APA, American Psychiatric Association Urge Aetna to Halt Reimbursement Rate Cuts for Behavioral Health Clinicians

June 8, 2026

APA Services and the American Psychiatric Association submitted a joint statement of deep concern to Aetna-CVS Health on June 4 regarding recent reimbursement rate reductions implemented by Aetna for behavioral health services delivered by Alma-affiliated clinicians, particularly psychologists and psychiatrists.

The letter details specific changes that risk undermining access to mental health and substance use disorder care, including changes that devalue more complex and longer-duration services necessary for patients with serious conditions, and that create incentives inconsistent with clinically appropriate care — including pressure to shorten visits or reduce the availability of in-network behavioral health services. The joint letter urges Aetna to pause implementation, provide greater transparency about its reimbursement rationale and processes, and engage appropriate stakeholders to discuss the changes and their potential harm to patients.

APA is aware that the cuts are currently confined to Alma-contracted clinicians. The reductions are deeply concerning. APA's 2024 Practitioner Pulse Survey found that more than 8 in 10 psychologists who left insurance networks or never participated cited insufficient reimbursement rates as a primary obstacle — and when rates are cut, psychologists face difficult choices about whether they can afford to remain in-network, directly impacting patient access to care.

"At a time when policymakers, employers, and patients alike recognize the urgent need to strengthen behavioral health infrastructure, payment policies should support clinically appropriate care, patient access, and the availability of qualified behavioral health clinicians within insurance networks," the letter emphasized.

APA will continue to actively engage with Aetna and advocate for reimbursement policies that support a sustainable mental health care system and ensure patients can access the care they need.

Read the letter here.