UnitedHealthcare/Optum Therapists in Alabama
Finding a therapist who accepts UnitedHealthcare/Optum insurance can simplify access to mental health support that fits your budget. With 57 verified therapists in Alabama who accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal therapy to address concerns like anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you receive timely, quality care that is covered by your UnitedHealthcare/Optum insurance.
Availability updated: 6/30/2025
Casey Reagan
(they/them)
LICSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
I am Casey, a queer-affirming therapist who is also part of the queer community. I specialize in working with people who are non-conforming regarding sexuality, lifestyle, relationships, gender, religion and many other ways. I want to create a safe and nonjudgmental space for people to explore thoughts, questions, issues, and feelings they are dealing with each day. I have helped many individuals use body awareness to understand emotions and mood and learn how to manage their impacts on daily life. I use an integrated approach that teaches Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Social rhythm therapy, mindfulness, and Solution Focused techniques. I have a lot of experience working with people to manage issues related to grief and loss, life adjustments, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and managing stress and crises. I know there are many ways that people express themselves and their emotions and not everything works for everyone. I bring a creative mindset to sessions to help problem solve the presenting issue.
Megan Bigler Tafolla
(she/her)
LICSW
3 years of experience
Virtual
As a licensed clinical social worker, I am committed to collecting evidenced based "tools for my toolbox" to aid those grappling with finding the new normal after their world has shifted. I most love helping people find language to describe their losses, often when there has been difficulty finding the words, inspiring people to find hope again, and facilitate the development of a plan to move forward in a way that both honors their experiences and embraces the future.
I take an action-oriented, collaborative approach to therapy. I utilize a combination of psycho education, storytelling, and evidenced-based interventions to offer meaningful insight to support clients’ healing. I strongly believe that rock bottom is the foundation upon which we can rebuild our lives. We do regular check-ins to review progress along the way. Our goal is not to change the past, but instead to find some relief from symptoms that impact daily functioning. I will solicit feedback regularly during sessions for takeaways to gauge progress and curate treatment interventions based on what is most engaging and productive for the individual client.
Find therapists experienced in these areas
Virginia Myricks
LMFT
16 years of experience
Virtual
Hello my name is Virginia Myricks, LMFT and my goal is to encourage, challenge and empower you to uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. I understand that every individual struggles with life challenges in their own unique way and it would be my pleasure to work with you on identifying your goals, offering treatment interventions that are best suited to your individual needs and to assist you in experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Alyce Watts
(she/her)
LICSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. I would like to take a moment to introduce myself to you. My name is Alyce, and I am licensed as a clinical social worker in Georgia and Alabama. I'm wondering if you have situations in your life that feel overwhelming and difficult to manage. Perhaps you are feeling down, anxious or just overloaded. It can be a challenge to cope effectively when you have numerous areas to balance in your life. Whatever you are experiencing, I am here to offer support, understanding and solution-focused skills to help you grow and move forward.
It can be difficult to reach out to a therapist, and I believe it will help to know that I am motivated by my genuine love for people. I have a strong, personal commitment to provide a compassionate approach, taking time to truly get to know you and understand your situation.
You are not alone as you work to improve your life. I will be with you and will join you in the important work of moving forward and improving your life!
Kristi James
LPC
3 years of experience
Virtual
I’m Kristi James, a Licensed Professional Counselor passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and find balance. I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Alabama State University and have experience supporting clients through a wide range of mental health concerns.
Using a blend of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Exposure Therapy, I tailor my approach to meet each person where they are. Whether you're working through past trauma, struggling with self-worth, or learning to set healthy boundaries, I’m here to help you unravel the tangled threads of your story and weave a path forward.
I believe healing is a journey best walked together, hand in hand. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hopeless, you don’t have to face it alone, I’m here to support you. Outside of therapy, I love traveling, exploring new cultures, and embracing new experiences. Self-care is essential, and I find joy in life’s simple pleasures: reading a good book, connecting with loved ones, and taking in the world around me.
Let’s begin the journey toward clarity and healing together.
Elizabeth Botts
(she/her)
Frequently rebooked
LP
25 years of experience
Virtual
I love helping people heal from the past and learn to thrive in the present; by resolving past trauma, creating adaptive belief patterns, fostering healthy habits and sleep, and establishing life with meaning and purpose. I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in TN and serving individual adults in Tennessee, Colorado, and Alabama. I have been in the mental health field since 1999 and in practice as a psychologist since 2010.
Rhett Brandt
(he/him)
LPC
27 years of experience
Virtual
I have been doing clinical counseling for 25 years, and unlike most providers, I have a doctorate degree in counseling. I believe that the extra education helps me to provide more thorough, informed, and helpful feedback for clients.
I currently provide therapy on a broad range of issues including trauma, anxiety, substance abuse and mood disorders. I am also comfortable working with sexual, gender, and eating issues. I have experience as well with neurodivergence and autism spectrum clients. My passion in a clinical setting involves working with trauma and dissociation, in particular clients with Dissociative Identity Disorder.
