Health Insurances United Healthcare Shared Services for Therapy

United Healthcare Shared Services for Therapy

United Healthcare is one of the country’s largest health insurance companies. It owns a third-party administrator (TPR) company called UMR, which then administers the United Healthcare Shared Services plan. This plan offers thousands of people across the country coverage and access to the extensive United Healthcare providers network.

Does United Healthcare Shared Services cover therapy?

Yes, United Healthcare Shared Services offers benefits for mental health services like therapy. Because United Healthcare Shared Services is part of the United Healthcare family, its members have access to an extensive network of therapists. United Healthcare Shared Services also provides some coverage if you want to see an out-of-network therapist, however this may be more expensive than seeing an in-network therapist.

How do I check if my United Healthcare Shared Services plan covers therapy?

To determine if your United Healthcare Shared Services plan covers therapy, locate and read through your Summary of Benefits document, which may also be called the Summary of Benefits and Coverage document (SBC). If you have an online account with United Healthcare Shared Services , you may have access to this document through this account. Your employer might also be able to give you a copy if you receive your insurance benefits through your employer.

Once you have your Summary of Benefits, look for the category of “mental health services.” You might also see information about therapy services under “behavioral health” or “substance abuse.” You’ll likely see information for both inpatient mental health treatment and outpatient mental health treatment. Therapy will fall under outpatient mental health treatment.

If you cannot locate your Summary of Benefits document or still have questions about your mental health benefits, call the customer service number on the back of your United Healthcare Shared Services insurance card. The customer service representative will be able to help you understand your coverage for therapy.

How much does therapy cost with my United Healthcare Shared Services plan?

How much therapy will cost you out-of-pocket depends on your specific United Healthcare Shared Services plan. Because there are multiple plan options for United Healthcare Shared Services, the amount of coverage you receive will vary — which makes it important to go through your Summary of Benefits document to fully understand the costs.

Therapy with an in-network therapist will typically be less expensive for you than therapy with an out-of-network therapist. United Healthcare has a large provider network, so if you want to save money, picking a therapist from this network will be your best option. You may still have to pay a copay of between $20-60 or a coinsurance rate of 40-60%.

If you’re concerned about paying for therapy, ask if your therapist offers sliding scale options, which may give you a lower cost per session.

What types of mental health conditions does United Healthcare Shared Services cover?

United Healthcare Shared Services covers many mental health conditions. To be eligible for coverage, however, your therapist may have to give you a diagnosis. Some common mental health diagnoses include:

If you would prefer that your therapist doesn’t give you a diagnosis or doesn’t disclose your diagnosis with United Healthcare Shared Services, you can consider your out-of-network options or private pay options that don’t require this information.

What types of therapy does United Healthcare Shared Services cover?

United Healthcare Shared Services provides coverage for many different therapy approaches and modalities, as long as they’re evidence-based and appropriate for treatment of your specific mental health condition or situation. Some of these approaches include:

Many therapists offer what’s called “integrative” or “eclectic” therapy, which draws from multiple therapy modalities to offer clients a more tailored approach to their mental health journey. Even if your therapist does this, they may still share with United Healthcare Shared Services that they use specific modalities to maintain your eligibility for coverage.

What types of therapy does United Healthcare Shared Services NOT cover?

United Healthcare Shared services will not cover therapy costs if the therapy approach used by the therapist is not evidence-based, meaning that it lacks empirical research that shows its efficacy.

Often, life coaching and career coaching that aren’t offered by a credentialed therapist won’t be eligible for insurance coverage. While many credentialed therapists incorporate life coaching or career coaching into their treatment, their services are eligible for coverage because they have a therapy license. Check to make sure that your therapist has their therapy license to practice in your state, otherwise your sessions may not be covered by United Healthcare Shared Services.

As with several other insurances, United Healthcare Shared Services does not offer coverage for holistic approaches to healing like aromatherapy, psychedelic therapy, or acupuncture. While many people find that the above helps them with their mental health, without the same clinical rigor as other therapy modalities, they do not qualify for coverage.

Does United Healthcare Shared Services cover online therapy?

Yes, United Healthcare Shared Services covers online therapy. The coverage will be the same as in-person therapy services, with the same copay or coinsurance rates. Taking therapy online is a great way to engage with your therapist, as it can save you travel time or travel costs.

Be sure that when you’re searching for a therapist, you find a therapist that is eligible to practice in your state, as United Healthcare Shared Services may limit their coverage to therapists who are licensed in your location. This is especially pertinent when you’re accessing online therapy.

Find vetted therapists who are in-network with United Healthcare Shared Services