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Evernorth, Optum, Carelon: who actually manages my mental health benefits?

Your card might say Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, or Blue Cross, but your therapy benefits are often administered under a different name — Evernorth for Cigna, Optum for UnitedHealthcare, Carelon for many Anthem and Blue plans. It is the same coverage, managed by a behavioral-health administrator. Call Navi at 888-505-NAVI (6284) and a navigator sorts out which network applies.

The common behavioral-health administrators

Cigna: Evernorth Behavioral Health (formerly Cigna Behavioral Health).

UnitedHealthcare (UHC, United): Optum Behavioral Health (formerly United Behavioral Health), often via the Live and Work Well portal.

Aetna (part of CVS Health): Aetna Behavioral Health.

Many Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield plans: Carelon Behavioral Health (formerly Beacon Health Options). Horizon BCBS of New Jersey has used Horizon Behavioral Health.

Why it matters when you look for a therapist

A therapist may list the administrator ("accepts Optum" or "Evernorth") rather than the parent insurer, or vice versa. That mismatch is a common reason people think a provider does not take their plan when it actually does.

A Navi navigator knows these relationships and verifies the right network for your specific plan before matching you. Navi is not affiliated with these administrators and does not guarantee benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my therapy claim say Evernorth or Optum instead of my insurer?
Many insurers 'carve out' mental health benefits to a specialized administrator: Cigna uses Evernorth Behavioral Health, UnitedHealthcare uses Optum, and many Anthem and Blue Cross plans use Carelon. You still have the same plan and member ID; the administrator just manages the behavioral-health network.
What insurances do you accept?
We work with all insurances—Medicaid, Medicare, commercial plans, and even out-of-pocket options. Our navigators will help you understand your coverage and find in-network providers.

Related answers

Ready to get matched?

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navigation is free for callers. Partner practices receive matched patients. For emergencies call 911; for a crisis call or text 988.

Navi is not a crisis service and does not provide clinical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

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Navi Practices

Navi is your human-led navigation service for therapy and psychiatry, connecting you to the right care in days, not weeks. We simplify the search for mental health support, ensuring speed-to-care, affordability, and the perfect fit for your needs.

Finding help should be easy. With Navi, it is.

Navi matches you to the right therapist or psychiatrist in one short call. Any insurance including uninsured, Medicaid, and Medicare; all 50 states; all ages. Always free and confidential. Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). First appointments are typically in under a week.

Why people call Navi — and why practices join

Navigators — not a chatbot — check insurance and availability, then help you book. Partners pay Navi when a match succeeds, so callers pay $0 for navigation and practices receive matched patients.

Frequently asked questions

Is Navi really free?

Yes, 100% free! We're here to help you navigate the mental health system—no hidden costs, no catches. We make it easier for you to find care, and our partners pay us when we make a successful match.

What insurances do you accept?

We work with all insurances—Medicaid, Medicare, commercial plans, and even out-of-pocket options. Our navigators will help you understand your coverage and find in-network providers.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most people get scheduled within a week. We prioritize urgent cases and work hard to find the fastest available appointments based on your needs and preferences.

Do you only help adults?

No! We help people of all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors. Whether you're looking for care for yourself or a loved one, we're here to help.

What if I don't know what type of provider I need?

That's exactly what we're here for! Our navigators will ask you questions to understand your unique needs and recommend the right type of care—whether that's therapy, psychiatry, or specialized treatment.

Is my information confidential?

Absolutely. Your privacy is our top priority. We follow all HIPAA guidelines and never share your information without your consent.

Call 888-505-NAVI (6284) · Find your match

Navi is not a crisis service and does not provide clinical care. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Navi Practices — Navi Practices is the practice and partner site for Navi, a free, human-led behavioral health care navigation service. Navigators match people to therapists and psychiatrists — including commercial insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured or self-pay — in all 50 U.S. states. Consumers pay $0; partner practices receive matched patients. Call 888-505-NAVI (6284). Navi is not a crisis line and does not provide clinical care.