Optum & United Healthcare Therapist in California
A lot of people with Optum or United Healthcare don't realize their plan already includes mental health coverage. Brave Soul Therapy accepts both and offers telehealth therapy to adults and teens (16+) across California.
Optum is the behavioral health division of United Healthcare, which means if you have a United Healthcare plan, your mental health benefits are most likely managed through Optum. The two names refer to different parts of the same coverage, so whether your insurance card says United Healthcare or Optum, you are working with the same network.
Most United Healthcare and Optum plans cover outpatient mental health services, including individual therapy, couples counseling, and telehealth sessions with in-network providers. What varies from plan to plan is your copay, whether you have a deductible to meet first, and how many sessions are included annually.
If you are not sure what your plan covers, that is completely normal. Before your first appointment, our team will verify your benefits so you have a clear picture of your costs going in.
Mental Health Coverage Through Optum & United Healthcare
What We Help With
Brave Soul Therapy accepts Optum and United Healthcare for a wide range of mental health concerns. Our therapists work with:BIPOC and Culturally Responsive Therapy
Meet Our Optum & United Healthcare Therapists
Browse our therapists below and find someone whose focus and background feels like a good match for what you are going through.
-
![char campos perez, AMFT, APCC]()
char campos perez, AMFT, APCC
(they/them/elle)
char offers bilingual therapy in English and Spanish with a focus on BIPOC, queer, and trans individuals, undocumented and first-generation immigrants, and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Grounded in decolonial and relational frameworks.
-
![Devin Peck, APCC]()
Devin Peck, APCC
(he/him)
Devin specializes in working with veterans, first responders, and men navigating trauma, addiction, and major life changes. Also experienced supporting individuals living with disabilities, including blindness.
-
![Danielle Delahaye, ASW]()
Danielle Delahaye, ASW
(she/her)
Danielle works with neurodivergent adults, including those diagnosed later in life, who have found that traditional therapy structures don't always fit. Focuses on trauma, identity, and life transitions.
-
![Jessica Rothwell, APCC]()
Jessica Rothwell, APCC
(she/her)
Jessica brings a strengths-based, person-centered approach to working with adults facing mood disorders, anxiety, and significant life changes. Has a background in crisis residential care and community mental health.
-
![Megan Mills, AMFT]()
Megan Mills, AMFT
(they/she)
Megan specializes in disordered eating, addiction, and trauma with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients. Her approach is fat-positive, HAES-aligned, and size-inclusive. She creates space where all bodies and identities are welcomed without question.
-
![Deniz Firat, AMFT]()
Deniz Firat, AMFT
(she/her)
Deniz works with immigrants, Third Culture Kids, highly sensitive people, and those navigating grief and chronic illness. Her approach is grounded in narrative and relational therapy with a strong cultural lens. Sessions available in English, Turkish, and Spanish.
How to Get Started With an Optum or United Healthcare Therapist
Starting therapy with your insurance does not have to be complicated. Here is what the process looks like:
1. Reach out
Click the Get Started button and let us know what you are looking for.
2. We Verify Your Benefits
We check your Optum or United Healthcare coverage so you know your copay and any out of pocket costs before your first session.
3. Choose Your Therapist
Browse our team and pick someone yourself or let us suggest a good match based on what you share.
4. Begin Sessions
All sessions are conducted over secure video from anywhere in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
United Healthcare is the insurance provider and Optum is the behavioral health division that manages mental health benefits under most United Healthcare plans. If your insurance card says United Healthcare, your therapy benefits are likely processed through Optum.
-
Yes. Most United Healthcare and Optum plans include coverage for telehealth mental health sessions with in-network providers. Since Brave Soul Therapy is fully virtual, all sessions qualify as telehealth visits.
-
Most plans do not require a referral for outpatient mental health services. You can contact us directly and we will confirm whether your specific plan has any requirements.
-
Yes. Since Optum manages behavioral health benefits for United Healthcare, being in-network with Optum covers both.
Accepting Optum & United Healthcare Clients Across California
If you have Optum or United Healthcare and are ready to get started, we are here. Reach out and we'll handle the benefits verification and help you find a therapist who fits what you are looking for.