UnitedHealthcare Launches Virtual Coaching Program for Behavioral Health

UnitedHealthcare announced recently that it is now offering the more than 5 million members of its commercial insurance plans access to a virtual behavioral health coaching service. The program is aimed at increasing access to care and addressing cost barriers for those experiencing mild depression, stress, and anxiety.

The program, which launched on January 1, is being administered by Optum, the insurer’s pharmacy benefit manager and healthcare subsidiary. Self-insured employers may also purchase the program for employees.

The virtual coaching platform offers support for adults experiencing symptoms of mild mental health conditions through the use of digital modules and 1-on-1 video or telephone-based conferencing, as well as messaging with trained coaches.

“With 1 in 5 Americans experiencing a mental illness within a given year, it’s important for us to offer a range of low-acuity to high-acuity support programs for those who may need it, with the goal of helping to address access and affordability challenges,” UnitedHealthcare Chief Medical Officer Rhonda Randall, DO, said in a news release.

The new program includes the following features:

• Plan members can connect with a dedicated behavioral health coach for 30-minute weekly audio or video calls, as well as in-app messaging between sessions.
• Coaches tailor programs based on individual users’ needs. At the outset of an 8-week coaching program, members complete an assessment to identify their behavioral healthcare needs. A coach is then assigned for weekly engagement.
• Coaching sessions use cognitive behavior therapy tools and techniques to provide members with appropriate action plans.
• In addition to coach interactions, program participants are provided with 24/7 access to relevant content, as well as resiliency tools upon completion of the program.

UnitedHealthcare noted in its news release that its virtual behavioral health coaches are supported by licensed mental health professionals, allowing for referrals to higher levels of care to be made as needed.

UnitedHealthcare’s network includes more than 375,000 behavioral health professionals, including more than 125,000 virtual caregivers.

Reference

UnitedHealthcare expands suite of behavioral health offerings with virtual behavioral coaching. News release. UnitedHealth Group. January 19, 2023. Accessed January 25, 2023.