Why I’m Leaving Aetna (and Why It Matters for Your Therapy)
Starting October 20th, I’m no longer accepting Aetna insurance. This wasn’t an easy decision, but it is necessary to protect the quality of care I provide—and to make sure therapy stays about healing, not paperwork and corporate red tape.
As a certified Gottman Couples Therapist with advanced training in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International, I’ve spent years supporting clients through relationship challenges, postpartum transitions, and anxiety. I’ve seen firsthand how therapy can change lives—and I refuse to let insurance companies devalue that work.
The Reality: Insurance Clawbacks
Here’s the thing—recently, I ran into an insurance “clawback.” That means I provided sessions that were fully documented, reviewed, and clearly beneficial for my client. And yet, an insurance reviewer who has never even met my client decided the sessions weren’t “necessary” and is deducting my payouts to pay them back for this session.
I don’t even know where to start. The audacity. The complete disregard for the progress my client has made. To tell someone they don’t need help when they bravely reached out—it’s enraging. This isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a symptom of a system that treats mental health care like a transaction, not a human necessity.
Underpaid, Overworked, and Still Expected to Thrive
Let’s talk money for a second. I have a master’s degree, thousands of hours of postgraduate training, and continue investing in my education out of pocket. And yet, insurance reimburses me less than some people pay for a strip-mall facial.
Meanwhile:
The cost of living has gone up 2.9% in the past year (US Inflation Calculator).
Aetna’s parent company, CVS Health, reported $36.3 billion in revenue this quarter, up from $32.5B last year (Insurance Business Magazine).
They’re profiting, while the people doing the actual healing—the therapists—are undervalued and financially penalized. It’s ridiculous.
The Bigger Picture: A Mental Health Crisis
And here’s the real kicker: we’re in the middle of a mental health crisis. Homelessness, gun violence, addiction, rising anxiety—all around us. Politicians keep shouting, “Mental health is the answer!” But this—clinicians being underpaid, disrespected, and financially punished for helping people—is what the reality looks like.
And let’s be real: the barriers to even becoming a therapist are insane. Crushing student debt, minimal scholarship and grant support, and huge costs just to train. And after all that, we’re told our work isn’t worth it? That’s not just unjust—it’s unsustainable for everyone.
What This Means for You
While I won’t be taking Aetna anymore, I’m still fully committed to helping my clients. I provide evidence-based couples therapy, perinatal treatment, and anxiety support, and I’ve set aside a limited number of sliding scale spots for those who need them.
Moving Forward
Earlier this year, I stopped taking United Healthcare after they cut our rates. Now I’m saying no to Aetna too. Because clients deserve better than having their healing dictated by corporate profits.
If you’re looking for quality therapy for couples or anxiety support, I’m here. Together, we can focus on growth, connection, and meaningful change—without letting insurance undervalue the work that matters most: your healing.
Let’s do this together—contact me today to get started.
