NFL, NFLPA Launch Behavioral Health Network for Players and Families
NEW YORK — The NFL and NFL Players Association are expanding access to behavioral health care for players and their families with the launch of a new network designed to make finding and receiving mental health support easier.
The league and union announced Aug. 26 that the Behavioral Health Network (BHN) will officially launch Sept. 1 as an enhancement to the NFL Player Insurance Plan. The program will provide confidential outpatient behavioral health support to eligible current and former players and their eligible dependents.
Administered by Cigna Healthcare, the network combines behavioral health providers across every NFL market with dedicated care-navigation services tailored to the needs of the NFL community.
For players and families seeking care, the network is designed to address two of the biggest challenges that can prevent people from getting support: finding an appropriate provider and navigating the health care system.
Beginning Sept. 1, eligible participants will have access to providers selected by NFL and NFLPA stakeholders based on their experience working with the unique needs of the league's current and former players and their families.
Participants will also be able to work with a dedicated Behavioral Health Navigation Team for assistance with finding providers, checking appointment availability and understanding benefits.
Perhaps most significantly, outpatient services provided through the BHN will be covered at 100%, with no participant coinsurance and no limits on the number of visits.
“The goal of the Behavioral Health Network is to make it easier for players and their families to access clinical support,” NFL Vice President of Wellness and Clinical Services Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti said. “Our priority is to remove barriers to care and ensure that members of the NFL community can quickly identify and connect with trusted mental health providers.”
The program comes as the NFL and NFLPA continue to place greater emphasis on behavioral health alongside the physical demands of professional football.
NFLPA Director of Player Wellness Dr. Amber Cargill said mental and emotional well-being are an important part of a player's ability to succeed both on and off the field.
“Every player’s needs are different,” Cargill said. “The Behavioral Health Network marks an important step in expanding access to trusted care for players and their families while continuing to build a culture where seeking support is encouraged.”
Expanding Care Without Limiting Choice
The BHN does not replace the behavioral health benefits already available through the NFL Player Insurance Plan. It also does not require eligible participants to change providers.
Players, former players and eligible dependents can continue receiving care from their preferred providers if they choose.
Instead, the new network adds another pathway to care, giving participants access to a nationwide network and dedicated assistance when they need help locating behavioral health services.
That distinction is important for a player population whose careers can involve injuries, retirement, relocation, family pressures and the transition away from professional football.
The NFL and NFLPA previewed the Behavioral Health Network during the Annual League Meeting in March before announcing the Sept. 1 launch.
The initiative represents another joint effort by the league and union to strengthen resources available to players and their families, with the goal of making behavioral health care more accessible and easier to navigate.
What's Next
The Behavioral Health Network becomes available to eligible participants beginning Sept. 1, 2026.
Current and former players and eligible dependents can learn more through the NFL Player Benefits Department, the NFLPA or the designated benefits website.
