UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the nation's largest health insurance provider, covering over 50 million Americans. Through its Optum behavioral health division and partnerships with telehealth platforms, UHC members have extensive options for accessing online therapy at reduced costs.
Platforms That Accept UnitedHealthcare
Several major online therapy platforms have in-network agreements with UHC:
Talkspace
UHC In-NetworkOfficial UHC partner with direct billing for therapy and psychiatry.
- • Services: Individual therapy, couples therapy, psychiatry, teen therapy
- • Typical copay: $0-$30 per session
- • Formats: Video, audio, unlimited messaging
- • Note: Also accepts UHC student health plans
Teladoc
Often Included FreeMany UHC plans include Teladoc mental health at no additional cost.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, general medical care
- • With UHC: Check your plan—often $0 copay
- • Access: Through myuhc.com "Virtual Visits" section
Cerebral
UHC In-NetworkCombined therapy and medication management platform.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, medication management
- • With UHC: Starting at $29/month with coverage
- • Best for: Those needing both therapy and non-controlled medications
Brightside Health
UHC In-NetworkSpecializes in depression and anxiety treatment with strong outcomes data.
- • Services: Therapy, psychiatry, crisis support
- • With UHC: Copay-based pricing
- • Best for: Moderate to severe depression/anxiety
Understanding Optum Behavioral Health
UnitedHealthcare manages mental health benefits through Optum (formerly United Behavioral Health). This is important to understand because your mental health coverage may work differently from your medical coverage:
What Optum Covers
- ✓ Outpatient therapy: Individual, couples, family, and group counseling
- ✓ Psychiatric services: Evaluations, medication management, follow-ups
- ✓ Substance use treatment: Outpatient programs, medication-assisted treatment
- ✓ Intensive outpatient (IOP): Structured programs for higher-need situations
- ✓ Telehealth: Video and phone sessions with in-network providers
⚠️ Separate Networks
Your behavioral health network (Optum) may be different from your medical network. A provider in-network for medical care may not be in-network for mental health. Always verify behavioral health coverage specifically.
UHC Virtual Visits
Many UHC plans include a "Virtual Visits" benefit that provides access to telehealth services, including mental health care, at reduced or no cost. Check your myuhc.com portal for:
Virtual Visits Therapy
Video sessions with licensed therapists, often at $0 copay or reduced rates.
Access through myuhc.com
Virtual Visits Psychiatry
Medication management with psychiatrists, typically at specialist copay.
Access through myuhc.com
How to Verify Your UHC Coverage
UHC offers many different plan types with varying coverage levels. Here's how to confirm what's covered:
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1
Log into myuhc.com
Access your benefits summary and look for "Behavioral Health" or "Mental Health" coverage.
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2
Check "Virtual Visits" section
Look for included telehealth benefits that may provide $0 copay virtual care.
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3
Call Optum directly
The behavioral health number on your card connects to Optum. Ask about telehealth platform coverage.
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4
Use platform eligibility checkers
Talkspace and Cerebral have real-time verification during sign-up that checks UHC coverage.
UHC Plan Types and Coverage
UHC offers multiple plan types with different network and coverage structures:
| Plan Type | Network | Telehealth Access |
|---|---|---|
| Choice Plus (PPO) | Nationwide + OON benefits | Excellent - Most platforms covered |
| Options PPO | Nationwide network | Good - Major platforms |
| Select (HMO) | Regional network | Limited - Virtual Visits included |
| Navigate (HMO) | Narrow network | Limited - Check specific platforms |
Typical Costs with UHC
Your costs depend on your specific plan, but here's what UHC members typically pay:
💡 Pro Tip: Check for EAP
Many employers with UHC also offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that include free therapy sessions (usually 3-8). These sessions don't count against your deductible. Check with HR before using your insurance benefits.
What About BetterHelp?
BetterHelp doesn't accept UnitedHealthcare or any insurance directly. If you prefer BetterHelp:
- • Consider Talkspace instead: Similar features, accepts UHC directly
- • Out-of-network reimbursement: PPO plans may reimburse partially (BetterHelp provides receipts only)
- • HSA/FSA: Pay with pre-tax health savings accounts
The Bottom Line
UnitedHealthcare provides comprehensive coverage for online therapy through partnerships with Talkspace, Cerebral, Teladoc, and Brightside. Many plans include Virtual Visits at $0 copay, making it easy to try online therapy without cost concerns.
Start by checking your myuhc.com portal for Virtual Visits benefits, then use platform eligibility checkers to confirm coverage before signing up. If you have a PPO plan, you'll have the most flexibility in platform choice.