Online therapy session

Cigna covers online therapy. Here's where your plan goes furthest.

Between checking networks, calling providers, and decoding benefits — finding covered therapy shouldn't be this hard.

34+ Platforms Reviewed Expert-Written Updated Monthly No Sponsored Rankings
Top Online Therapy Platforms That Accept Cigna

These platforms have the strongest Cigna in-network partnerships and typically offer the lowest copays for Cigna members.

Bottom Line
Talkspace has one of the strongest Cigna partnerships in online therapy — most members pay around $20/session. Headway and Grow Therapy are worth checking if therapist choice matters more.
3 platforms reviewed  ·  All accept Cigna PPO & HMO

Talkspace

Best for Cigna coverage — in-network with most Cigna plans

4.6
Top Rated

Talkspace has one of the strongest Cigna partnerships in online therapy. Most Cigna members pay an average copay of $20 per session — compared to $69–109/week self-pay. They're in-network with most Cigna PPO and many HMO plans, and offer therapy plus psychiatry in one platform. The tradeoff: their messaging format isn't for everyone, and some Cigna HMO plans may require prior authorization.

Read our full Talkspace review →

$15–30/session w/ Cigna In-network — Cigna PPO, select HMO $69–109/week self-pay Video + Messaging
✦ Check your Cigna coverage instantly
Pricing based on average Cigna member copay. See plan details for exact coverage.
Also worth considering

Headway

Best for therapist choice — browse Cigna-covered providers yourself

4.5
Recommended

Headway is in-network with Cigna and lets you browse real therapist profiles, read bios, and choose someone who feels right — rather than being assigned a match. Most Cigna members pay $20–50 per session. They handle all Cigna billing so you never deal with claims. The tradeoff: availability depends on your area, and not all specialties are covered in every region.

$20–50/session w/ Cigna In-network — Cigna PPO, HMO $100–200/session self-pay Video + Phone
Availability varies by location. Check coverage before booking.

Grow Therapy

Best for plan flexibility — accepts Cigna plus 70+ other carriers

4.3
Recommended

Grow Therapy accepts Cigna along with 70+ insurance carriers. Most Cigna members pay $2.50–77 per session after deductible — one of the widest copay ranges because they work with so many different Cigna plan types. You choose your therapist from profiles, and Grow handles all insurance verification and billing. The tradeoff: as a newer platform, therapist availability can be limited in some areas.

$0–50/session w/ Cigna In-network — Cigna PPO, HMO, EAP $80–150/session self-pay Video + Phone
Covers multiple insurance types. Copay varies by specific plan.
Therapy session
"Having a therapist who understood my Cigna coverage was a game-changer. No surprise bills, no claim denials."

— Maya S., Cigna PPO member

How Cigna Coverage Works

Most Cigna plans cover online therapy. Your copay is typically $15–60 per session depending on your specific plan type. Before booking, check whether your plan has a mental health deductible — some do, while others exempt mental health from deductibles entirely.

In-network vs out-of-network: In-network means the platform has negotiated rates with Cigna, so you pay a lower copay. Out-of-network platforms may still get partial reimbursement with Cigna PPO plans, typically 50-70% of the allowed amount.

About MDLIVE: Cigna owns MDLIVE, which offers therapy sessions. However, the platforms reviewed above typically offer more therapist choice and specialization for mental health care.

EAP coverage: Many Cigna employer plans include free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) sessions — usually 3-8 sessions per year. Ask your HR department if your plan includes EAP; it's often a hidden benefit.

Quick Comparison: Talkspace vs Headway vs Grow Therapy

Feature Talkspace Headway Grow Therapy
Copay w/ Cigna $15–30/session $20–50/session $0–50/session
Self-Pay Price $69–109/week $100–200/session $80–150/session
In-Network Status Yes — PPO, select HMO Yes — PPO, HMO Yes — PPO, HMO, EAP
Format Video + Messaging Video + Phone Video + Phone
Best For Messaging + psychiatry Choosing your therapist Broadest coverage
Rating 4.6/5 — Top Rated 4.5/5 — Recommended 4.3/5 — Recommended

The average Cigna member with mental health benefits pays $15–30 per online therapy session. Without insurance, the same session runs $100–200. If your plan is active, five minutes to verify coverage can save you thousands per year.

What If My Plan Isn't Accepted?

Not every Cigna plan works with every platform. If you get a "not covered" result, you still have options:

Out-of-network reimbursement
Many Cigna OAP plans cover out-of-network mental health at 50–70% after deductible. Pay upfront, submit a claim for partial reimbursement. Call the number on the back of your card to check your out-of-network mental health benefits.
Cigna EAP
Even if your therapy coverage is limited, your employer's EAP through Cigna may offer free sessions — typically 3–8 — as a separate benefit that doesn't require meeting a deductible.
Financial assistance programs
BetterHelp offers financial aid that can reduce costs by 10–40%. Calmerry starts at $42/week without insurance. Both are affordable alternatives when insurance doesn't apply.
Affordable self-pay alternatives
See our guide to affordable online therapy for platforms starting at $30/session with no insurance required.

Looking for Something Specific?

Not sure Cigna is right for you, or looking for therapy focused on a specific condition? Explore our other guides:

Affordable Therapy Under $50/Week Best Online Therapy for Anxiety Best Online Therapy for Depression
SC

Dr. DTS Research Team, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Insurance Navigation · Anxiety Disorders · Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

the DTS editorial team has been reviewing online therapy platforms and insurance coverage options since 2021. Her expertise spans Cigna, BCBS, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare plans, with special focus on helping members navigate deductibles, prior authorizations, and out-of-network claims.

Disclaimers & Important Information

Insurance coverage varies by plan: The copay amounts, coverage details, and in-network status described above are based on typical Cigna plans. Your specific plan may differ. Always verify coverage with your insurance provider or through your plan's member portal before booking.

Prior authorization: Some Cigna plans, particularly HMO plans, may require prior authorization before starting therapy. Contact Cigna or the platform directly to confirm before your first session.

This is not medical advice: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or insurance advice. Consult with your doctor or insurance provider for personalized recommendations.

No sponsored content: Digital Therapy Solutions does not receive compensation from Talkspace, Headway, Grow Therapy, or Cigna. Our rankings are based purely on user reviews, coverage networks, and platform features.

Last updated: March 2026. Insurance networks and pricing change frequently. We update this guide monthly.