How UnitedHealthcare mental health benefits work
For most UnitedHealthcare plans, mental health care is managed by Optum Behavioral Health, UnitedHealthcare's behavioral health partner. That's why your card may list a separate “Behavioral Health” or “Mental Health” phone number. When you call about psychiatric care, that is usually the number to use.
Because we're in Optum's network, your visits are generally billed at your plan's in-network rate. What you pay depends on your plan's copay, coinsurance and deductible.
What UnitedHealthcare and Optum members can see us for
- Psychiatric evaluations for children 6+, teens and adults
- Medication management, including ADHD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder
- Therapy as part of your psychiatric care
Plans that may use a different network
Not every plan with the UnitedHealthcare name uses the same network. Some Medicare Advantage plans, AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) community plans and plans from other states can work differently. Tell us the exact plan name on your card, and we'll confirm whether we're in-network before your first visit.
Check your UnitedHealthcare coverage
- Call the behavioral health or member services number on the back of your card.
- Ask about outpatient mental health benefits and whether telehealth psychiatry visits are covered.
- Ask about your copay or coinsurance, your deductible, and whether you need a referral or prior authorization.
Newly added providers can take several weeks to appear in insurer directories. If you don't see Erika listed yet, call us at 480-685-4569 and we'll confirm.
No insurance, or a plan we don't take?
You can choose self-pay: $325 for the first evaluation and $150–$200 for follow-up visits. Self-pay patients receive a Good Faith Estimate before care begins. See insurance and payment for every plan we accept.
How to get started
- Request a new-patient appointment on our booking page or call 480-685-4569.
- Have your insurance card ready. We'll confirm your coverage before your first visit.
- Meet Erika Joy Puruleski, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, by secure video from anywhere private in Arizona.
In a crisis? Call or text 988, call the Arizona Crisis Line at 1-844-534-4673, or call 911. More crisis resources.
Common questions
Do you take UnitedHealthcare for psychiatry?
Yes. We're in-network with UnitedHealthcare through Optum Behavioral Health for psychiatric evaluations, medication management and therapy by secure video in Arizona.
What is Optum, and why is it on my bill?
Optum manages mental health benefits for most UnitedHealthcare plans. Statements and payments for psychiatric visits often come from Optum rather than UnitedHealthcare directly. It's the same coverage.
Is telehealth covered by UnitedHealthcare?
Many UnitedHealthcare plans cover telehealth mental health visits, but benefits vary by plan. Call the number on your card to check your telehealth benefits.
Do I need a referral?
Most plans don't require a referral for outpatient mental health care, but some HMO-style plans do. Your plan's member services can tell you.