As the behavioral health industry continues to evolve, Cigna Behavioral Health Services is emerging as a key player in delivering accessible, data-driven, and value-based care. Through its health services division, Evernorth, Cigna has made strategic investments in expanding behavioral health access—and the early results show clear momentum.
In early 2024, Evernorth launched the Evernorth Behavioral Care Group, a bold initiative focused on measurement-based care and patient outcomes. This new group initially rolled out in six states and the District of Columbia, with the goal of offering faster access, hybrid delivery, and better coordination of mental health services. According to CEO David Cordani, the program is already achieving results.
“We’re pleased with the progress our Evernorth Behavioral Care Group has made since its launch,” Cordani stated during Cigna’s Q1 earnings call. “We have already expanded access and convenience for patients with our program.”
Fast Access and Hybrid Flexibility
One of the standout features of Cigna Behavioral Health Services is its promise of rapid care. Patients are guaranteed appointments within 72 hours—a major improvement in a space where long wait times often hinder treatment. With more than 1,000 clinicians in the initial rollout, the program delivers care both in-person and virtually, offering flexibility and convenience that align with modern patient expectations.
This hybrid model is especially important in a post-pandemic world, where virtual care has become the norm and demand for mental health services remains high. Evernorth’s approach ensures patients can engage in therapy or treatment quickly, regardless of their location or schedule.
Data-Driven Results from the Start
Evernorth’s behavioral care group is built on years of internal experimentation. Melissa Reilly, Evernorth’s Chief Growth Officer, revealed that the company previously enrolled 40,000 providers in a measurement-based care structure within Cigna’s broader network. Those insights now power the framework behind Cigna Behavioral Health Care.
“We’re using our baseline data to compare, contrast, and ultimately prove out the value of operating in value-based arrangements,” Reilly said at the VALUE conference hosted by Behavioral Health Business.
This focus on data allows Cigna to continually refine and improve its care models. Backed by research from Milliman showing that integrated behavioral health care leads to significant savings and better outcomes, Cigna Behavioral Health Services is turning theory into measurable action.
Financial Growth and Industry Shifts
While Cigna reported a year-over-year decrease in behavioral health patient volume—down 11.48% due to the nonrenewal of some supplemental contracts—the financial impact was minimal. The company posted $57.3 billion in revenue in Q1 2024, a 23% increase from the previous year. The strategic shift toward value-based care is a long game, and Cigna Behavioral Health Services appears to be positioned for sustainable success.
CFO Brian Evanko commented on the broader market environment, highlighting that large employers are consolidating their behavioral health vendors due to what he described as “point solution fatigue.” They want simplicity, integration, and evidence-based outcomes—exactly what Cigna Behavioral Health is designed to offer.
“There’s more and more demand for mental health and substance abuse benefits, particularly as an after-effect of the pandemic,” Evanko said. “And there’s continued demand for digitally enabled care navigation capabilities, along with consumer empowerment.”
Future-Ready Mental Health Care
As the healthcare landscape continues to emphasize outcomes over volume, Cigna Behavioral Health Services is uniquely equipped to meet the moment. The Evernorth Behavioral Care Group integrates data, technology, and value-based partnerships to ensure patients receive effective care, fast.
From its initial success in select states to its ability to scale and adapt, Cigna Behavioral Health Services is showing that behavioral health can be both compassionate and accountable. The blend of hybrid care, rapid access, and measurement-based outcomes makes Cigna a leader in transforming how mental health and substance use treatment is delivered.
As the program expands and demand grows, one thing is clear: Cigna Behavioral Health is not just responding to market needs—they’re redefining what high-quality behavioral care looks like in the modern era.
