Cigna credentialing for behavioral health providers (via Evernorth)

In this article▾

1. Does Cigna Use Evernorth for Behavioral Health Credentialing?
2. Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Application Route
3. Step 2: Check for State-Specific Application Rules
4. Step 3: Prepare Your CAQH Profile
5. Step 4: Gather the Required Documents
6. Step 5: Register for the Evernorth Provider Portal
7. Step 6: Complete the Provider Information Form
8. Step 7: Monitor the Application and Respond to Requests
9. Step 8: Confirm Approval and Your Effective Date
10. Step 9: Keep Your Provider Directory Information Current
11. Cigna Credentialing Phone Number and Contact Information
12. How to Speed Up Cigna Credentialing
13. Common Cigna Credentialing Mistakes
14. Frequently Asked Questions About Cigna Credentialing
15. Final Checklist: Applying to the Evernorth Behavioral Health Network
16. Sources
17. Related reading

To credential with Cigna as a behavioral health provider, most independent practitioners should apply through Evernorth Behavioral Health, Cigna's behavioral health organization. The process generally involves preparing your CAQH profile, registering for the Evernorth Provider Portal, completing the Provider Information Form, and responding to any requests for additional information.

Evernorth states that joining its behavioral health network can take up to 90 calendar days, or another period where required by law. The timeline depends on the completeness of your application, verification requirements, and network considerations. Applying does not guarantee acceptance.

This guide explains how therapists, psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and behavioral health practice managers can approach Cigna credentialing, which documents to prepare, where to apply, and what to confirm before billing as an in-network provider. It assumes you already have a CAQH profile; if you do not, start with our guide to CAQH credentialing, then come back.

Does Cigna Use Evernorth for Behavioral Health Credentialing?

Yes. Cigna Behavioral Health became Evernorth Behavioral Health in September 2021. Evernorth manages the behavioral health network and publishes separate application instructions for individual practitioners, clinics, and facilities.

Start with the official Evernorth Join the Network page. Choose the application pathway that matches your organization.

Evernorth defines a clinic as a group of four or more independently licensed behavioral health providers sharing the same tax identification number (TIN), location, and administrative staff. If your practice does not meet that definition, Evernorth directs you to consider the individual-provider pathway.

Facilities delivering higher levels of care have separate requirements. For example, organizations that provide inpatient or residential services, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), or detoxification services may need the facility pathway. Evernorth notes that organizations billing exclusively on a CMS-1500 claim form may apply as a clinic or individual provider instead.

Do not assume that the individual-provider application is appropriate for every behavioral health business. Check Evernorth's definitions before preparing your submission.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Application Route

Before collecting documents, review Evernorth's current minimum requirements for individual-provider participation.

For individual practitioners, Evernorth requires an active, unrestricted license that allows independent practice in the state where services are provided. Prescribing providers must also meet applicable DEA registration requirements for their practice locations.

Evernorth's published minimum insurance requirements for individual providers generally include:

• Physicians and psychiatric nurses with prescriptive authority: $1 million per occurrence and $3 million aggregate.
• Other individual providers: $1 million per occurrence and $1 million aggregate.

Professional and general liability documentation may be required. Evernorth publishes lower recommended amounts for Texas and Florida, and separate provisions apply to certain state-regulated coverage requirements and to providers covered under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Review the current official requirements for your provider type and location rather than relying on a general checklist.

Before applying, confirm that:

• Your license is current and permits independent practice.
• Your specialty and provider type fit the network's requirements.
• Your insurance meets the applicable requirements.
• Your service locations and practice structure are accurately identified.
• You understand whether you are applying individually, through a clinic, or through a facility.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a contract. Evernorth considers network needs, credentialing standards, regulatory requirements, and other business considerations.

Step 2: Check for State-Specific Application Rules

The standard process is not the only route for every provider. Evernorth publishes state-specific and practice-specific instructions that can change which organization or application you should use.

Providers in Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin

Evernorth identifies an alliance with HealthPartners for managed care services in these markets, while Evernorth contracts for Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services only.

Providers seeking managed care participation should follow HealthPartners' applicable behavioral health contracting process. For EAP participation, follow Evernorth's instructions.

