Do You Have to Pay for Adolescent Treatment? Aetna Insurance & 3 Other Options

Adolescence is a pivotal stage of development. The challenges and successes of that period can define an entire lifetime — for better or for worse. Although some adolescents are taken off the path to adulthood by substance abuse, mental health issues, behavioral disorders — or a combination of all three — professional adolescent treatment can put them back on the right track before it's too late. In such circumstances, adolescent treatment may seem like an easy choice. However, many families find the financial obstacles to treatment too overwhelming. It doesn't have to be that way. Paying for adolescent treatment with Aetna insurance or other payment methods can ensure that your child continues through adolescence to a meaningful, successful life.

What is Aetna Insurance?

Aetna is a leading American insurance provider, with roughly 39 million subscribers nationwide. Their plans cover various medical services, including behavioral and mental health treatment. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance providers like Aetna must provide coverage for mental health (and substance abuse) treatment at the same level as they cover other medical conditions. In short, if your plan covers your child's medical needs, paying for adolescent treatment should be manageable.

Using Aetna Insurance for Adolescent Treatment

When seeking medical care, it's crucial to understand the specifics of your policy and its coverage. Aetna plans offer diverse benefits for inpatient or outpatient treatment, counseling, and other services for adolescents struggling with substance use or mental health issues. However, the specifics of coverage may vary depending on your plan. For example, some treatments might require pre-authorization.

You can get an understanding of your coverage by contacting Aetna directly. Or, provide your insurance details to our team of experts, and they'll do the difficult work for you, speaking with Aetna to verify your coverage and calculating how that will affect your financial contribution to treatment. We can explain the co-pays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket expenses that may apply, so you can get a complete picture up front and make a plan for your family's recovery journey.

Other Options for Adolescent Treatment

If you don't have Aetna insurance, your provider likely covers adolescent treatment similarly. If you don't have insurance or if your insurance is insufficient, there are many other options to minimize the financial burden. You may want to explore:

Scholarships and Grants for Adolescent Treatment

Churches and other community organizations may offer scholarships or grants to families who need financial assistance for medical treatment. These programs could help cover part or all of your adolescent treatment expenses. Ask the members of any communities you may belong to if this is an option.

Adolescent Treatment Financing

Adolescent treatment financing companies will work with you to develop a payment plan for your child's treatment. Insurance rates may apply, but many find this to be a manageable way to approach the cost of treatment. 

Get Help for Your Child

If your child struggles with substance use or mental health challenges, seeking treatment is the first step. While the cost may be daunting at first, know that there are many options available to help ease the financial burden. Families nationwide face this challenge every day — and conquer it. 

Insurance from Aetna or another provider can help reduce the cost of adolescent treatment, depending on the nature of your policy. In addition, exploring other options like scholarships for adolescent treatment financing can make the financial burden surmountable as well.

We are committed to supporting and guiding families throughout the recovery journey. If you have questions about your insurance coverage or need help exploring other payment options, contact our caring team. Verify your benefits, explore adolescent treatment financing options, or brainstorm ways to put a payment plan together. We'll help you do what it takes to get your child back, better.