Behavioral Health

How to Get Credentialed with Optum Behavioral Health in Illinois

Network: Open
30-45 Days CAQH Required

Quick Overview

Timeline

30 - 45 days

CAQH

Required

Re-credentialing

Every 3 year(s)

Delegated

No

Illinois-Specific Requirements

Optum Behavioral Health (UnitedHealth Group). Apply via providerexpress.com. CAQH ProView profile required and must be attested. Optum handles BH credentialing for all UHC plans. Processing 45-90 days. Accepted BH license types in IL: LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Licensed Psychologist, MD/DO (Board Certified), PMHNP. State licensing board: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Licensed Professional Counselor. Active state license and NPI required. Also accepts LCPC (Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor) for independent practice. LPC requires supervision in IL; LCPC is the independent-practice-level license. IDFPR regulates all behavioral health licenses. Largest BH managed care organization. Manages BH benefits for UHC, many employer groups, and some Medicaid/Medicare plans.

Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

1

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary credentials including your medical license, DEA certificate, malpractice insurance, NPI number, and any state-specific requirements for Illinois.

2

Complete Your CAQH ProView Profile

Optum Behavioral Health requires a current CAQH ProView profile. Create or update your profile at proview.caqh.org and attest within 120 days.

3

Submit Your Application

Submit your completed enrollment package to Optum Behavioral Health.

4

Track & Follow Up

Credentialing typically takes 30-45 days. Monitor your application status and respond promptly to requests for additional information.

Required Documents Checklist

Board Certification

Conditional

Required if board certified in psychiatry or behavioral health specialty

CV/Resume

5-year work history minimum

DEA License

Conditional

Required if prescribing controlled substances (psychiatrists, APRNs)

Malpractice Insurance

Current malpractice insurance certificate

Medical License

Active state license (MD, DO, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, LPC, etc.)

NPI Certificate

Active NPI number required

Enrollment Forms

Optum Provider Express Application

Online provider application for Optum behavioral health network via Provider Express portal.

Required
Online Open →

Contact Information

Optum BH Credentialing

National

1-800-798-2739

Optum BH General

National

1-800-798-2739

Quick Links

Optum Behavioral Health Website Provider Portal

Need Help?

Let PayerReady handle your Optum Behavioral Health enrollment in Illinois.

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Optum Behavioral Health in Other States

Alaska Alabama Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Connecticut District Of Columbia Delaware Florida

Other Payers in Illinois

Aetna UnitedHealthcare Cigna Healthcare Anthem / Elevance Health Humana Centene Corporation Molina Healthcare Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Illinois Medicaid Aetna Better Health
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