Find a United Healthcare Therapist

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

United Healthcare (UHC) serves nearly 46 million Americans and pairs with Optum Behavioral Health to manage one of the country’s largest mental-health networks—more than 430,000 clinicians in every state. This step-by-step roadmap will teach you how to locate a United Healthcare therapist, confirm your benefits, and book an in-person or virtual visit.

  • Benjamin Ingraham, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA)

    Benjamin Ingraham

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA)

    Remote only

    Benjamin Ingraham is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate (LCSWA) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 7 years. They treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Life Transitions, Chronic Illness/Pain.

    You don't have to face life's challenges alone. Everyone deserves a supportive place to explore their thoughts and begin their own journey.

    View profile
  • Solace Healthcare Services PLLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Solace Healthcare Services PLLC

    Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Education Specialist (EdS), Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

    Remote only

    Solace Healthcare Services PLLC is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Paranoid Personality, Autism, Self-Harm.

    Our mission is to support each individual in achieving optimal mental wellness through evidence-based & patient-centered integrative psychiatric practices

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  • Phoenix Health and WellBeing, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    Phoenix Health and WellBeing

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC)

    4801 South Lakeshore Drive, Tempe, Arizona 85282

    Phoenix Health and WellBeing is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Tempe, Arizona. They treat Gender Identity, Athletic Performance, Trauma.

    Transform Your Wellbeing with Our Holistic Approach to Therapy & Psychiatry

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  • Becky Gonelli, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Becky Gonelli

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    215 North East Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701

    Becky Gonelli is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Fayetteville, Arkansas and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat School Concerns, Burnout, Work/Life Balance.

    I really enjoy working with college students. I find that they are motivated to become the best they can be and welcome encouragement.

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  • Cooper Buranen, Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

    Cooper Buranen

    Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

    1626 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85395

    Cooper Buranen is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Goodyear, Arizona. They treat Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Intimacy Concerns, Grief and Loss.

    I am passionate about working with both individuals and partners to achieve realistic goals. I'm here to help you figure out your next step.

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  • 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, Childhood Abuse, Polyamorous relationship.

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

    View profile

Be honest about your goals—your treatment plan should be shaped around what you want to feel.

Alicia Battles, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

How United Healthcare Mental-Health Coverage Works

Plan Type In-Network Therapy & Medication-Mgmt Cost* Key Takeaways
Employer & Marketplace PPO/HMO $0 – $40 copay per visit; no separate mental-health deductible. Mental health is integrated with medical benefits.
High-Deductible/HSA 20 % after deductible, then $0 – $40 Same coverage, different timing of cost-share.
United Healthcare Medicare Advantage $0 virtual mental-health therapy; $15 – $40 in-office. Many plans waive copays for network telehealth.

*Always open your own Evidence of Coverage (EOC); employer carve-outs can vary.

Coverage fast facts

  • Unlimited medically necessary visits. UHC sets no annual cap on therapy or psychiatry sessions.
  • Parity protected. Therapy and medication management must be covered on the same footing as a medical specialist visit. Minnesota fined UHC $450,000 in 2024 for parity violations—an example of regulators watching closely.
  • Telehealth is often $0. Many Marketplace, large-group, and MA plans quote zero-dollar copays for in-network virtual therapy and psychiatry.
  • No referral required for PPO and most Open-Access HMO designs.

UHC Mental-Health Providers Types

Proivder Type Typical Role
Therapist / Counselor (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) Weekly talk therapy, coping skills, family sessions
Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) Psychological testing, EMDR, DBT
Psychiatrist (MD/DO) Diagnosis, medication management

Real-Life Use Case: How Erin Found a Therapist That Accepts United Healthcare

Profile: Erin, 35, a marketing manager in Phoenix with a UHC Choice Plus PPO. She's been experiencing worsening panic attacks and decides it's time to get help.

