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Why therapy is for everyone
Here are four reasons seeing a mental health counselor may help improve everyone’s well-being and happiness.
Therapy with a licensed health care professional can be a powerful tool for depression, anxiety and grief. But did you know there are many other unexpected ways it may boost your well-being? Here’s how therapy may help you live a happier, healthier and more balanced life.
1. Ease physical pain
Injury, illness, aging and stress can all cause aches and pains. And that can sometimes bring us down. But it doesn’t have to. A therapist can give you tips to feel less overwhelmed and handle pain better and some of its underlying causes.
One type of therapy is called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It uses strategies to help change how you think about pain so you feel it less. CBT is also good at easing the symptoms of depression and anxiety that can make us feel down.*
2. Improve relationships
Therapy can help you find ways to spot and feel more in control of emotions like anger and anxiety. When this happens, you can talk about them more skillfully with family and friends. The outcome: you may be able to connect more fully with the people in your life and feel less alone.
Therapy may also help you spot unhealthy relationships or behavioral patterns and then change them. It can be a place where you discover your needs and wants. And it can show you how to communicate them. It may also be a way to learn how to be a more supportive friend or partner.*
Check your coverage
Log in to your secure member website at AetnaMedicare.com/Login to check your plan benefits and costs.
3. Manage health issues
Did you know depression and anxiety are common in people with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?* Poor mental health can also affect how you manage your condition. And it can lead to the disease getting worse. Talking to a therapist can teach you skills for taking control of your health, such as how to:
- Stay on track with treatment
- Stay away from unhealthy habits like smoking or alcohol
- Ask for help when you need it
4. Reach your goals
Maybe you have a goal to eat healthier, exercise four days a week or spend more time with friends. If you need help reaching a goal, a therapist can give you tips for breaking old habits that are holding you back.
They can also help you create a plan for going after your goals and share tips for staying motivated. Your therapist can work with you on a goal-setting plan. The secret to success in achieving change is often to take small steps toward your bigger goal. During the process, a therapist can help you break down how to get what you want, and understand what’s really important to you, and why.
Mental health care is part of your plan
Your plan covers both individual and group sessions with mental health professionals.That includes psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers and other providers. You can find in-network mental health professionals at AetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider.Call us at the number on your member ID card for more information.
Get support when times are tough
During therapy sessions you can work through some of the above challenges. Or you can talk to your counselor about any symptoms of depression, anger, sadness, hopelessness or grief. If you’re having thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, you should call the federal 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours, 7 days a week, for immediate help.
Sources:
*FOR COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY: Mayo Clinic. Cognitive behavioral therapy. February 26, 2025. Accessed April 10, 2026.
*FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS AND DEPRESSION: National Library of Medicine. COPD and Comorbid Mental Health: Addressing Anxiety, and Depression, and Their Clinical Management. August 7, 2025. Accessed April 10, 2026.
*If you’re a Florida plan member, you can reach your care team at 1-844-498-1860 (TTY: 711), 7 days a week, 8 AM to 11 PM ET.
See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.
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