UnitedHealthcare is expanding access to its child and family behavioral coaching program, making it available to 13 million commercial members.
The program aims to support young people and families in dealing with low-severity behavioral health needs, such as mild to moderate anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bullying, depression and sleep difficulties. It leans on early intervention and education to prevent potential concerns from worsening.
The offering was first made available in 2023 to select fully insured health plan clients, and the latest expansion extends that to an additional 5 million individuals at no additional cost to their employer, the company said in an announcement.
Through the program, patients can access up to four virtual coaching sessions monthly, with appointments available within 48 hours. They can also use unlimited secure messaging and educational resources, connecting with certified coaches who are supervised by licensed clinicians.
Should a patient need more high-level care, they can be referred to a clinician through the program, UnitedHealthcare said.
“Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in a person’s mental health journey,” said Donald Tavakoli, M.D., national medical director for behavioral health at UnitedHealthcare, in an announcement. “Individuals who receive support for low severity behavioral concerns early on may be less likely to develop more serious conditions later."
"Expanding access to coaching may help families understand and address their concerns sooner," Tavakoli said.
UnitedHealth said that the average age for a participant in the program is 12. An analysis conducted earlier this year by the company based on data from 2023 to 2025 found improvements in symptoms related to anxiety or depression through coaching.
The program also carries a net promoter score of 76, indicating significant satisfaction among members.
The behavioral coaching program works alongside other offerings, such as access to mental health app Calm Health and in-the-moment supports available by phone around the clock. Through Calm, individuals can connect to mental health screenings, therapy referrals, coaching and daily self-care content.
UHC has found that among members who completed two or more assessments through Calm, close to 40% saw an improvement in their symptoms for depression and anxiety.
The 24/7 support center is staffed by experts that aim to de-escalate issues in the moment and refer members to next steps or ongoing care options if they need them. The insurer found that 57% of members that used the in-the-moment support line did not have a behavioral health claims within 90 days.
“This expansion reflects a broader effort to help make early access to behavioral health support easier,” said Rebecca Madsen, CEO of advocacy, behavioral and clinical for UnitedHealthcare, in the announcement. “By expanding our low severity offerings, our goal is to help families navigate mental health concerns before they escalate — and providing employers with additional options to support employees and their families.”