Providers in Maryland, Ohio, and Washington

Evernorth's network guidance states that, as of September 1, 2026, providers in these states must apply through the Evernorth Provider Portal. That date has passed, so the portal is the route to use.

Behavioral health clinicians working within a Cigna medical practice

Evernorth identifies a separate route for clinicians providing behavioral health services at a participating Cigna Healthcare medical practice.

• If you provide behavioral health services only within the medical practice and do not accept direct community referrals, call Cigna Healthcare at 1-800-882-4462 to ask about joining under the practice's medical contract.
• If you accept direct community referrals or provide behavioral health services outside the medical practice, such as through a separate private practice, Evernorth directs you to its behavioral health network application.

Check the official Evernorth network instructions for the latest requirements before applying.

Step 3: Prepare Your CAQH Profile

Evernorth relies on CAQH to verify provider information throughout contracting and credentialing. Make sure your profile is complete, current, and accessible before beginning the application.

If you already have a CAQH profile, review it rather than creating a duplicate account.

CAQH checklist for Cigna credentialing

• Current CAQH Provider ID
• Current attestation
• Authorization for Evernorth to access the profile
• Active professional license for each relevant state
• Current DEA registration, if applicable
• Graduate education details, including school, degree, and dates
• Internship, residency, or fellowship information, where applicable
• Primary specialty
• Current professional liability insurance
• Five consecutive years of work history, with explanations for gaps longer than six months
• Current résumé or CV, dated within the previous two years if used
• Current W-9 matching the tax ID submitted with the Provider Information Form

These items are based on Evernorth's official behavioral health network requirements. Additional information may be required depending on your circumstances.

Authorize Evernorth to access CAQH

Completing your CAQH profile does not automatically mean Evernorth can retrieve it.

Sign in to CAQH, review and update your information, complete the required attestation, and authorize Evernorth to access the profile. The CAQH Provider Data Portal user guide puts re-attestation at every 120 days, and at 180 days for Illinois providers.

Sources: CAQH Provider Data Portal user guide

For detailed instructions, see Supa's CAQH credentialing guide and the attestation guide for the Review and Attest step itself. If CAQH still sends you to an old proview.caqh.org address, use portal.caqh.org instead.

Step 4: Gather the Required Documents

Prepare your information before opening the Evernorth application.

For an individual practitioner, the core documents and information generally include:

• Individual National Provider Identifier (NPI)
• CAQH Provider ID
• Current professional license
• Professional liability insurance documentation
• General liability insurance documentation, where required
• DEA registration, if applicable
• Completed W-9 for each applicable TIN
• Education and training information
• Specialty and professional history
• Practice address and contact information

Check that the tax ID on your W-9 matches the information you plan to submit. An inconsistency between the W-9, CAQH profile, and application can prompt additional questions.

For clinics, Evernorth requires the applicable service-location forms, liability insurance documentation identifying the clinic, and a W-9 for each TIN. The relevant service-location form may depend on whether the location is a physical office, home-visit-only service location, or telehealth-only service location.

Facilities have additional requirements, including applicable operating licenses or permits, liability insurance, and behavioral health accreditation or Medicare certification.

Always use the document checklist for your specific application pathway. The individual-provider checklist is not a substitute for the clinic or facility requirements.

Step 5: Register for the Evernorth Provider Portal

Individual behavioral health providers apply through the Evernorth Provider Portal.

Go to Evernorth's official network page and follow the portal registration instructions. You can also review How to Register.

Evernorth requires the Contracting entitlement to submit or view a Provider Information Form.

If you are the first user associated with your organization's TIN, the portal will guide you through registration and the application process. If your organization already has an account, its website access manager may need to approve your access request and assign the required entitlement.

To check who manages access:

1. Sign in to the Evernorth Provider Portal.
2. Select your name and open Settings and Preferences.
3. Navigate to Online Access and select View Access Rights.
4. Select the organization's TIN to view the website access manager.

The access manager can assign the Contracting entitlement under My Practice and Manage User Access. After the change, log out and back in for it to take effect.

