your plan details.
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2
Check "Mental Health/Behavioral Health" section
Look for telehealth/virtual care provisions and in-network copays.
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3
Look for EAP benefits
Check if your employer-sponsored plan includes EAP sessions.
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4
Call Member Services
Call 1-800-244-6224 (or number on card) to confirm specific platform coverage.
Understanding Cigna Plan Types
Your coverage depends on your specific Cigna plan type:
| Plan Type | Telehealth Coverage | OON Options |
|---|---|---|
| Cigna PPO | Full telehealth mental health coverage | Yes—can use OON providers |
| Cigna HMO | In-network telehealth only | No—must use in-network |
| Cigna EPO | In-network telehealth (no referral) | No—except emergencies |
| Cigna HDHP | Covered after deductible | Yes—with PPO network |
Typical Costs with Cigna
What If Your Platform Doesn't Accept Cigna?
If you prefer a platform like BetterHelp that doesn't accept insurance:
- • PPO out-of-network benefits: Submit superbills for 40-80% reimbursement
- • HSA/FSA: Use tax-advantaged accounts for any licensed therapy
- • Consider switching: Talkspace offers similar messaging + video therapy and accepts Cigna
The Bottom Line
Cigna provides strong coverage for online therapy, with partnerships across major platforms and built-in virtual care options through myCigna. Start by checking for EAP benefits (which may provide free sessions), then explore in-network platforms like Talkspace or Cerebral for copay-based access.
Most Cigna members can access therapy for $0-$35 per session through in-network telehealth platforms—a significant savings compared to cash-pay rates of $200+ per session.