MINNETONKA, Minn.–(COMMERCIAL THREAD)–More than 5 million from UnitedHealthcare® commercial members now have access to virtual behavior coaching at no extra cost.
Effective January 1, 2023, the Virtual Behavior Coaching Program, administered by Optum, provides support to adults experiencing symptoms of mild depression, stress and anxiety, through digital modules and 1:1 video or phone and text conferences with qualified coaches .
In addition to the more than 5 million fully insured eligible members, self-insured employers can purchase the virtual behavior coaching program for their employees. This program is the latest addition to UnitedHealthcare’s suite of behavioral health offerings, which includes self-help tools, in-person and virtual visits, coaching, a family support program, and employee assistance programs, enabling people to access to support in various ways.
“UnitedHealthcare recognizes the intrinsic link between behavioral health and physical health and is dedicated to integrating behavioral health into medical care,” said Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare. “With 1 in 5 Americans experiencing a mental illness within any given year, it’s important for us to offer a range of low- to high-severity support programs for those who may need them, with the goal of helping to address the access and accessibility challenges.”
The following are the main features of the new program:
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Through virtual behavioral coaching, UnitedHealthcare members receive support from a dedicated behavioral health coach via weekly 30-minute audio or video calls and in-app messaging between sessions.
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The coach helps tailor the program to individual needs. At the start of the eight-week program, members will complete an initial assessment to help identify what program (depression, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety) might be best suited to help meet their needs, and will have an assigned coach weekly commitment.
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Weekly 1:1 sessions are conducted by dedicated and trained coaches, using cognitive behavioral therapy tools and techniques to help provide members with an action plan designed to be convenient and personalized for them.
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The program allows for 24/7 access to content and continued access to resiliency tools after the eight-week program ends.
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Coaches are supported by licensed mental health professionals, so if a person needs additional support, referrals can be made.
UnitedHealthcare has one of the largest behavioral health networks in the industry, made up of more than 375,000 behavioral care professionals, including more than 125,000 virtual care providers. In addition, specially trained UnitedHealthcare advocates are available to help members understand their benefits and guide them to timely care.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is committed to helping people live healthier lives and make healthcare systems work better for all by simplifying the healthcare experience, meeting the health and wellness needs of consumers, and sustaining trusted relationships with healthcare professionals. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full range of health care programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and contracts directly with more than 1.5 million physicians and health care providers and 7,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and provides care to individuals through owned-and-operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is a business of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter.