The insurers most frequently accepted by behavioral providers

Around 3 in 4 private practice mental health professionals accepted some form of insurance in 2023, according to Heard's annual report on the financial status of private practice. 

Heard, which offers financial tools for therapy practices, surveyed 2,268 therapists in all 50 states for its report. Of those surveyed, around 50% accepted Aetna insurance, the highest of any payer. 

The CVS Health subsidiary paid the highest average reimbursement rate for therapy sessions, according to the providers surveyed. 

Here are payers ranked by the rate of surveyed therapists contracting with them: 

1. Aetna
   Acceptance rate: 50%
   Average reimbursement: $141

2. Cigna
   Acceptance rate: 43%
   Average reimbursement: $106

3. Blue Cross Blue Shield
   Acceptance rate: 42%
   Average reimbursement: $122 

4. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
   Acceptance rate: 29%
   Average reimbursement: $125 
   
   
5. Oxford (UnitedHealthcare)
   Acceptance rate: 25%
   Average reimbursement: $113 

6. Oscar
   Acceptance rate: 25%
   Average reimbursement: $111

7. UnitedHealthcare
   Acceptance rate: 14%
   Average reimbursement: $114

8. Humana
   Acceptance rate: 11%
   Average reimbursement: $96 

9. Kaiser Permanente
   Acceptance rate: 11%
   Average reimbursement: $101