How to use Optum for therapy in Georgia.
Step-by-step guide to using your Optum or UnitedHealthcare insurance for therapy in Georgia. Learn about Optum behavioral health benefits, copays, and how to start therapy.
The four-step play
From benefits check to first session.
We do steps 1–3 with you over the phone if you’d rather skip the legwork.
Check Your Optum/UHC Mental Health Benefits
Optum manages behavioral health benefits for UnitedHealthcare. Call UHC member services at 1-800-328-5979 or log in to myuhc.com to review your mental health coverage.
- Ask for your copay for outpatient behavioral health visits (usually $25-$45)
- Confirm your deductible amount and how much has been met
- Ask how many therapy visits are covered per year
- Check if your plan is managed by Optum Behavioral Health
- Note your UHC member ID and group number
Find an In-Network Optum Provider in Georgia
In-network Optum providers offer the lowest cost. MentalSpace Therapy is in-network with most Optum and UHC plans in Georgia.
- Call MentalSpace Therapy at 404-832-0102 to verify your Optum/UHC network status
- Search the UHC provider directory at myuhc.com
- Filter by behavioral health providers in your Georgia area
- Confirm the provider accepts your specific UHC/Optum plan
- Ask about telehealth availability for virtual sessions
Schedule Your First Therapy Session
Have your UHC or Optum insurance card ready. Your provider verifies your coverage before your first appointment.
- Provide your UHC member ID, group number, and plan name
- Describe what you want help with
- MentalSpace Therapy verifies your exact copay before your session
- Most UHC/Optum plans do not require a referral
- Ask about flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
Attend Your Session and Understand Billing
Pay your copay at the appointment. Optum/UHC is billed directly by your therapist for the covered amount.
- Pay your copay ($25-$45) at the time of service
- Your therapist files the claim with Optum after each session
- UHC sends an EOB in 2-4 weeks detailing what was covered
- Review your EOB to confirm expected costs
- Contact MentalSpace Therapy billing with questions about claims or balances
What’s usually covered
Common Optum therapy benefits.
Plans vary — confirm with us before your first session.
Individual Therapy
$25-$45 copay per session on most UHC/Optum plans
Couples/Family Therapy
Covered at the same copay as individual therapy on most plans
Telehealth Sessions
Virtual therapy covered at the same rate as in-person visits
No Referral Required
Direct access to in-network behavioral health providers
Large Network
UHC/Optum offers one of the largest behavioral health networks
Medicare Advantage
UHC Medicare Advantage plans include behavioral health benefits
Optum therapy FAQ
The questions members ask first.
Is Optum the same as UnitedHealthcare?
Optum manages the behavioral health benefits for UnitedHealthcare plans. If you have a UHC insurance card, your mental health benefits are administered through Optum.
Does Optum cover online therapy?
Yes. Optum covers telehealth therapy sessions at the same copay as in-person visits when provided by an in-network provider.
How do I find my exact Optum copay?
Call MentalSpace Therapy at 404-832-0102 and we verify your exact copay for free. You can also check on myuhc.com under your plan benefits.
Does Optum require prior authorization for therapy?
Most Optum plans do not require prior authorization for initial outpatient therapy sessions. Extended treatment may require a clinical review.
Can I use my UHC plan from another state for therapy in Georgia?
In many cases, yes. UHC/Optum has a nationwide network. Contact us to verify that your out-of-state UHC plan is accepted at MentalSpace Therapy.
We’ll verify your Optum benefits free of charge.
Have your member ID handy. We’ll tell you your exact copay before your first session.