League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Interviews

NFL launches Behavioral Health Network for mental health support

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 8:07 PM

Last updated Aug 26, 2026

NFL launches Behavioral Health Network for mental health support

Summary

The NFL and NFL Players Association announced the launch of a Behavioral Health Network on September 1. Designed to provide current and former players, along with their eligible dependents, simplified and confidential access to outpatient mental health assistance, this initiative will expand the existing NFL Player Insurance Plan. The network will be administered by Cigna Healthcare, catering to players' unique needs and including services in every NFL market. There will be no charge or coinsurance fee for outpatient services, with no limit on the number of visits. NFL vice president of wellness and clinical services, Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti, emphasized the importance of eliminating barriers to care.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Network launches on September 1, 2026.
•No cost for outpatient mental health services.
•Available to current and former players and families.
•Cigna Healthcare administers the national network.
•No limit on the number of visits for players.

Latest Updates

8:07 PMYahoo Sports — NFL and players association announce Behavioral Health Network for mental health assistance

What they're saying

"
The NFL and NFL Players Association on Wednesday announced a Behavioral Health Network will launch on Sept. 1 and will be designed to provide simplified and confidential access to mental health assistance. The new network is an enhancement to the NFL Player Insurance Plan that expands access to confidential outpatient behavioral health support for current and former players and their eligible dependents. The national network of behavioral health providers will be administered by Cigna Healthcare.
— Yahoo Sports

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