Does UnitedHealthcare Cover Therapy? Coverage, Costs, and What to Know
Author:
Blossom Editorial
Nov 21, 2025
UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is one of the largest health insurance providers in the United States, and understanding what mental health services are covered under your plan can help you access the therapy you need.
Most UnitedHealthcare plans do cover therapy services, including individual counseling, family therapy, and psychiatric care, though specific coverage details depend on your plan type and network providers.
Key Takeaways
UnitedHealthcare covers mental health therapy under most plans due to federal mental health parity laws, which require insurers to cover mental health services similarly to physical health services, though specific coverage varies by plan type.
In-network copays often range from $10–$50 per session, though costs vary by plan and provider. Out-of-network services may require meeting a deductible first and often involve higher out-of-pocket costs that can range from $100-250 per session.
Platforms such as Blossom Health accept UnitedHealthcare insurance for virtual therapy and psychiatry.
Does UnitedHealthcare Offer Mental Health Coverage?
UnitedHealthcare provides mental health coverage across its various plan types, including employer-sponsored plans, individual marketplace plans, Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid plans.
The Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Parity Act require most health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services as essential health benefits.
Coverage typically includes:
Individual psychotherapy sessions
Group therapy
Family or couples counseling
Psychiatric evaluations and medication management
Psychological testing and assessments
Intensive outpatient programs
Partial hospitalization programs
The extent of coverage depends on whether you see an in-network or out-of-network provider, your specific plan design, and whether you've met your deductible.
Types of UnitedHealthcare Plans and Mental Health Benefits
Different UnitedHealthcare plan types offer varying levels of mental health coverage, so understanding your specific plan is essential for knowing what to expect.
Employer-Sponsored Plans
Most employer-sponsored UnitedHealthcare plans include comprehensive mental health benefits. These plans often have lower copays for in-network providers and may offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) that provide a limited number of free counseling sessions before insurance coverage begins.
Individual and Family Plans
UnitedHealthcare marketplace plans purchased through the health insurance exchanges include mental health coverage as an essential health benefit. Research shows that mental health parity requirements have improved access to behavioral health services for individuals with marketplace coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plans
UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans typically cover mental health services, including therapy and psychiatric care. Traditional Medicare covers 80% of approved costs for mental health services after you meet your Part B deductible, and many Medicare Advantage plans offer enhanced benefits beyond original Medicare.
Medicaid Plans
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan (Medicaid) provides mental health coverage that varies by state. Medicaid behavioral health services typically include comprehensive therapy and psychiatric services with minimal or no cost-sharing.
What Therapy Services Does UnitedHealthcare Cover?
UnitedHealthcare covers a wide range of mental health services designed to treat various conditions and support different treatment approaches.
Individual Therapy
One-on-one psychotherapy sessions with licensed therapists, psychologists, or clinical social workers are covered under most UnitedHealthcare plans. This includes evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other therapeutic approaches.
Couples and Family Therapy
Many UnitedHealthcare plans cover family therapy and couples counseling when these services are medically necessary for treating a diagnosed mental health condition. Coverage may differ from individual therapy, so checking your specific benefits is important.
Group Therapy
Group therapy sessions led by licensed mental health professionals are typically covered, often at a lower copay than individual sessions. These can be effective for conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Psychiatric Services
UnitedHealthcare covers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing psychiatric care.
Telehealth Therapy
Virtual therapy sessions conducted via secure video platforms are covered by UnitedHealthcare at the same rate as in-person visits. The expansion of telehealth coverage has significantly improved access to mental health services, particularly for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network Coverage
Understanding the difference between in-network and out-of-network coverage can significantly impact your out-of-pocket costs for therapy.
In-Network Benefits
In-network providers have contracted rates with UnitedHealthcare, resulting in lower costs for patients. When you see an in-network therapist, you typically pay a copay (flat fee) or coinsurance (percentage of the cost) per session.
Common in-network costs include:
Copays ranging from $10-50 per session
Coinsurance of 10-20% after meeting your deductible
Lower annual out-of-pocket maximums
No claim filing required (provider handles billing)
Out-of-Network Benefits
Out-of-network therapy services are covered by many UnitedHealthcare plans, but usually at a lower reimbursement rate and with higher out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-network considerations include:
Higher deductibles that must be met before coverage begins
Coinsurance rates of 30-50% of allowed amounts
You may need to pay upfront and file claims for reimbursement
Therapist charges may exceed UnitedHealthcare's allowed amount, leaving you responsible for the difference
Understanding Your Specific Costs
To determine your exact therapy costs, you need to review your specific plan documents or contact UnitedHealthcare directly. Key information to gather includes:
Your annual deductible and how much you've met
Your copay or coinsurance for mental health services
Your out-of-pocket maximum
Whether prior authorization is required
Any session limits that may apply
Finding a Therapist Who Accepts UnitedHealthcare
Locating an in-network mental health provider is essential for maximizing your benefits and minimizing costs.
Telehealth Options with UnitedHealthcare
Virtual therapy platforms that accept UnitedHealthcare insurance offer convenient access to mental health care from home.
Blossom Health connects clients with board-certified psychiatric providers through virtual appointments covered by in-network UnitedHealthcare insurance, making it simple to access psychiatric care and medication management without the hassle of finding providers independently.
Using the UnitedHealthcare Provider Directory
UnitedHealthcare offers an online provider search tool where you can filter by:
Provider type (therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist)
Location and distance
Specialty areas (anxiety, depression, trauma)
Language spoken
Gender preference
Telehealth availability
However, provider directories can sometimes contain outdated information, so it's important to verify that a provider is still accepting UnitedHealthcare and taking new patients.
Verifying Coverage Before Your First Appointment
Before scheduling your first therapy session, take these steps:
Call the provider's office to confirm they accept your specific UnitedHealthcare plan
Verify your benefits by calling the number on your insurance card
Ask about any prior authorization requirements
Confirm your copay or coinsurance amount
Check if there are any session limits for the year
Does UnitedHealthcare Require Prior Authorization for Therapy?
Prior authorization requirements vary by plan and the type of mental health service being provided.
When Prior Authorization May Be Required
Many UnitedHealthcare plans do not require prior authorization for standard outpatient therapy sessions, but authorization may be needed for:
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
Residential treatment
Psychological testing
Extended treatment beyond a certain number of sessions
Research shows that prior authorization requirements can create barriers to accessing mental health services, though insurers maintain these policies help ensure appropriate care utilization.
How to Obtain Prior Authorization
If your treatment requires prior authorization, your provider typically handles this process by submitting clinical information to UnitedHealthcare for review. The insurance company evaluates whether the requested services meet medical necessity criteria based on clinical guidelines.
The process usually involves:
Your provider submitting a treatment plan and diagnosis
UnitedHealthcare reviewing the request within 2-5 business days
Approval being granted for a specific number of sessions or time period
Potential need for reauthorization if additional treatment is needed
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Insurance coverage details vary significantly by individual plan, and the information provided here represents general guidance rather than specific coverage details for your policy.
Always verify your specific mental health benefits directly with UnitedHealthcare by calling the member services number on your insurance card. Coverage policies, copays, deductibles, and network providers can change, so confirm current information before seeking services.
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or contact your local emergency services. This article does not constitute advice about which mental health services you should pursue or whether therapy is appropriate for your situation—please consult with qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.
Sources
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Coverage. HealthCare.gov.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Mental Health Parity. SAMHSA.gov.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Mental Health Coverage. Medicare.gov.
