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Optum Wellbeing
Optum Behavioral Care
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Therapy and counseling

Therapy and counseling are evidence-based mental health services that help individuals understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing skills to navigate life's challenges. Licensed therapists provide a safe, confidential space to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. Through personalized treatment plans and practical coping strategies, therapy supports emotional well-being, personal growth, and healthier relationships. Therapy and counseling can help people build resilience, improve daily functioning, and create lasting positive change in their lives.

What to expect during therapy and counseling

Therapy usually starts with a conversation with your therapist. They will use this time to learn about:

  • You and your experiences
  • What you’re struggling with
  • How your struggles are affecting your life
  • Your accomplishments
  • Your strengths

From there, you and your therapist will work together to create a plan based on your needs and goals.


Sessions are usually held weekly—in person or virtually. You and your therapist will adjust your sessions to fit your needs and concerns. You may talk about your thoughts, feelings, relationships and experiences. Your therapist may help you set goals and track your progress over time. They may also ask you to complete short worksheets or practice skills between sessions.


Depending on your needs, your therapist may recommend other types of support, too.


How therapy and counseling can help

Therapy may help people manage many kinds of mental health concerns, including:

  • Anger or strong emotions
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Eating disorders
  • Feeling stuck
  • Living with a chronic illness
  • Low self-esteem
  • Stress
  • Substance use and addiction
  • Difficult feelings after a traumatic experience

Therapy can also help people cope with life events and challenges, such as:

  • Family conflict
  • Grief
  • Hard experiences
  • Job loss
  • Major life changes
  • Relationship problems
  • School or work stress


Benefits of therapy and counseling

Therapy may help you:

  • Understand your thoughts and feelings
  • Learn about and accept who you are
  • Improve your daily life and health
  • Reduce stress, anxiety and depression
  • Communicate better
  • Cope with the impact of an illness
  • Manage grief and loss
  • Strengthen relationships
  • Build coping skills and make helpful changes in your thoughts, feelings and behaviors

Find the right care for you

Caring, personalized support for your mental health. Connect with a mental health professional and get started today.