If you cannot see the Contracting option, check your access rights before assuming the application is unavailable.

Step 6: Complete the Provider Information Form

Once you have the appropriate access, open My Practice → Contracting and start the Provider Information Form.

Evernorth's individual-provider application must be completed in one session. You cannot save your progress and return later to finish.

Before starting, make sure you have:

• Your CAQH Provider ID and current profile
• Required licenses and insurance information
• Your W-9 and tax identification information
• Education and work history
• Accurate practice and contact details
• Any other information requested for your provider type

Enter the requested information carefully and compare it with your CAQH profile and supporting documents.

After submission, retain the confirmation details and monitor the portal and email account used in the application. Evernorth uses the portal to support application tracking and to notify applicants when additional information is required.

What if you are applying as a clinic or facility?

The application process differs from the individual-provider workflow.

• Clinics: Complete the Clinic Information Form and email it with the required supporting documents to BehavioralOutpatientClinic@Evernorth.com.
• Facilities: Complete the Evernorth Behavioral Health Facility Information Form and submit it with the required documents to BehavioralFacilityRecruitment@Evernorth.com.

These routes and requirements are described on the official Evernorth Join the Network page. Follow the current instructions for your organization rather than submitting an individual-provider application by default.

Step 7: Monitor the Application and Respond to Requests

Evernorth states that joining its behavioral health network can take up to 90 calendar days, or another period where required by law.

Treat this as a planning window, not a guarantee that every application will be approved within 90 days. Missing documents, verification requirements, inconsistencies, and network considerations can affect the process.

During the application:

1. Check the portal for status updates.
2. Monitor the email account used for the application.
3. Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
4. Keep CAQH current while the application is in progress.
5. Record outstanding items and the next follow-up date.
6. Ask Evernorth which specific stage is pending if the application appears stalled.

A useful follow-up question is: "Can you confirm whether the application is complete, whether any verification or documentation is outstanding, and what the next step is?"

Can you receive provisional credentialing?

In certain circumstances, Evernorth may offer provisional credentialing, allowing eligible providers to begin seeing patients before the full credentialing process is complete. Eligibility is determined case by case and must meet applicable regulatory and Evernorth requirements.

Do not assume provisional credentialing is available simply because an application is pending. Evernorth's clinic instructions say the opposite for that pathway: clinic applications do not accept provisional, conditional, or temporary approvals. Obtain explicit confirmation from Evernorth about eligibility, conditions, and the effective date before relying on it.

Sources: Evernorth: join the behavioral health network

Step 8: Confirm Approval and Your Effective Date

Credentialing approval is an important milestone, but you should confirm the final participation details before treating the clinician as an in-network provider.

Before billing as in-network, verify:

• Credentialing and contracting status
• The effective date
• The participating network or products covered
• The provider's individual NPI and applicable group affiliation
• The tax ID and practice location associated with the arrangement
• Any remaining enrollment or billing setup requirements

Do not assume that the date you submitted the application is the date your participation begins. Approval for one arrangement does not automatically establish participation in every Cigna-branded product or administrator.

If you are joining an existing group, confirm that your individual participation is reflected in the group's applicable arrangement.

For the broader distinction between credentialing, contracting, and enrollment, see credentialing vs. contracting vs. enrollment, and the insurance credentialing guide for the full private-practice workflow.

Step 9: Keep Your Provider Directory Information Current

Getting credentialed is not the end of the administrative work. Evernorth instructs providers to review and verify their directory information at least every 90 days.

Accurate directory information helps patients find the right provider and contact the practice. Evernorth warns that a profile may be removed from the provider directory if the required verification is not received.

Evernorth asks you to verify:

• Service addresses
• NPI numbers
• Office email addresses
• Appointment scheduling phone numbers
• Licenses
• Whether you are accepting new patients

Those fields are updated in the provider portal under My Practice > Directory Update. Changes to individual names, clinic or facility affiliations, websites, and tax identification numbers go through Provider Services instead, on 1-800-926-2273: when prompted, say "health care professional," then select prompt 4 for demographic updates.

