Anxiety and Depression

WHA members can call Optum directly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A referral from a primary care physician (PCP) is not required — get started by searching the online directory to find a provider.

• Group/Individual Plan Members
  • Call 800.765.6820
  • Search for Mental Health Providers with Optum

Both virtual and in-person outpatient therapy with access to thousands of mental health professionals - specializing in a variety of areas - are available.  Optum also offers Express Access providers who guarantee an appointment within five (5) days. 

Feeling worried or nervous sometimes part of everyday life. Everyone frets or feels anxious from time to time. Some anxiety can help you focus your attention, energy, and motivation. But when it is severe, you may have feelings of helplessness, confusion, and extreme worry or overwhelming anxiety interferes with daily life. That anxiety affects the part of the brain that helps control how you communicate. This makes it harder to express yourself creatively or function effectively in relationships. Some symptoms could be: 

• Restlessness, irritability, or feeling on edge or keyed up
• Worrying too much
• Fearing that something bad is going to happen; feeling doomed
• Inability to concentrate; feeling like your mind goes blank

No one should feel embarrassed or ashamed about feeling some depression. You are not alone. Depression is a common illness. It affects the young and old, men and women, all ethnic groups, and all professions. If you are unsure of your symptoms, go to WHA's Symptoms page, and reach our to Optum's care team.