Family Time Center partners with Optum to provide integrated mental health services that complement your overall healthcare experience. As part of the United Healthcare family, Optum offers specialized mental health coverage that emphasizes coordinated care and evidence-based treatments.
Our therapists work collaboratively with Optum's network of healthcare providers to ensure your mental health care is seamlessly integrated with your physical health needs. This comprehensive approach helps maximize your treatment outcomes while optimizing your insurance benefits.
Does Optum Cover Online Therapy?
Yes, Optum covers online therapy services as part of their integrated behavioral health approach and telehealth initiatives. As the behavioral health arm of United Healthcare, Optum has been at the forefront of expanding virtual mental health services and ensuring members have flexible access to care. Your online therapy sessions with Family Time Center are fully covered under Optum's behavioral health benefits, with the same cost-sharing arrangements as in-person therapy appointments.
Optum recognizes that telehealth services are essential for ensuring continuity of care and accessibility for all members throughout California. When you choose Family Time Center for online therapy, your Optum benefits apply seamlessly, allowing you to receive quality mental health care from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Our secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform integrates well with Optum's care coordination systems, ensuring your online therapy is properly documented and coordinated with any other healthcare services you may be receiving.
How Does the Optum Insurance Verification Process Work?
At Family Time Center, we handle the Optum insurance verification process for you to ensure there are no surprises when it comes to your coverage and costs. Our experienced billing team has established relationships with Optum and will verify your benefits before your first appointment, providing you with clear information about your copay, deductible status, and any specific requirements your Optum plan may have.
What Information We Need:
Your Optum member ID number or United Healthcare ID from your insurance card
Group number (if applicable)
Your date of birth
Primary cardholder's information if you're a dependent
Your specific plan details including any Optum behavioral health carve-out information
What We Verify with Optum for You:
Your current Optum coverage status and eligibility for behavioral health services
Mental health copay amounts and deductible requirements specific to your plan
Annual deductible information and how much you've already met this year
Authorization requirements for outpatient therapy services
Coverage limits for therapy sessions and specialized treatments
Your specific in-network benefits with Family Time Center
Coverage for family therapy and specialized treatments like EMDR or DBT
Coordination between medical and behavioral health benefits
Timeline and Next Steps: Most Optum insurance verifications are completed within 24 hours of receiving your information, though complex cases involving multiple benefit coordination may take up to 48 hours. We'll contact you with a clear breakdown of your Optum behavioral health benefits and expected costs before scheduling your first session. If any authorizations are required, we'll guide you through that process and coordinate with Optum's care management team. This thorough verification process ensures you can focus on your mental health goals rather than worrying about unexpected bills or Optum coverage gaps.
Find care with FamilyTime Center
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already struggling with the challenges that brought you here. You don't have to figure this out alone—our experienced team of California-licensed therapists specializes in the exact issues you're facing. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, we're here to provide the compassionate, evidence-based care you deserve. Take that brave first step today by scheduling a consultation, and let us help you find the path to healing and growth.
How Much Does Therapy Cost With Optum?
Understanding your therapy costs with Optum is crucial for planning your mental health care budget, and at Family Time Center, we're committed to providing complete transparency about what you can expect to pay. The good news is that most of our Optum clients find therapy to be quite affordable, especially when compared to other healthcare services or the cost of leaving mental health issues untreated. You can learn more about Optum's mental health benefits here.
In-Network Therapists (Family Time Center): When you choose Family Time Center for your mental health care, you'll benefit from our in-network rates with Optum, which are designed to make mental health care accessible and affordable. Most of our Optum clients pay between $15-$45 per session as a copay, though the exact amount varies based on your underlying insurance plan and benefit level. For a better understanding of copays, see what a copayment means. Here's how different Optum coverage arrangements typically structure mental health costs:
Optum Behavioral Health Plans: As a specialized behavioral health company, Optum focuses on making mental health care affordable and accessible, with copays typically ranging from $20-$35 per session for our services.
Integrated Care Models: Optum's coordinated approach to healthcare often results in enhanced mental health benefits, with copays as low as $15-$25 per session when working with preferred providers like Family Time Center. See details on Optum integrated care models.
Employer-Sponsored Plans: Many employers partner with Optum for behavioral health benefits, often featuring reduced copays of $15-$30 per session to encourage employee mental wellness.
Medicare Advantage Plans: Optum's Medicare plans typically cover mental health services with copays ranging from $20-$35 per session, often with additional wellness benefits. Read about Optum Medicare Advantage plans.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Integration: Many Optum arrangements include EAP coordination, potentially providing several free sessions before regular copays apply. Learn about Optum EAP programs.
It's important to understand that as an Optum network provider, Family Time Center offers contracted rates that are significantly lower than our standard fees, ensuring you receive maximum value from your mental health benefits.
