The price tag attached to therapy can deter many people from seeking the support they need. But for the staggering 27.4 million Americans covered by UnitedHealthcare, the largest healthcare insurance provider in the United States, there’s hope.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the intricacies and specifics of UnitedHealthcare’s therapy coverage. You’ll learn about the exact types of therapy covered under UnitedHealthcare, how to check your policy details, and where to find eligible therapy centers.
Does UnitedHealthcare Cover Mental Health Services?
Generally speaking, UnitedHealthcare offers coverage for mental health services. This aligns with the requirements set forth by the Affordable Care Act, which mandates that mental health services are covered by insurance plans offered through the health insurance marketplace or by small employers.
While coverage for mental health services is not mandated by federal law for large employers, it is worth noting that most of them do offer mental health benefits. UnitedHealthcare recognizes the importance of mental health and strives to provide coverage for these services.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the extent and specifics of mental health coverage can vary depending on the specific plan and policy you have with UnitedHealthcare. We recommend that you review the details of your insurance policy or contact their customer service directly to understand the specifics of your mental health coverage.
Therapy UnitedHealthcare Covers
UnitedHealthcare covers various types of therapy, although the specific coverage will depend on your plan. But it’s important to contact your insurance company directly to obtain more detailed information.
Some common types of therapy that are often covered by UnitedHealthcare include:
- Psychotherapy: This is a widely recognized form of therapy that involves talking to a trained therapist about your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a specialized therapy primarily developed to help individuals with borderline personality disorder.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy involves working with a therapist as a family unit to address relational issues, improve communication, and resolve conflicts.
- Group Therapy: Group therapy involves sessions where a small group of individuals with similar concerns or conditions come together under the guidance of a therapist.
- Teletherapy: With the increasing availability of telehealth services, UnitedHealthcare may cover teletherapy, which involves receiving therapy remotely through phone or video chat.
Therapy UnitedHealthcare Doesn’t Cover
UnitedHealthcare may not cover some types of therapy, including:
- Therapy that is not considered medically necessary, such as therapy for common life problems like grief and loss, couples and marriage counseling, career counseling, and general relationship issues
- Therapy provided by a therapist who is not in-network with UnitedHealthcare
- Therapy provided outside of the therapy office
- Therapy provided for a condition that is not covered by your insurance plan
It is important to check your specific UnitedHealthcare plan to see what types of therapy are covered. You can also contact UnitedHealthcare customer service for more information.
Therapy covered by insurance
How to Check Your UnitedHealthcare Insurance Coverage
To check your UnitedHealthcare insurance coverage, you have several options:
- Online: Log into your UnitedHealthcare account through their website or mobile app. Once logged in, you can navigate to the coverage details section to view specific information about your plan. This may include your plan type, deductible, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum.
- Phone: Contact UnitedHealthcare customer service by phone. You can find the customer service phone number on your insurance card or the UnitedHealthcare website.
- Mail: If you’d prefer to receive a physical copy of your coverage information, you can request it by mail. Contact UnitedHealthcare customer service and inquire about obtaining a printed copy of your coverage details.
When checking your coverage, the following information is typically provided:
- Plan Type: This indicates whether you have an HMO, PPO, or POS plan, which affects your network of healthcare providers and referral requirements.
- Deductible: The fee you need to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
- Copays: Fixed amounts you are responsible for paying for specific medical services, such as doctor visits or prescriptions.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of medical fees you are responsible for after meeting your deductible.
- Out-of-pocket Maximum: The maximum amount you will have to pay for medical expenses in a given year, after which the insurance covers 100% of the costs.
Checking your coverage helps you understand the specifics of your plan, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare and seek services accordingly.
How Much Does Therapy Cost With UnitedHealthcare Insurance?
The cost of therapy with UnitedHealthcare insurance can vary depending on several factors, including:
- Your plan type: UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of plans, each with its own coverage for therapy.
- The type of therapy: Some types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are more commonly covered than others.
- The therapist’s in-network or out-of-network status: UnitedHealthcare typically covers therapy at a lower rate for in-network therapists.
- Your deductible and copays: You may have to pay a deductible and/or copay for each therapy session.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network
UnitedHealthcare has a network of preferred providers called in-network providers who offer services at negotiated rates. Choosing an in-network therapist usually results in lower out-of-pocket costs. If you choose an out-of-network therapist, UnitedHealthcare may still provide coverage but at a reduced rate, meaning you may have higher out-of-pocket expenses.
Deductibles
When it comes to therapy services, UnitedHealthcare plans typically come with a deductible. A deductible is a predetermined amount you are responsible for paying out of pocket before your insurance coverage takes effect. The specific deductible for therapy services can vary depending on the details of your plan.
It’s important to review your plan details to determine your specific deductible amount for therapy services. You can find this information in your policy documentation or by accessing your UnitedHealthcare account online.
Copays
Copays are fixed amounts you pay at each therapy session. UnitedHealthcare insurance plans may require you to pay a copay for each visit. Review your policy to understand your copay responsibilities.
How to Find a Therapist Who Takes UnitedHealthcare
When it comes to finding a therapist who accepts UnitedHealthcare insurance, there are several approaches you can take:
- Utilize UnitedHealthcare’s online directory: UnitedHealthcare provides an online directory that allows you to search for in-network therapists. You can access this directory through their website or by logging into your UnitedHealthcare account. The directory typically allows you to filter your search based on location, specialty, and other preferences.
- Contact UnitedHealthcare customer service: Reach out to UnitedHealthcare’s customer service for assistance in finding a therapist who accepts your insurance. They can provide you with a list of in-network providers in your area and answer any questions you may have about coverage or the search process.
- Ask for recommendations: Consult your primary care physician or other healthcare professionals who work with UnitedHealthcare for therapist recommendations.
- Search with Grow Therapy: The Grow Therapy marketplace allows you to search for therapists who are in-network with UnitedHealthcare and are located in your state. If you can’t find one who’s located close to you, you can always choose to do therapy online. UnitedHealthcare often covers telehealth services, allowing you to have therapy sessions remotely. This can expand your options for finding a therapist who meets your needs while providing the convenience and flexibility of virtual sessions.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the coverage and costs associated with therapy under UnitedHealthcare insurance is crucial for making informed decisions about your mental health care.
Remember, your mental health matters and UnitedHealthcare insurance is designed to provide you with access to the care you require. Take advantage of the resources and information available through UnitedHealthcare’s website, member portal, and customer service.
By understanding your coverage, finding a therapist who accepts your insurance, and actively engaging in therapy, you can take proactive steps toward improving your mental well-being. Don’t hesitate to explore the support and resources available, as UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping you on your journey to better mental health.
Lastly, if you’re struggling to find a therapist that’s covered by your UnitedHealthcare insurance, we can help. Our search tool allows you to easily find a therapist who accepts your insurance and specializes in your specific areas of need.
