At Family Time Center, we're proud to be in-network with most Aetna plans, providing Los Angeles residents with accessible and affordable mental health care through one of the nation's largest health insurers. Our experienced team understands the complexities of Aetna's various plan types and benefit structures, ensuring you receive maximum value from your mental health coverage.
Whether you have an Aetna HMO, PPO, or EPO plan, we'll verify your specific benefits and guide you through the process of accessing covered therapy services. Our streamlined approach to Aetna billing and claims processing means you can focus on your therapeutic goals while we handle all the administrative details.
Does Aetna Cover Online Therapy?
Yes, Aetna provides comprehensive coverage for online therapy sessions across all their plan types, and they've been a leader in expanding telehealth access for mental health services. Aetna recognizes that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person treatment for many conditions, and they've structured their benefits to encourage members to seek care in whatever format works best for their lifestyle and needs.
This coverage means that when you choose Gotham Therapy for your online therapy sessions, your Aetna benefits apply exactly the same way they would for in-person visits. Your copay amounts, deductible requirements, and annual coverage limits are identical regardless of whether you meet with your therapist through our secure video platform or in a traditional office setting.
Aetna has eliminated many of the barriers that previously made accessing mental health care more difficult. Most plans no longer require pre-authorization for routine outpatient therapy, and they've streamlined processes to ensure members have access to qualified mental health professionals. The company's commitment to mental health extends beyond basic therapy coverage to include specialized treatments like EMDR for trauma, family therapy, and intensive outpatient programs when medically necessary.
How Does the Aetna Insurance Verification Process Work?
At Family Time Center, we handle the Aetna insurance verification process for you to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to your coverage and costs. Our experienced billing team has established relationships with Aetna and will verify your benefits before your first appointment, providing you with clear information about your copay, deductible status, and any specific requirements your Aetna plan may have.
What Information We Need:
Your Aetna member ID number from your insurance card
Group number (if applicable)
Your date of birth
Primary cardholder's information if you're a dependent
Your specific Aetna plan type (HMO, PPO, EPO, or POS)
What We Verify with Aetna for You:
Your current Aetna coverage status and eligibility
Mental health copay amounts specific to your plan
Annual deductible information and how much you've already met this year
Whether your plan requires referrals from your primary care physician
Coverage limits for therapy sessions (though most Aetna plans have no annual limits)
Your specific in-network benefits with Family Time Center
Coverage for family therapy and specialized treatments like EMDR or DBT
Any pre-authorization requirements for your plan type
Timeline and Next Steps: Most Aetna insurance verifications are completed within 24 hours of receiving your information. We'll contact you with a clear breakdown of your Aetna benefits and expected costs before scheduling your first session. If your plan requires a referral from your primary care physician, we'll guide you through that process and provide the necessary information for your doctor. This thorough verification process ensures you can focus on your mental health goals rather than worrying about unexpected bills or Aetna coverage gaps.
Find care with FamilyTime Center
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling with the challenges that brought you here. You don't have to figure this out alone—our experienced team of California-licensed therapists specializes in the exact issues you're facing. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, we're here to provide the compassionate, evidence-based care you deserve. Take that brave first step today by scheduling a consultation, and let us help you find the path to healing and growth.
How Much Does Therapy Cost With Aetna?
Understanding your therapy costs with Aetna is crucial for planning your mental health care budget, and at Family Time Center, we're committed to providing complete transparency about what you can expect to pay. The good news is that most of our Aetna clients find therapy to be quite affordable, especially when compared to other healthcare services or the cost of leaving mental health issues untreated. You can learn more about Aetna’s mental health benefits here.
In-Network Therapists (Family Time Center): When you choose Family Time Center for your mental health care, you'll benefit from our in-network rates with Aetna, which are significantly lower than standard out-of-pocket fees. Most of our Aetna clients pay between $15-$50 per session as a copay, though the exact amount varies based on your specific plan type and benefit level. For a better understanding of copays, see what a copayment means. Here's how different Aetna plan types typically structure mental health costs:
Gold and Platinum Plans: These premium plans usually offer the lowest out-of-pocket costs, with copays ranging from $15-$25 per session and low deductibles that you'll likely meet early in the year through regular medical care. More details on Aetna Marketplace Plans.
Silver Plans: These mid-tier plans typically feature copays in the $25-$35 range, with moderate deductibles that may apply to mental health services depending on your specific plan design.
Bronze Plans: While these plans have lower monthly premiums, they often feature higher deductibles that you'll need to meet before your copay benefits kick in. However, once you meet your deductible, copays are usually quite reasonable at $25-$40 per session.
HSA-Compatible Plans: These high-deductible health plans require you to pay the full contracted rate (typically $80-$120 with Family Time Center) until you meet your deductible, but you can use tax-advantaged Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to pay for therapy.
It's important to understand that even when you're paying toward your deductible, you're still benefiting from Aetna's contracted rates with Family Time Center. This means you're paying significantly less than our standard fees, even before your insurance benefits fully kick in.
Out-of-Network Considerations: If you choose to see a therapist who isn't in Aetna's network, your costs will be substantially higher, but you may still receive some coverage depending on your plan type:
PPO Plans: Aetna PPO plans typically offer out-of-network coverage at 70% after you meet your out-of-network deductible (which is usually higher than in-network deductibles). More info on Aetna PPO plans.