Do not wait until the next credentialing or recredentialing cycle to correct this information. Verification is also a recurring obligation in its own right, separate from the payer's recredentialing review.

Sources: Evernorth: provider directory changes

Cigna Credentialing Phone Number and Contact Information

Use the contact channel that matches your question.

Evernorth routes applications by organization type, so the three mailboxes above are not interchangeable: an individual application sent to the facility address is an application nobody is expecting. Include your NPI or tax ID in any status correspondence.

If you are applying to the Evernorth behavioral health network, start with an Evernorth behavioral health contact rather than a general Cigna medical credentialing channel. 1-800-882-4462 is the Cigna Healthcare line, and it is the right number only for the medical-practice exception described in Step 2.

Sources: Evernorth: join the behavioral health network · Evernorth: provider directory changes

Check the official pages for current contact details before calling or emailing.

How to Speed Up Cigna Credentialing

You cannot control Evernorth's network needs or every verification step, but you can reduce avoidable delays.

Complete CAQH before starting

Make sure the profile is current, attested, and authorized for Evernorth. Review licenses, insurance, education, work history, and specialty information before beginning the portal application.

Prepare documents in advance

Because the individual Provider Information Form must be completed in one session, collect the required documents and information first.

Check the W-9 and tax ID

Evernorth specifically requires a current W-9 matching the tax ID submitted with the Provider Information Form. Verify this information before submitting.

Respond quickly to requests

Assign someone to monitor the application email and portal. When Evernorth requests clarification or additional documents, respond promptly and record when the response was sent.

Keep contact information current

Use a monitored email address and accurate phone number. Missing a request because it went to an inactive inbox can create an avoidable delay.

Track the application by stage

Maintain a tracker showing the submission date, CAQH status, outstanding items, latest follow-up, and effective date. This makes it easier to identify whether the application is waiting on documentation, verification, or a payer decision. If you are running Evernorth alongside other panels, Aetna, Optum and Blue Cross Blue Shield each have their own status tools and their own definitions of "submitted."

Start before the planned in-network start date

For workforce planning, begin well before the clinician is expected to see patients as in-network. Leave additional time for document preparation and unexpected follow-up. Our credentialing timeline guide sets out a working-back schedule from a clinician's intended start date.

Common Cigna Credentialing Mistakes

Applying through the wrong pathway

Individual providers, clinics, and facilities have different application requirements. Check Evernorth's definitions before starting.

Assuming CAQH automatically submits the application

CAQH supplies provider data, but individual applicants still need to complete Evernorth's required network application and authorization steps.

Starting the portal form before preparing documents

The individual Provider Information Form cannot be saved for later completion. Gather the required information first.

Letting CAQH expire during the process

An expired attestation or outdated supporting document can interfere with access to current information. Keep the profile current throughout onboarding.

Missing state-specific requirements

Some states and service arrangements have different application instructions. Review the current Evernorth guidance before submitting.

Forgetting directory verification after approval

Evernorth requires providers to verify directory information at least every 90 days. Add this to your ongoing administrative calendar.

Billing before confirming the effective date

Do not treat submission, an application-status update, or preliminary approval as confirmation that in-network billing can begin. Verify the effective date and applicable network directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cigna Credentialing

How do I get credentialed with Cigna as a therapist?

Start with Evernorth's Join the Network page. Review the individual-provider requirements, prepare your documents, complete CAQH, and apply through the Evernorth Provider Portal. Respond to requests for additional information and confirm your effective date before billing as in-network.

Is Cigna behavioral health the same as Evernorth?

Cigna Behavioral Health became Evernorth Behavioral Health in September 2021. Evernorth manages the behavioral health network and provides instructions for individual practitioners, clinics, and facilities seeking participation.

How long does Cigna behavioral health credentialing take?

Evernorth states that its network onboarding process can take up to 90 calendar days, or another period where required by law. The actual timeline depends on the application, verification requirements, documentation, and other review considerations.

Does Evernorth require CAQH?

Evernorth relies on CAQH to verify provider information throughout contracting and credentialing. Applicants should maintain a current, accurate profile and authorize Evernorth to access it. CAQH completion does not replace the required Evernorth application.

