Find Optum Therapy Services

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

If your insurance card or welcome email mentions “Optum,” “Optum Emotional Well-Being,” “Live and Work Well,” or “Optum Virtual Care,” you're covered by Optum’s behavioral health network. Optum powers therapy and psychiatry services for United Healthcare and many employer-sponsored plans, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that often include free short-term counseling sessions. While Optum itself isn’t an insurance company, it administers the behavioral health benefits included in your health plan or EAP.

No matter which plan you have, the process to find care is the same: use Optum’s online tools to search for in-network therapists and psychiatrists, check availability, and book an appointment—often within days.

  • Tracie Duncan, Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC)

    Tracie Duncan

    Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC)

    43800 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038

    Tracie Duncan is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) in Clinton Township, Michigan and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Self-Harm, Abuse, Spiritual/Religious Concerns.

    We walk side by side in your journey.

    View profile
  • Lisa Johnson, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Lisa Johnson

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Remote only

    Lisa Johnson is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in undefined, undefined. They treat Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Life Transitions, Medication Concerns.

    Therapist + prescriber offering virtual mental health services, ADHD testing & meds for college students & adults. 100% Virtual, Evening & weekend hours.

    View profile
  • William Alkhoury, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    William Alkhoury

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    4700 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    William Alkhoury is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Tempe, Arizona and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Personality Disorders, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Trauma.

    Meaning-Centered & Existential Therapy

    View profile
  • Nicholas Del Pesco, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

    Nicholas Del Pesco

    Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

    Remote only

    Nicholas Del Pesco is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 13 years. They treat Life Transitions, Panic, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family.

    Offering individual online counseling for PA residents ages 18 and above.

    View profile
  • SoCorro Miles, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    SoCorro Miles

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA), Psychotherapist, Counselor, Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

    211 East Six Forks Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609

    SoCorro Miles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Raleigh, North Carolina and has been in practice for 13 years. They treat Loneliness/Isolation, Performance Anxiety, Childhood Abuse.

    At Solace we think therapy truly works when you are truly Seen and Heard. Stop the suffering and give us a try.

    View profile
  • Yi Duan Low, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

    Yi Duan Low

    Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse

    2000 South Dixie Highway, Miami, Florida 33133

    Yi Duan Low is a Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Miami, Florida and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Sleep Concerns, Binge-Eating Disorder, Pregnancy/Loss of Pregnancy.

    Peace of Mind is your Birthright! You do not have to suffer alone.

    View profile

You deserve care that meets you where you are. Let this be a starting place for healing-not just a provider directory.

Gabriela Asturias, MD

Cost Estimate

Optum manages mental health services for many insurance plans, including UnitedHealthcare and employer-sponsored plans. Depending on your plan, you may have access to one or more of the following benefit paths:

Benefit Path What’s Included Typical Therapy Cost Typical Psychiatry Cost
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 3–8 free short-term counseling sessions per issue, per year $0 Not included (EAP refers to health plan)
Health Plan Mental Health Network Ongoing therapy and psychiatry, if medically necessary $20–$40 copay (PPO/HMO)or 20% after deductible (HDHP) $20–$60 copay or 20% coinsurance (PPO/HMO)or 20% after deductible (HDHP)
Optum Virtual Care Video visits with licensed therapists and psychiatrists, 7 a.m.–9 p.m. local time Often $0 if under EAPOtherwise same as above Often $0 if under EAPOtherwise same as above

Tip: If you're unsure which benefits apply to you, call the number on your insurance card or EAP welcome materials and ask: "Do I have access to EAP sessions, standard mental health benefits, or both?"


Types of Optum Mental Health Care Providers

Optum covers different types of mental health professionals. Here’s how each one can help:

Therapist / Counselor (LCSW, LMFT, LPC)

  • Talk therapy for individuals, couples, or families.
  • Good for weekly or bi-weekly support with anxiety, stress, or relationships.

Psychologist (PhD, PsyD)

  • Specializes in psychological testing and advanced therapies like EMDR or DBT.
  • Helpful for diagnostic clarity or deeper treatment approaches.

Psychiatrist (MD, DO)

  • A medical doctor who diagnoses conditions and manages medications.
  • Often works alongside a therapist for ongoing care.

How to book an appointment with an Optum Therapist

  1. Log in at LiveandWorkWell.com or call the phone number on your insurance card or EAP flyer.
  2. Choose Find Care → Behavioral Health.
  3. Filter by distance, telehealth versus in-office, specialty (trauma, couples, ADHD), language, or weekend hours.
  4. Confirm “In Network.” Look for the green badge next to the clinician’s name.
  5. Preview cost. The site shows “EAP visit $0” or your plan’s copay/coinsurance.
  6. Book directly in the portal for virtual sessions or call the office for in-person visits, then complete any emailed intake forms before your appointment.

What to do if wait times are longer than 10 days

If you're having trouble finding a timely appointment, here’s how to take action:

  1. Track Your Outreach Keep a simple log of each provider you contact. Note the date, person you spoke with, and the next available appointment they offered. This will help if you need to request an exception.
  2. Call an Optum Care Advocate Ask to speak with a Care Advocate through your plan’s support number. They can search for cancellations or earlier appointments across multiple ZIP codes.
  3. Request a Network Adequacy Exception If no in-network provider has availability within 10 business days, you can request a network adequacy exception. Optum may authorize care with an out-of-network provider at in-network rates.
  4. Escalate Through Live and Work Well If delays continue, file a service concern at LiveandWorkWell.com. You'll typically receive a response within 7 days—and many members report finding a sooner appointment within 48 hours of escalating.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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