Step-by-Step:

  • Day 1 – Search for Care: Erin logs into myuhc.com and clicks “Find Care” → “Behavioral Health.” The search returns 8 local therapists within 10 miles who are in-network with United Healthcare. She applies filters for “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT),” “Evening availability,” and “Virtual visits.”3 therapists remain—all listed as accepting new patients.
  • Day 2 – Compare Options and Check Costs: Erin clicks “Estimate Cost” for each provider. Telehealth: $0 with in-network therapists, In-person visits: $25 copay. She selects Alexa Wong, LCSW, who offers evening telehealth sessions. Books a video appointment for later that week directly through the provider’s site.
  • Day 10 – Ongoing Care: After two sessions, Alexa recommends that Erin consider medication alongside therapy.
  • Day 12 – Psychiatry Appointment: Erin logs back into myuhc.com and searches for in-network psychiatrists. She schedules a 30-minute virtual consult with a psychiatrist for the next morning. Cost: $0 with her UHC plan.

Step-by-Step: Booking Therapy Through United Healthcare

  1. Log in to myuhc.com or the UHC app.
  2. Tap Find Care → Behavioral Health (no referral needed for most plans).
  3. Filter the directory: Choose in-person or telehealth, specialty (trauma, couples, ADHD), language, and distance.
  4. Check the cost: Click Estimate Cost beneath each listing—numbers are plan-specific and real-time.
  5. Book: For network telehealth slots (often powered by Optum), scheduling happens inside the portal. For local offices, call the number listed and give the member ID on your card.
  6. Complete digital intake forms: Many clinicians send HIPAA-secure questionnaires; fill them out to avoid delays.
  7. Use digital bridges: Until your first visit, explore self-guided CBT modules, mindfulness videos, and phone coaching highlighted in UHC’s mental-health resources hub.

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network:

Stay In-Network (recommended) Go Out-of-Network (PPO only)
Predictable copay/coinsurance Pay full fee, then submit for partial reimbursement
Claims filed automatically You handle paperwork
Integrated with UHC/Optum care-management tools Handy for niche specialties if network slots are scarce

If you can’t secure an in-network appointment within 10 business days, request a network-deficiency exception. UHC must either help you find faster care or approve partial out-of-network reimbursement under parity law.


Digital & Telehealth Options

Platform Services Typical Cost Who’s Eligible
Virtual Behavioral Health by Optum Therapy & psychiatry video visits $0–$40; many plans list $0 Employer, Marketplace, Medicare Advantage
Self-guided resources On-demand CBT, mindfulness, stress courses $0 All commercial and MA members

Cost & Coverage Overview

Setting Employer & Marketplace Plans High-Deductible Plan Medicare Advantage
In-office therapy (45 min) $0 – $40 copay 20 % after deductible $15 – $40 copay
Network tele-therapy Often $0 Deductible, then $0 $0
Initial psychiatry eval $40 – $60 copay 20 % after deductible $20 – $50 copay

If the first match isn’t ideal, reopen the directory—switching therapists that take United Healthcare is penalty-free.


Advocating for Yourself When Wait Times Drag

  • Document every call. Note date, staff name, and “next available” slot.
  • Ask for Care Coordination. Optum’s Care Advocates can hunt for cancellations.
  • Request a Network-Deficiency Waiver. Under parity rules, UHC must ensure timely access.
  • File a Complaint via myuhc.com. Plans usually respond within 30 days.

Additional Low-Cost Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) — many UHC plans include 3–5 extra free sessions per life-event.

FAQ’s

Does United Healthcare cover therapy?
Yes. Outpatient therapy with enrolled, in-network clinicians is a core medical benefit; typical copay $0 – $40 or 20 % coinsurance after deductible.

How do I find therapists that take United Healthcare near me?
Log in to myuhc.com → Find Care → Behavioral Health and filter by ZIP, specialty, and availability.

What’s the difference between a United Healthcare therapist and a psychologist?
“Therapist” (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) is a broad counseling designation. “Psychologist” (PhD/PsyD) can also conduct testing. Both are covered if in network.

Are United Healthcare psychiatrists accepting new patients?
Many are—especially via virtual visits. Use the “Accepting new patients” filter and consider tele-slots.

Will my virtual session count toward my deductible?
Yes. Telehealth visits apply to the same deductible and out-of-pocket max as office visits.

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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