Find a UMR Therapist
Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024UMR (formerly United Medical Resources) isn’t a traditional insurance company; it’s a third-party administrator owned by UnitedHealthcare. That means your employer designs the benefits and UMR handles the claims. In practice, though, you still need to know which clinicians are in network, what therapy or psychiatry will cost, and how to book care quickly. This roadmap breaks the process into clear, actionable steps so you can move from symptoms to your first session with a qualified UMR therapist—no jargon, no dead ends.
How UMR Mental-Health Coverage Works
| Typical Plan Design* | Outpatient Therapy & Medication-Management Cost | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| PPO / Open-Access (most self-funded employers) | $0–$40 copay per visit, or 20 % after deductible on high-deductible options | Mental-health benefits are integrated with medical; no separate deductible |
| High-Deductible / HSA | 20 % after deductible, then $0–$40 | Same benefits, different timing of cost share |
| UMR-administered Medicaid (limited states) | $0 copay | Unlimited medically necessary visits |
| Retiree or COBRA (UHC Choice Plus network) | Mirrors active-employee design; check your Summary of Benefits |
*Every UMR plan is employer-specific. Always open your Summary of Benefits or call the number on your card to confirm exact figures.
Coverage fast facts
- Unlimited medically necessary visits. UMR plans do not set a hard annual cap on therapy or psychiatry sessions
- No referral for most plans. Many UMR summaries state “No” in the referral column for specialists, including mental-health care
- Telehealth parity—often $0. Employers frequently waive the copay for virtual therapy and psychiatry delivered through Optum or a preferred vendor
- Pre-authorization may apply. Some designs still ask for a quick OK before you start therapy
UMR Mental-Health Providers Types
| Provider Type | What They Do |
|---|---|
| Therapist / Counselor (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) | Weekly talk therapy, coping skills, family sessions |
| Psychologist (PhD, PsyD) | Psychological testing, trauma-focused modalities |
| Psychiatrist (MD/DO) | Diagnosis, medication management, complex cases |
Real-Life Use Case: How Rosa Found a Therapist That Takes UMR
Profile: Rosa, 29, graphic designer in Atlanta, covered by a UMR-administered PPO. She’s felt persistent sadness for three months.
- Day 1 – Portal Login Rosa opens UMR.com → “Find a Provider.” The tool lists behavioral-health clinicians in the Choice Plus network
- Day 1 – Smart Filters She selects “Telehealth,” “evening hours,” and “CBT,” which returns four therapists that take UMR within 10 miles—each marked “Accepting patients.”
- Day 2 – Cost Check Her cost-estimator tile shows $25 for office visits or $0 for network tele-therapy.
- Day 3 – First Video Visit She books a Thursday session with Dana Lopez, LCSW—an UMR in-network therapist experienced in depression care.
- Day 10 – Medication Consult Dana recommends that Rosa try medications in addition to therapy. Rosa schedules a 30-minute virtual check-in with an UMR psychiatrist the next afternoon (also $0).
Time from search to therapy: three days. Out-of-pocket cost: $0.
Step-by-Step: Booking Therapy Through UMR
- Sign in to UMR.com or call the toll-free number on your card.
- Choose Find a Provider → Behavioral Health (no referral needed for most plans)
- Filter the directory: Narrow by zip code, specialty (trauma, couples, ADHD), language, telehealth, or evening hours.
- Verify in-network status: Look for the green check or the phrase “In Network – UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus.” If in doubt, phone the office—UMR recommends double-checking before every appointment.
- Check the cost: Use the cost-estimator link or ask the office to run an eligibility check. Expect $0–$40 per visit once any deductible is met.
- Confirm pre-authorization (if required): A minority of plans still need a quick approval code before the first session
- Book, complete intake forms, and add the appointment to your calendar.
In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: What Changes?
| Feature | In-Network (recommended) | Out-of-Network (PPO only) |
|---|---|---|
| Copay / Coinsurance | $0–$40 or 20 % after deductible | 40–60 % of allowed amount + balance bill |
| Claims Filing | Provider files | You file |
| Pre-authorization | Sometimes | Often |
| Coordination with medical record | Seamless | Limited |
Digital & Telehealth Options
| Platform | Services | Typical Cost | Who’s Eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optum Virtual Care | Video therapy & psychiatry | $0–$40; many plans $0 | Most UMR PPO & HSA designs |
| Employer-added EAP | 3–8 free counseling visits per issue | $0 | Many Fortune 500 employers |
| Self-guided tools | Mindfulness, CBT modules, mood tracking | $0 | All UMR members via Optum portal |
Tele-visits count toward your deductible and out-of-pocket max just like office visits.
Cost & Coverage
| Setting | PPO / HMO | High-Deductible | Medicare-secondary (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-office therapy (45 min) | $0–$40 copay | 20 % after deductible | 20 % (Medigap may pay) |
| Network tele-therapy | Often $0 | Deductible, then $0 | Same as above |
| Initial psychiatry evaluation | $40–$60 copay | 20 % after deductible | 20 % |
If the first clinician that you try working with isn’t a fit, reopen the directory and try a different provider. Switching therapists that take UMR is penalty-free.
Here’s a more user-friendly, action-oriented version of that section for someone trying to get mental health care with UMR insurance:
What to Do When You Can’t Get an Appointment
If you're running into long wait times, here are steps you can take to speed things up:
- Keep a Log: Write down every call you make—include the date, who you spoke to, and the next available appointment they offered.
- Call for Help Finding a Sooner Spot: Ask UMR to connect you with a Care Coordinator or Optum Behavioral Health representative. They can search for cancellations or other in-network options.
- Request a Timely Access Waiver: If you’re being told to wait too long, ask for a network adequacy or parity exception. Federal law requires UMR to help you access care within a reasonable timeframe.
- File a Complaint: If you're not getting the help you need, log in to your UMR member portal and submit a formal complaint. The plan must respond in writing within 30 days.
Persistence—and keeping detailed notes—can make all the difference in getting care sooner.
What to Do When You Can’t Get an Appointment
If you're running into long wait times, here are steps you can take to speed things up:
Keep a Log: Write down every call you make—include the date, who you spoke to, and the next available appointment they offered.
Call for Help Finding a Sooner Spot: Ask UMR to connect you with a Care Coordinator or Optum Behavioral Health representative. They can search for cancellations or other in-network options.
Request a Timely Access Waiver: If you’re being told to wait too long, ask for a network adequacy or parity exception. Federal law requires UMR to help you access care within a reasonable timeframe.
File a Complaint: If you're not getting the help you need, log in to your UMR member portal and submit a formal complaint. The plan must respond in writing within 30 days.
Persistence—and keeping detailed notes—can make all the difference in getting care sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UMR cover therapy? Yes. Outpatient therapy with licensed, in-network clinicians is an essential benefit; typical cost $0–$40 or 20 % coinsurance after deductible.
How do I find therapists that take UMR near me? Sign in to UMR.com → Find a Provider → Behavioral Health, enter your ZIP, and filter for “In Network.”
What’s the difference between a UMR therapist and a UMR psychologist? “Therapist” (LCSW, LMFT, LPC) is a broad counseling designation. “Psychologist” (PhD/PsyD) can also perform testing. Both are covered if in network.
Are UMR psychiatrists accepting new patients? Many are—especially via Optum Virtual Care. Use the “Accepting patients” filter and consider tele-slots.
Will my virtual session count toward my deductible? Yes. Telehealth visits apply to the same deductible and out-of-pocket max as office visits.
Find care for UMR
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of UMR and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