I believe in giving you tangible feedback and practical solutions. I intend to demystify the process of counseling so that you can truly benefit from your work.
In terms of my own self-care I enjoy walking outdoors as a means of reconnecting with nature. Recently, I rediscovered tennis, and have been playing doubles with a local group twice a week. I also recently started playing ping pong and pickleball.
Jennifer Meador
(she/her)
LPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Specialization: depression, anxiety, bipolar, stress, anger, addiction, grief, self-esteem, relationships, divorce, infidelity, borderline personality.
I hold the following credentials:
▪ Licensed Professional Counselor in 5 states: AL, MS, PA, CO, FL
▪ NCC National Board-Certified Counselor
▪ BC-TMH Board-Certified Telemental Health Provider
▪ Level 2 Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
▪ Certificate in CBTi for Insomnia
▪ Certified Grief Informed Professional
▪ Qualified Substance Abuse Professional
Shelldyne Joseph-Vassor
(she/her)
LICSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
Supportive. Culturally Attuned. Results-Focused.
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained? You don’t have to go through it alone. I’m Shelldyne, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, grief, and major life transitions.
I provide a compassionate, down-to-earth approach that combines evidence-based strategies with a deep respect for your personal and cultural background. Whether you're dealing with work stress, relationship challenges, or simply need space to breathe and be heard, I'm here to help you feel more balanced, empowered, and in control.
As a Haitian-American therapist fluent in Haitian Creole, I specialize in working with diverse populations and understand the unique challenges faced by first-generation individuals and people from communities where mental health is often stigmatized.
Let’s work together to uncover your strengths, heal what’s heavy, and build a life that feels more aligned with who you are.
DeShala Hunt
(she/her)
LICSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and owner of The Kairos Experience, PLLC. I have been professionally practicing for three years. I am trained and skilled at assisting clients in navigating recovery from childhood trauma and narcissistic abuse, effective parenting using Attachment Theory, couples counseling, and treating individuals with depression, anger issues, and anxiety. I currently have openings for 5-7 couples (self-pay only) and 20 adolescents or adults.
Catherine Purser
LICSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a dedicated and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. With a Master’s degree in Social Work from Stephen F Austin University and a Doctorate of Business Administration in Healthcare Management and Leadership, I have a passion for helping individuals and families overcome obstacles and reach their fullest potential.
Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community and state mental health centers, corrections and skilled nursing facilities. This diverse background has equipped me with a broad range of skills and strategies to address a wide array of mental health issues.
Molly Asbury
LICSW
16 years of experience
Virtual
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Texas, Florida, Alabama and SC with 16 years of experience providing mental health services to individuals.
I believe it is often our past experiences that make-up our present and it influences our future. Through these experiences, we fashion our own individual stories.
My clients describe me as a Therapist who makes them feel heard, respected, validated, seen, encouraged and they feel safe to share when they are with me.
In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and empathy so you can overcome the obstacles that are holding you back. Let's work together!
Allison Bates
LPC
1 year of experience
Virtual
Hi there! My name is Allison Bates, M.Ed, NCC, LPC. I earned my bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Montevallo and have been working in the field of mental health since 2019. I consider myself a very honest and personable counselor and prefer a casual and collaborative approach to therapy. I use an eclectic therapeutic approach mostly pulling from cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, and solution focused brief therapy. I work together with my clients to identify therapeutic goals and pull from the different modalities to appropriately challenge my clients and address their specific and individual needs.
I believe you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges you will face throughout your life. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Sharise M Bijou
(she/her)
LICSW
16 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed clinical social worker with 16 years of professional work experience. I am trained to work with multiple specialties; such as trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, communication, relationship problems, substance use disorders, confidence, work stress, sleep issues, and a lot more. I believe in constantly enhancing my clinical skills to accomplish my mission of helping as many people as I can to heal. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, EMDR, DBT, Emotional Focused Couples Therapy, ADHD (adults only who have previously been diagnosed), Narcissistic Abuse and Personality disorders, and Internal Family Systems. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. Success looks different to everyone, so together we will work on a plan to get you to where you want to be. I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey.
Patricia Corbitt
(she/her)
LICSW
11 years of experience
Virtual
I am Patricia Corbitt, a LICSW Social Worker with a DMin degree in Biblical Leadership. I provide Christian-based psychotherapy ages 8 to adult. I have been a social worker since 2004 and a Clinical Social Worker since 2017. Experienced in school social work, non-profits, and foster care/adoption. I believe in positive communication, self-affirmation, and positive thinking to help the individual build self-esteem and self-worth because everyone deserves to be treated equally and with respect.
Chelsea McCormick
Frequently rebooked
LICSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am Chelsea!
If you are ready to begin a gentle journey of recovery (whether from childhood stuff, dysfunctional relationships, unhealthy habits, or sudden loss), I would be honored to travel alongside and coach you through. We can work together to build and strengthen your confidence in yourself (and your decisions), improve your mood, and determine a new, better way to live.
Nicole Chess
LMFT
16 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Nicole Chess and I have a masters in sport psychology and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I have a master's sport psychology degree from John F. Kennedy University and I have a masters in marriage and family therapy. I also have a B.A. in Business with a specialization in management information systems from San Jose State University, which I played on the number #1 golf team for many years and was in the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association). I have a passion for helping individuals transform their lives and dreams into bigger and better ones. I will collaborate with you so we come up with a plan to implement practical ways to make them come true! I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy plus hypnotherapy. I can incorporate these inside therapy so that you can improve outside of therapy and in your daily life. My clients usually see improvement in as little as 3 to 4 sessions. I have worked with lawyers, pilots, pro athletes, techies, and people from all faiths and all walks of life.
Socorro Dennis
(she/her)
LICSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello I'm Socorro.
My name is Socorro "Cora" Dennis, and I am a Florida based Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I work with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults (18 and up), and specialize in anxiety, stress, grief, and addiction using Client-centered and strength based approaches and incorporating both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
Dr. Brittany Fenwick
LP
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist and an evidence-based Empowerment Coach, who helps high-achieving adults heal from trauma and manage mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression-TX and AL residents. I am trained in evidenced based treatment (trauma- focused treatment, cognitive behavioral therapies) with extensive experience working with groups, couples and individuals. I am dedicated to providing high quality care!
Bill Massey
(he/him)
LICSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Bill Massey and I am a licensed clinical social worker practicing in
west central Georgia and east central Alabama. I graduated from the University of Georgia's MSW program in 1993 and became an LCSW in 1996. I have worked in home health and hospice for most of my career with a strong emphasis on geriatrics and dementia care. I have experience in inpatient psychiatric settings and residential services as well.
I am looking to fill a niche that I have seen wanting attention for some time. For many years I have seen elders and their families in their homes but had to refer out any counseling other than crisis intervention to outpatient therapists. The problem is that I have been referring homebound people for outpatient therapy. This is not effective for many reasons.
With the help of Grow Therapy, I intend to offer my services of counseling and case management to people in the comfort of their own homes. I will become a mobile mental health provider to serve a population that has gone largely underserved for all too long. My coverage area for in-home therapy will be Lee, Russell, and Chambers counties in Alabama as well as Muscogee, Chattahoochee, and Harris Counties in Georgia.
I am opening up limited appointment times for virtual counseling as of mid May 2024.
Kristy Baker
LPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Alabama. I received my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) from Troy University and have been practicing for 7 years. My passion is helping those struggling with overcoming past traumas, as well as helping those struggling with overcoming feelings of anxiety and depression. I want to see clients renew their joy for life and come out stronger than ever before. I want them to see themselves as victors of their life.
Terri Hoag
(she/her)
LICSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I currently live in Mobile, Alabama but I am licensed in four other states as well. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa. I have been a Social Work for 30 years and have worked with all ages. I feel my purpose is to help you identify ways to improve your life.
Tomeka Danne-Wilson
(she/her)
LPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm Tomeka, a licensed professional counselor & certified rehabilitation counselor with over 8 years of dedicated experience serving individuals in Alabama. My practice focuses on providing affirming, culturally sensitive therapy and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. I received my master's from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
I believe in a client-centered, strengths-based approach that empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges-whether related to identity, mental health, disability adjustment, or societal barriers. My background includes trauma-informed care, career counseling for people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+-affirming therapy to support clients in living authentically and confidently.
Cindy Yu
LMFT
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, welcome! I am a bilingual (English and Mandarin Chinese) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a Master’s degree (Summa Cum Laude) in Marriage and Family Therapy and am currently a third-year PhD candidate in Couples and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University. I am professionally trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, solution-focused therapy, Bowen’s theory, Gottman Method, CBT, and more. I work mainly with clients who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, trauma, self-esteem, or relationship issues. I also work with clients who want to work on self-growth and gain more insight in life.
Lauren Diaz
(she/her)
LICSW
11 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Texas and Alabama. I am also a certified personal trainer through NASM. I help individuals reconnect the mind and body through somatic psychotherapy and mindfulness practices. I started private practice in 2019 but have been in the field of social work since 2014. I help young adults and older adults build on healthier coping skills and reconnect with themselves by becoming more attuned with their mind and body.
Frequently asked questions
Why filter by Alabama rather than a city
like Huntsville?
When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Alabama from Montgomery to Birmingham! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Alabama.
Will my therapist take UnitedHealthcare/Optum?
Yes! If you use UnitedHealthcare/Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have UnitedHealthcare/Optum you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.
How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?
The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.
What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?
Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.
Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?
Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.
What to expect during your first session?
Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.
Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.
Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.