Primary care providers are often the front door to mental health support for patients with behavioral health needs. However, the average health care provider balances heavy caseloads, time‑limited visits, and complex patient needs across a wide range of clinical priorities. When behavioral health concerns arise, conversations often need to be focused and efficient — and resources or referral paths close at hand.

Behavioral health resources

Your patients with Cigna Healthcare® coverage may have access to behavioral health resources, depending on their plan design.¹

The following are some common behavioral health resources, which may help support patient conversations and guide appropriate next steps when needed.

Employee assistance programs

Employee assistance programs (EAPs) offer short‑term, confidential support for common life stressors such as work or family pressures, grief, or feeling overwhelmed. These programs are typically available to all employees, and often to household members, at no cost. When offered, EAPs can be a helpful first step when symptoms are emerging or patients are unsure what type of care may be needed.

Covered behavioral health services

Most plans generally cover outpatient therapy, psychiatry, and substance use treatment, with options for virtual or in‑person care. These services are appropriate when symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting daily functioning. Coverage details and out‑of‑pocket costs vary by plan, so patients may benefit from calling the number on the back of their ID card to understand provider options, referral requirements, and cost expectations.

Digital mental health tools and apps

Many plans may include access to mental health or well-being apps that support stress management, sleep, mindfulness, and skill building. These tools can help to support early intervention, prevention, or reinforcement between clinical visits, but they are not a replacement for professional care when clinical needs are present.

How these resources can work together

Behavioral health needs often change over time, and movement between available resources is common and appropriate. For example, patients may start with self‑guided tools or EAP support, then transition to ongoing therapy or psychiatry if symptoms persist. Others may begin with clinical care and later use digital tools to reinforce coping skills.

Next steps when a patient asks where to start

If a patient is unsure where to begin, the following options may help:

• Checking a Cigna Healthcare ID card or myCigna.com® can help patients learn more about behavioral health benefits, in‑network provider options, and available support services.
• EAPs or digital tools can serve as a low‑barrier entry point when symptoms are mild or situational.
• Covered behavioral health services may be appropriate when symptoms are ongoing, complex, or interfering with daily life.

Patients do not need a diagnosis to seek support. Helping them identify a starting point and reinforcing that options can evolve over time can help reduce barriers to care and support engagement.

Additional resources

• Preventive Care Services (A004) administrative policy: This policy provides information on how anxiety, depression, and maternal depression screenings, as well as behavioral/social/emotional and suicide risk assessments, can be integrated into wellness exams.
• Cigna Healthcare behavioral health network: Cigna Healthcare offers a large network of behavioral specialists, with both in-person and virtual options. This network can be accessed through the provider directory, myCigna.com, and the myCigna^® App.
• Behavioral and Mental Health Resources for Providers: This web page provides information, tools, and resources related to mental health that can complement your patient interactions.
• Behavioral Health Interactive Guide: This guide outlines patient resources for mental and emotional well-being.
• Behavioral health coaching and peer support services: Cigna Healthcare covers outpatient behavioral health coaching and peer support services for eligible patients with mental health disorders.

Learn more about integrating depression screening into whole-person care, with practical guidance and evidence-based resources for the primary care setting, in “Mental Health Awareness Month: Supporting depression screening in primary care.”

For additional Cigna Healthcare resources and tools to help direct your patients to behavioral health support, see Stress management: Important for both physical and mental health, Men’s mental health: Understanding stigma and encouraging conversations, and How women’s unique health needs impact mental health.

1. Plan coverage can vary; patients should confirm coverage and benefits by calling the number on their ID card.