Insurance & payment
In network with Optum, in New York.
Body image and self-esteem therapy, in network with select Optum plans in New York. Virtual anywhere in the state, in person in Patchogue.
Prefer to call or text? 631-371-4888
- Network
- In network with select Optum plans in New York.
- Sessions
- Virtual anywhere in New York, or in person in Patchogue.
- Vermont
- Vermont clients are private pay, with a sliding scale.
- Before booking
- Verify your own benefits with Optum directly.
What to know
Before your first session.
Optum administers behavioral health benefits for a large number of members, often for UnitedHealthcare plans, and this practice is in network for select New York plans. Sessions are by video anywhere in New York or in person at the Patchogue office.
Coverage varies by plan, employer and deductible even within the same insurer, so verify your own benefits before your first session. The number on the back of your card is the fastest route, and the question to ask is whether outpatient mental health telehealth is covered and what your copay or deductible is.
If you are not sure whether your benefits run through Optum, the back of your insurance card usually names whoever handles behavioral health, and that is the number worth calling.
Common questions
About cover and cost.
- What is the difference between Optum and UnitedHealthcare here?
- For many members there is no practical difference. Optum administers the behavioral health side of a lot of UnitedHealthcare plans, and this practice is in network for select plans under both.
- Does Optum need to authorize therapy first?
- Some plans require preauthorization for certain services and many do not for routine outpatient therapy. Ask when you call, because it is easier to sort out before the first session.
- What happens if my coverage changes mid course?
- Tell me as soon as you know. Plans change at renewal, and it is much easier to plan around a change in coverage than to discover it through a denied claim.
Other plans
Also accepted, and private pay.
Cost is a fair thing to ask about first.
Fifteen minutes, free, and bringing up money in it is completely normal rather than awkward.
Prefer to call or text? 631-371-4888
Insurance accepted for select New York plans: Aetna, Northwell Direct, UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Private pay and sliding scale available everywhere, including Vermont.