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.

  • Kate Stewart, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)

    Kate Stewart

    Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Counselor, Psychotherapist

    1684 Medina Road, Medina, Ohio 44256

    Kate Stewart is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Medina, Ohio and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Childhood Abuse, Depression, Sexual Assault.

    Our passion is creating a safe space to treat adults, children, couples, and families with their mental health needs.

    View profile
  • Heather Whitney, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

    Heather Whitney

    Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Remote only

    Heather Whitney is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 24 years. They treat Self-Esteem, Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

    I have a group practice. We have combined over 26 years of experience. We work with our clients to empower them to live their best lives.

    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 Personal Growth, Anxiety, Work/Life Balance.

    Meaning-Centered & Existential Therapy

    View profile
  • Stacy Ross, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    Stacy Ross

    Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

    Remote only

    Stacy Ross is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 34 years. They treat Excoriation Disorder (skin picking), Social Anxiety, Loneliness/Isolation.

    We are highly trained clinicians who bring evidence-based treatment, infused with empathy and humor, to create a supportive and effective process.

    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 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Depression.

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

    View profile
  • Kateryna Chorna, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Kateryna Chorna

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Remote only

    Kateryna Chorna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Personal Growth.

    Supporting in healing from anxiety, depression, and trauma with EMDR, DBT, and trauma-informed care for calm, balance, and resilience.

    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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