HMO Plans: These plans typically provide no coverage for out-of-network mental health services, meaning you would pay the full fee with no reimbursement. See Aetna HMO plans.
EPO Plans: Like HMOs, EPO plans typically don't cover out-of-network services. See Aetna EPO plans.
Common Aetna Plans We Accept: Family Time Center is credentialed with virtually every Aetna plan available in Los Angeles County. This extensive network participation reflects our commitment to making mental health care accessible to as many families as possible, regardless of their specific insurance plan or employer. Our Aetna partnerships include:
Aetna Better Health plans
Aetna Choice POS (Point of Service plans)
Aetna Open Access (PPO plans)
Aetna Select (HMO plans)
Aetna Whole Health (EPO plans)
Aetna Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum marketplace plans purchased through Covered California
Aetna employer-sponsored plans through major Los Angeles companies and organizations
Aetna Medicare Advantage plans for seniors
Aetna Student Health plans
Even if your specific plan isn't immediately recognizable by name, we encourage you to contact us for verification. Aetna frequently updates plan names and creates custom arrangements with employers, so your coverage might be included under a different designation than what appears on your insurance card.
Do I Need a Referral for Therapy With Aetna?
Whether you need a referral depends on your specific Aetna plan type, and this is one of the most common questions we receive at Family Time Center. The referral requirement can significantly impact how quickly you can start therapy, so it's important to understand your plan's requirements.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans: No referral needed – you can contact Family Time Center directly and schedule your first appointment
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans: No referral needed – you can begin therapy immediately with any in-network provider
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans: Yes, you typically need a referral from your primary care physician before Aetna will cover therapy services
POS (Point of Service) plans: Yes, you usually need a referral for coverage, though you may be able to see therapists without a referral at a higher cost
If you have an HMO or POS plan that requires a referral, don't let this discourage you from seeking therapy. The referral process is usually straightforward – you can often get a referral during a regular appointment with your primary care doctor, or many doctors will provide referrals over the phone when you explain that you're seeking mental health treatment. At Family Time Center, we can provide you with the specific information your doctor needs to complete the referral, including our provider numbers and the types of services we offer.
Pre-Authorization Requirements: Most Aetna plans don't require pre-authorization for routine outpatient therapy sessions. However, certain specialized treatments or intensive services may require prior approval. We'll verify any pre-authorization requirements during your initial scheduling call, so you'll know exactly what to expect before your first session.
What Conditions Are Covered?
Aetna covers a wide range of mental health conditions including:
For a complete list of covered conditions and specialized treatment approaches, [click here to view our full range of services] or contact us to discuss how we can help with your specific mental health needs.
What Therapy Services Does Family Time Center Provide?
Family Time Center offers comprehensive therapy services that are covered by most Aetna plans, designed to meet the diverse mental health needs of individuals and families throughout Los Angeles. Our flexible service options ensure that you can receive the right type of care for your specific situation.
Covered therapy services include:
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your entire family, we provide personalized care that addresses your unique circumstances. All of our services are delivered by licensed mental health professionals who specialize in their respective areas of expertise.
What Types of Therapy Does Family Time Center Offer?
At Family Time Center, we specialize in evidence-based therapy approaches that are covered and proven effective for treating various mental health conditions. Our licensed therapists are trained in multiple therapeutic modalities to ensure we can provide the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs.
Covered therapy approaches include:
Any evidence-based therapy approach that is utilized for diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions typically qualifies for coverage under Aetna plans. Our therapists work collaboratively with you to determine which therapeutic approach will be most effective for your specific situation and goals.
Learn more about our therapy approaches and treatment specialties here or contact us to discuss which therapeutic method might be the best fit for you and your family's needs.
Why Choose Family Time Center for Your Insurance-Covered Online Therapy?
Navigating therapy and health insurance can be challenging, especially because this process has many misconceptions, like that all therapists take insurance or that only severe mental health issues require therapy. At Family Time Center, we make the process of finding the right therapist for you and your family easy through comprehensive services and benefits designed to eliminate confusion and stress.
Educational Resources
Navigating therapy and health insurance can be challenging, especially because this process has many misconceptions, like that all therapists take insurance or that only severe mental health issues require therapy. At Family Time Center, we make the process of finding the right therapist for you and your family easy through comprehensive services and benefits designed to eliminate confusion and stress.
Insurance Provider Information
We streamline the process of finding covered services with our comprehensive network of in-network therapists. This transparency dispels any myths about therapy availability and insurance coverage and reduces anxiety around finding a qualified therapist in your network.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Our experienced team addresses common questions like therapy coverage, what to do if a therapist is out of network, and the denial process. By providing clear answers to these questions, we can alleviate fears and any uncertainties stopping you from trying therapy. View our blog for in-depth articles on insurance topics, check our FAQ page for quick answers to common concerns, or contact us directly to discuss your specific insurance situation with our knowledgeable team.
Personalized Matching
We have a personalized therapist matching service, allowing us to connect families with therapists based on their specific needs and preferences. Our customized approach lets us find the best fit for you while ensuring all clients find a provider that accepts their insurance. Choosing us gives you the space to focus on your mental health journey instead of navigating the complexities of insurance coverage.
