4 Steps to Start Therapy with Aetna
Check Your Aetna Mental Health Benefits
Before scheduling therapy, verify your specific Aetna plan covers outpatient mental health services. Call Aetna member services at 1-800-872-3862 or log in to Aetna.com to review your benefits.
- Ask for your copay amount for outpatient mental health visits (usually $20-$40)
- Ask how much of your deductible has been met this year
- Confirm how many therapy visits are covered per calendar year (typically 12-20)
- Ask if prior authorization is required for outpatient therapy (usually not)
- Write down the reference number from your call in case of billing questions
Find an In-Network Aetna Provider in Georgia
Using an in-network provider ensures the lowest out-of-pocket cost. CHC is in-network with most Aetna plans in Georgia.
- Contact CHC at 404-832-0102 -- we verify your Aetna benefits for you
- Alternatively, search Aetna's provider directory at aetna.com/find-care
- Filter by Behavioral Health Providers in your Georgia zip code
- Always confirm with the provider's office that they accept your specific Aetna plan
- Ask if the provider offers telehealth if you prefer online sessions
Schedule Your First Therapy Session
Once you have verified your benefits and found an in-network provider, schedule your first appointment. Have your insurance information ready.
- Have your Aetna member ID, group number, and plan name ready
- Share your preferred appointment times (evenings, weekends, etc.)
- Briefly describe what you want help with (anxiety, depression, relationships, etc.)
- Ask if the practice offers a free consultation or benefits check before your first visit
- CHC verifies your exact copay before your first session so there are no surprises
Attend Your Session and Understand Billing
At your appointment, you pay only your copay. Your therapist bills Aetna directly for the remaining cost. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Aetna after claims are processed.
- Pay your copay at the time of your session (typically $20-$40)
- Your therapist submits the claim to Aetna after each session
- Aetna processes the claim in 2-4 weeks and sends you an EOB
- Your EOB should show $0 owed if you already paid your copay
- Contact the provider's billing office immediately if the EOB shows an unexpected balance
Aetna Therapy Benefits at a Glance
Key benefits you can expect when using your Aetna plan for therapy at CHC
Individual Therapy
$20-$40 copay per session, typically 12-20 visits per year
Couples Therapy
Same copay as individual, 8-12 visits per year for most plans
Telehealth Sessions
Same copay as in-person, covered on most Aetna plans
No Referral Needed
Most Aetna plans allow direct access to mental health providers
Deductible Applies
Some plans require meeting deductible before copays kick in
HSA/FSA Eligible
Therapy copays and deductibles can be paid with pre-tax dollars
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using Aetna for therapy in Georgia
What if I need more sessions than Aetna covers?
Most Aetna plans cover 12-20 outpatient visits per year. If you need more, your therapist can request additional sessions based on medical necessity. You can also continue at CHC's self-pay rates.
Does telehealth therapy count toward my visit limit?
Yes. Telehealth sessions count the same as in-person visits toward your annual visit limit. The copay is typically the same as well.
Can I switch therapists if the first one is not a good fit?
Yes. You can switch to another Aetna in-network provider at any time without penalty. At CHC, we help you find a better match if needed.
Will therapy show up on my insurance statement?
Yes. Your Explanation of Benefits will show the date of service and a diagnosis code but not the details of your sessions. If you are on a family plan, the primary policyholder will receive EOBs.
What happens if my Aetna plan changes mid-year?
Notify your therapist immediately if your plan changes. CHC will verify your new benefits and confirm whether we are still in-network with your updated plan.
Ready to Start Therapy with Aetna?
CHC handles all the verification and billing for you. We confirm your exact Aetna copay before your first session.
Most members start therapy within 1-2 weeks | support@chctherapy.com