What is the Cigna behavioral health credentialing phone number?

For individual behavioral health recruitment, Evernorth publishes BehavioralProviderRecruitment@Evernorth.com. 1-800-926-2273 is Provider Services, which handles directory and demographic updates, and 1-888-736-7499 is technical help for the provider portal. Include your NPI or tax ID when asking about the status of an application.

Can I join Cigna if I am part of an existing group practice?

Potentially. Evernorth's individual-provider pathway includes practitioners joining an existing practice or affiliating with a contracted clinic or facility. Confirm how your individual participation will be handled and whether any group-specific steps are required.

Can I see patients while Cigna credentialing is pending?

Do not assume that a pending application allows you to bill as an in-network provider. Evernorth may offer provisional credentialing in certain circumstances, subject to eligibility and applicable requirements, though its clinic pathway does not accept provisional approvals. Obtain confirmation directly from Evernorth before relying on a provisional arrangement, and see in-network vs. out-of-network for how to handle the patients in front of you in the meantime.

Does Cigna credentialing automatically cover every Cigna plan?

Do not assume that one approval covers every product, network, or administrator. Confirm the applicable participating networks and effective date with Evernorth or the relevant payer.

What happens if my CAQH attestation expires during credentialing?

An expired attestation can prevent Evernorth from accessing current provider information as expected. Update the profile, complete the required attestation, verify that Evernorth remains authorized, and tell the onboarding team if the lapse affects a pending application.

How often should I verify my Evernorth provider directory listing?

Evernorth instructs providers to review and verify their directory information at least every 90 days. If information changes, use the applicable directory-update process rather than waiting for the next review.

Is the application process different for clinics and facilities?

Yes. Evernorth defines clinics and facilities separately from individual providers and requires different forms and supporting documents. Clinics use the Clinic Information Form, while qualifying facilities use the Facility Information Form. Follow the current official instructions for the correct pathway.

Can a credentialing company submit the Evernorth application for me?

Third-party agencies may assist with credentialing or contracting work, but Evernorth states that applicants, including third-party organizations, must apply through its provider portal for the individual-provider workflow. Confirm the account permissions and responsibilities with your credentialing partner before starting.

Final Checklist: Applying to the Evernorth Behavioral Health Network

• Confirm that the individual-provider, clinic, or facility pathway fits your practice.
• Check for state-specific or practice-specific application rules.
• Review the applicable license and insurance requirements.
• Prepare your NPI, W-9, and supporting documents.
• Complete and attest your CAQH profile.
• Authorize Evernorth to access CAQH.
• Register for the Evernorth Provider Portal.
• Confirm the required Contracting entitlement.
• Complete the Provider Information Form in one session, if using the individual-provider route.
• Monitor the portal and email for requests.
• Respond promptly to missing-information requests.
• Confirm credentialing and contracting status.
• Verify the effective date and applicable network.
• Check provider and group billing information before submitting in-network claims.
• Add the 90-day provider-directory verification to your calendar.

Cigna behavioral health credentialing runs through Evernorth, so starting with the correct network pathway is essential. Prepare your CAQH profile and documents first, complete the appropriate application, and track the process through approval and effective-date confirmation. A complete application cannot guarantee acceptance, but it can help prevent avoidable delays.

Approval is also not the end of the work. Keep the CAQH profile attested, verify the directory listing every 90 days, and put the payer's recredentialing cycle on the calendar before it arrives.

Sources

1. Evernorth. Join the behavioral health network. evernorth.com
2. Evernorth. How to register for the provider portal. evernorth.com
3. Evernorth. Provider directory changes. evernorth.com
4. Cigna Healthcare. Provider credentialing. cigna.com
5. CAQH. Provider Data Portal user guide. caqh.org

Related reading

• CAQH credentialing: what it is and how to complete it
• CAQH attestation: how to complete and re-attest your profile
• Insurance credentialing for behavioral health practices
• Credentialing vs. contracting vs. enrollment
• How long does provider credentialing take?
• How to credential with Aetna
• How to credential with Optum and UnitedHealthcare
• How to credential with Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Recredentialing: staying ahead of your deadlines