Does Cigna Cover ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)?
How Cigna covers ACT through Evernorth Behavioral Health — billed as standard psychotherapy, typical copays, and finding ACT providers in-network.
The Short Answer
Yes, Cigna covers ACT. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy — developed by Steven Hayes — is covered by every standard Cigna commercial plan under outpatient mental health benefits through Evernorth Behavioral Health. ACT sessions bill as standard psychotherapy (90834 or 90837), with no ACT-specific code or benefit.
Key Takeaways
- Cigna covers ACT under outpatient mental health; administered by Evernorth.
- ACT is billed as standard psychotherapy.
- In-network copays typically $20–$50 per session.
- ACT-trained therapists are scarcer than CBT providers; cross-reference the ACBS directory.
- Prior authorization is not required for outpatient ACT.
What Cigna Covers for ACT
CPT codes
Standard psychotherapy — 90791, 90834, 90837, 90853. No special ACT code.
Covered conditions
Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use, PTSD.
Session count
Typical ACT course: 12–20 sessions for anxiety/depression; 8–16 for chronic pain. No Cigna session cap on most plans.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network ACT
In-network
- Use Cigna's provider directory; filter by Behavioral Health
- Cross-reference with ACBS find-a-therapist to identify ACT-trained providers
- Copay: $20–$50 per session
Out-of-network
- Cash-pay rates: $130–$250 per session
- PPO plans reimburse 50–80% of allowed amount after OON deductible
- HMO plans: no OON coverage
Prior Authorization
Not required for standard outpatient ACT.
How to Verify Your Cigna ACT Coverage
Call 1-800-244-6224 or the BH number on your ID card.
Script
- "What is my copay for individual psychotherapy (90834, 90837)?"
- "Do I have a mental health deductible?"
- "Is prior authorization required for outpatient therapy?"
- "Do I have out-of-network benefits, and what is the allowed amount for 90834?"
- "Are telehealth sessions reimbursed at the same rate?"
- "Is my plan's BH managed by Evernorth?"
Typical Out-of-Pocket Costs for a 12-Session ACT Course
| Scenario | Per Session | 12-Session Course |
|---|---|---|
| In-network, $30 copay | $30 | $360 |
| In-network, $50 copay | $50 | $600 |
| HDHP before deductible | ~$100–$150 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| OON PPO, 70% reimbursement | ~$55–$100 post-reimbursement | $1,800–$2,500 (year 1) |
| Cash pay | $130–$250 | $1,560–$3,000 |
See ACT therapy cost for the private-pay view.
What to Do If Cigna Denies an ACT Claim
ACT denials are rare because billing is identical to any psychotherapy.
- Get EOB in writing.
- Ask provider to peer-review with Evernorth.
- Appeal within 180 days.
- Cite MHPAEA if the denial is modality- or diagnosis-specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ACT the same cost as CBT under Cigna? Per session, yes. Total course cost is comparable.
Does Cigna cover ACT for chronic pain? Yes — one of ACT's strongest indications.
Does Cigna cover ACT groups? Yes, as CPT 90853; typically at a lower copay than individual sessions.
Does Cigna cover online ACT? Telehealth parity applies on most Cigna plans.