Therapists who accept UnitedHealthcare

Using UnitedHealthcare for therapy

UnitedHealthcare runs its mental-health network through Optum (formerly United Behavioral Health), which means a UHC card and an Optum-credentialed therapist work together — there's no separate enrollment, and the therapist you pick will bill Optum on your behalf. UHC's behavioral-health benefits live on the same medical card; your member portal usually has a "Behavioral Health" tab with your specific coverage details.

Federal parity rules require UHC to cover outpatient mental-health at terms comparable to medical care. Most commercial UHC plans cover individual therapy with an in-network provider for a copay (typically $25-$50) or coinsurance after deductible. Session limits are uncommon on commercial plans; some Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products have specific limits that vary by state.

UHC's HMO products may require a referral from a primary-care physician; PPO and EPO products generally don't. Telehealth is reimbursed at the same rate as in-person on virtually all UHC plans.

What to verify before your first session: that outpatient mental-health is covered on your plan, what your copay or coinsurance is for in-network sessions, and whether your deductible has been met. The fastest path is the Optum member portal if you have one set up, or the member services number on the back of your UHC card. Our intake coordinator can also verify coverage with the therapist's billing team if you'd rather not handle it yourself.

For out-of-network UHC coverage: most commercial UHC plans provide partial out-of-network reimbursement, generally 50 to 70 percent after an out-of-network deductible. You pay the therapist up front and submit a superbill. Whether out-of-network makes financial sense depends on your plan; the in-network path is usually cheaper but not by as much as people assume once an out-of-network deductible has been met.

To find a UHC- or Optum-accepting therapist, submit the matching form or browse the profiles below.