How to find an Optum psychiatrist
Discover how to navigate the process of finding a psychiatrist who accepts Optum insurance.
Key takeaways
- Psychiatrists are mental health experts who can treat anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders more.
- Mental health services are typically included under Optum insurance.
- Make sure to check the details of your insurance plan so you know what you'll owe out-of-pocket.
Are you struggling with your mental health and looking for care? Seeking professional help is the first step towards feeling better. A mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, can diagnose you and come up with a solid treatment plan to get you on the right track to improved well-being.
However, finding the right psychiatrist for you, including one who takes your insurance, can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you on your healing journey.
If your healthcare is through Optum, you have mental health benefits. Read on to learn about how to find an Optum psychiatrist and other important considerations.
Is mental health coverage included in Optum insurance?
Yes, Optum insurance includes mental health coverage. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 required insurance companies to provide mental health coverage that is comparable to physical health coverage –– emphasizing that treatment for a mental health condition is just as important as treatment for a medical condition. Additionally, the Affordable Care Act deemed mental and behavioral health services as “essential health benefits.”
Although every plan is slightly different, psychiatric mental health services that are typically covered include:
- Initial psychiatric evaluation
- Medication management
- Prescription drugs
- Outpatient psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Intensive outpatient services
- Partial hospitalization
- Inpatient/residential treatment
- Emergency care
Make sure to review your benefits to confirm which services are covered and any specific requirements or limitations on the type of psychiatrist or treatment setting. For example, some health plans require prior authorization to ensure that the services are medically necessary to be covered. Or, you might need a referral to see a psychiatrist from your primary care physician.
All of this information will be outlined in your plan details. Read up on all your benefits before booking your first appointment. If you need help, contact insurance member services or your benefits team at work for clarification.
How much do Optum psychiatrists cost?
The exact amount you’ll pay to see an Optum psychiatrist will vary depending on a few factors. Your plan will determine some key factors regarding cost, such as:
- Your deductible: The amount of money you have to spend out-of-pocket before your insurance starts paying for services. In most cases, the higher your monthly premium is, the lower your deductible is.
- Your coinsurance: This is a percentage amount that determines how much you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for services. For example, your plan may cover 80% of the cost, and you must pay 20%. This may change after meeting your deductible.
- Your copay: This is a flat fee you’ll pay when you receive services. Your copay may differ depending on whether you see a mental health professional, primary care doctor, or a specialist. After you meet your deductible, you’ll likely still have to pay a copay, but it depends on your plan.
Deductible, coinsurance, and copay amounts are determined based on your specific insurance plan. Even within Optum insurance, every healthcare plan has predetermined benefits and costs.
Additionally, it’s best to find a psychiatrist who is in-network with your plan to ensure the least out-of-pocket costs. Some plans may offer out-of-network benefits and help you pay for these providers that aren’t in-network with Optum, but it depends. You’ll have to pay full price for services if you don't have any out-of-network benefits.
How can I find In-network Optum psychiatrists?
Ready to start your search for an Optum psychiatrist? Here are some tips for finding in-network providers.
- Use your insurance’s directory: Optum has a handy directory to search for care by state. After selecting your location, you can search for the specific type of provider you need. However, this may not be 100% accurate and up-to-date. Always contact the provider and make sure they accept your plan.
- Browse online directories: Websites like ZocDoc.com and PsychologyToday.com allow you to search by criteria like accepted health insurance plans, location, gender, and specialties. These directories can help you filter by your unique needs.
- Work with a virtual Talkiatry psychiatrist: Talkiatry makes it easy to find an in-network psychiatrist. We are in-network with over 60 major health plans, including several Optum. You can check your eligibility using our insurance elligibility checker.
Tips for finding a psychiatrist
It’s so important to find not just any psychiatrist, but the psychiatrist that’s best for you. Here are some tips and considerations:
- Ask for referrals and recommendations: On top of doing your own online search, you can ask your friends, family, or primary doctor for recommendations. However, remember to consider your individual needs and insurance coverage.
- Consider the psychiatrist’s specialty: Although psychiatrists receive training about all aspects of mental health, it’s ideal to find a psychiatrist who specializes in your individual concerns (i.e., anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD, eating disorders, or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder).
- Personal preferences: Some people prefer a psychiatrist who is similar to them to feel more comfortable. For example, if you’re a woman, you might feel most at ease with a female psychiatrist. Consider factors like gender, age, race, and anything else that is important to you.
- Where they practice: It’s important to consider the distance from your home to the psychiatrist’s office, depending on how far you’re willing to travel. Or, you may prefer online telepsychiatry over in-person appointments. Check with the provider if they offer virtual appointments.
- Take patient ratings and reviews with a grain of salt: It may help to check for any reviews or ratings from past or current patients online. This can give you an idea of how the doctor practices, bur remember that care is personal and just because a doctor didn’t work for someone else, you may have a different experience.
- Confirm their availability: Some in-network providers tend to be pretty booked up. Make sure to ask if they are accepting new patients. If they aren’t, you can ask if they have an idea of when they will be.
- Cross-check coverage: When you find an in-network provider you’re interested in, err on the side of caution and cross-check insurance coverage. To do this, ask the billing office if they accept your insurance company and plan, and then confirm this with your insurance company.
During your first appointment, the psychiatrist will take a thorough initial evaluation to diagnose you. They will ask about your current symptoms, personal and family history, physical health issues, past mental health diagnoses, and more. This intake appointment will likely be an hour or more, and it will likely be the longest one you’ll have. Follow-up appointments are typically much shorter.
Make sure to clarify any questions or concerns you have about the psychiatrist's approach, treatment plan, and billing procedures. With the help of a qualified psychiatrist, you can take control of your mental health and well-being.
For more information, check out these articles on how to find an Aetna psychiatrist, Blue Cross Blue Shield psychiatrist, and Cigna psychiatrist.
FAQs
Who can I see for behavior and mental health issues?
Many different types of mental and behavioral health professionals can help, including:
- Psychiatrists
- Therapists
- Counselors
- Social workers
- Psychiatric nurse practitioners (AKA mental health nurse practitioners)
When should I see a psychiatrist?
If you’re struggling with your mental health and symptoms are interfering with your functioning and quality of life, especially for more than a few weeks, you should seek professional help from a mental health clinician such as a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist can diagnose you and provide you with a treatment plan to help you feel better. A psychiatric nurse practitioner can also diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
What if my child needs a psychiatrist?
If your child needs a psychiatrist, it's best to seek a provider specializing in caring for children and teens. Psychiatrists who are board-certified in child & adolescent psychiatry can best diagnose and treat mental health conditions in young people. Consult your pediatrician for advice if you’re not sure whether your child needs to see a psychiatrist.
The information in this article is for education and informational purposes only and should never be substituted for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. If you or someone you know may be in danger, call 911 or the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.