Out-of-Network Considerations: Since Family Time Center is in-network with Optum, choosing our services ensures you receive the maximum benefit from your coverage. If you were to see an out-of-network provider, your costs would be substantially higher:
Limited Out-of-Network Coverage: Most Optum plans provide minimal or no out-of-network coverage for mental health services, making in-network providers like Family Time Center the most cost-effective choice.
Higher Deductibles: Out-of-network services typically require meeting much higher deductibles before any coverage applies.
No Contracted Rates: Without network agreements, you would pay full market rates for therapy services.
Optum Plans We Accept: Family Time Center is proud to be credentialed with Optum's behavioral health network, serving clients throughout Los Angeles County. Our Optum partnership includes:
As an established Optum provider, we understand their authorization processes, clinical guidelines, and member benefits, ensuring you receive seamless access to covered mental health services without unnecessary delays or complications.
Do I Need a Referral for Therapy With Optum?
Whether you need a referral depends on your specific Optum plan type, and this is one of the most common questions we receive at Family Time Center. The referral requirement can significantly impact how quickly you can start therapy, so it's important to understand your plan's rules.
PPO-Style Plans: No referral needed – you can contact Family Time Center directly and schedule your first appointment. Learn more about Optum PPO-style plans.
EPO-Style Plans: No referral needed – you can begin therapy immediately with any in-network provider. More on Optum EPO-style plans.
HMO-Style Plans: Yes, you typically need a referral from your primary care physician before Optum will cover therapy services. See details about Optum HMO-style plans.
POS-Style Plans: Yes, you usually need a referral for coverage, though you may be able to see therapists without a referral at a higher cost.
If you have an HMO- or POS-style plan that requires a referral, don’t let this discourage you from seeking therapy. The referral process is usually straightforward — you can often get a referral during a regular appointment with your primary care doctor, or many doctors will provide referrals over the phone when you explain that you’re seeking mental health treatment. At Family Time Center, we can provide you with the specific information your doctor needs to complete the referral, including our provider numbers and the types of services we offer.
Pre-Authorization Requirements: Most Optum plans don’t require pre-authorization for routine outpatient therapy sessions. However, certain specialized treatments or intensive services may require prior approval. We’ll verify any pre-authorization requirements during your initial scheduling call, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before your first session.
What Conditions Are Covered?
Aetna covers a wide range of mental health conditions including:
For a complete list of covered conditions and specialized treatment approaches, [click here to view our full range of services] or contact us to discuss how we can help with your specific mental health needs.
What Therapy Services Does Family Time Center Provide?
Family Time Center offers comprehensive therapy services that are covered by most Aetna plans, designed to meet the diverse mental health needs of individuals and families throughout Los Angeles. Our flexible service options ensure that you can receive the right type of care for your specific situation.
Covered therapy services include:
Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, or your entire family, we provide personalized care that addresses your unique circumstances. All of our services are delivered by licensed mental health professionals who specialize in their respective areas of expertise.
What Types of Therapy Does Family Time Center Offer?
At Family Time Center, we specialize in evidence-based therapy approaches that are covered and proven effective for treating various mental health conditions. Our licensed therapists are trained in multiple therapeutic modalities to ensure we can provide the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs.
Covered therapy approaches include:
Any evidence-based therapy approach that is utilized for diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions typically qualifies for coverage under Aetna plans. Our therapists work collaboratively with you to determine which therapeutic approach will be most effective for your specific situation and goals.
Learn more about our therapy approaches and treatment specialties here or contact us to discuss which therapeutic method might be the best fit for you and your family's needs.
Why Choose Family Time Center for Your Insurance-Covered Online Therapy?
Navigating therapy and health insurance can be challenging, especially because this process has many misconceptions, like that all therapists take insurance or that only severe mental health issues require therapy. At Family Time Center, we make the process of finding the right therapist for you and your family easy through comprehensive services and benefits designed to eliminate confusion and stress.
Educational Resources
Navigating therapy and health insurance can be challenging, especially because this process has many misconceptions, like that all therapists take insurance or that only severe mental health issues require therapy. At Family Time Center, we make the process of finding the right therapist for you and your family easy through comprehensive services and benefits designed to eliminate confusion and stress.
Insurance Provider Information
We streamline the process of finding covered services with our comprehensive network of in-network therapists. This transparency dispels any myths about therapy availability and insurance coverage and reduces anxiety around finding a qualified therapist in your network.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Our experienced team addresses common questions like therapy coverage, what to do if a therapist is out of network, and the denial process. By providing clear answers to these questions, we can alleviate fears and any uncertainties stopping you from trying therapy. View our blog for in-depth articles on insurance topics, check our FAQ page for quick answers to common concerns, or contact us directly to discuss your specific insurance situation with our knowledgeable team.
Personalized Matching
We have a personalized therapist matching service, allowing us to connect families with therapists based on their specific needs and preferences. Our customized approach lets us find the best fit for you while ensuring all clients find a provider that accepts their insurance. Choosing us gives you the space to focus on your mental health journey instead of navigating the complexities of insurance coverage.
