Optum Therapists in Connecticut

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 126 verified therapists in Connecticut who accept Optum insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and solution-focused therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you have access to quality care that fits within your Optum insurance coverage.

Availability updated: 7/12/2025

Richard Spears, MS, MA

(he/him)

Richard Spears, MS, MA, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Richard Spears LPC, LADC has over 20 years of experience as therapist working with, mental health and substance. Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness, to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!

Meg Rose

(she/her)

Meg Rose, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm a licensed clinical social worker based in northeast Pennsylvania with over 25 years experience as a psychotherapist. I received my bachelors degree from Swarthmore College, my masters degree from Columbia University School of Social Work and I completed a post graduate fellowship in psychiatry at the Yale University Psychiatric Institute. Over the years I've worked with clients of all ages struggling with a wide variety of disorders. Primarily, I help adults 18+ who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and alcohol use disorders. I view our work together as a collaborative venture where I help you to identify troublesome thoughts and behaviors and replace them with positive ones. We will accomplish this utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and other forms of therapy as needed.

Marlena Maglieri

(she/her)

Marlena Maglieri, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
I work with Millennial & Gen Z women experiencing high-functioning anxiety, ADHD, or both. Through action-oriented talk therapy and skill-building, you can achieve practical, long-term relief. Faith-based counseling may also be utilized. You may be seeking guidance to work through perfectionism, peopIe-pleasing, and self-doubt. Navigating dating & relationships and managing anxious attachment may also be difficult. During sessions, you will learn skills to help break out of constant worry, fear, and "what-if" thought patterns.

Kim Kennedy

(she/her)

Kim Kennedy, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Are you feeling stuck and ready for a change? Let’s sit down and work through it together! Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, conflict in your relationships or just overall feeling stressed, I am here to help. My name is Kim and I’m a LCSW with over 10 years of experience. I’m passionate about helping people build skills to live more fulfilled, happy lives.

Jennifer Clesi

Jennifer Clesi, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
35 years of experience
Virtual
With 35 years of experience as a social worker, I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages—from children and teens to couples and families. Over the years, I have honed a deep understanding of the unique challenges people face, whether it's managing depression, anxiety, or navigating difficult life transitions. As a stepmother of 38 years, I bring firsthand experience with the complexities of stepfamily dynamics, and I specialize in helping blended families find harmony. I believe in the power of a compassionate, collaborative approach to therapy. As a good listener, I am committed to working alongside you to create a treatment plan that reflects your unique needs and aspirations. Together, we'll focus on your goals and take meaningful steps towards you becoming the best version of yourself. I am excited about the opportunity to work with you and support your journey to healing and growth.

Dr. Bernard Scott

(he/him)

Dr. Bernard Scott, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Bernard Scott, and I live in Boston Massachusetts. I attended Boston Public Schools, attended Boston University for my bachelor's degree, Simmons University for my master's degree, and Southern California School of Professional Studies where I received my Doctorate (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology. I became licensed in (psychiatric) Clinical Social Work and received my LICSW License in 1996. I have been in this field for over 35 years and worked in a number of clinics, hospitals in Boston and Brockton. I enjoy helping people find their inner strength and work through those subconscious unresolved issues from the past so that the individual can finally be free from childhood traumas, past relationship issues ect. I strongly believe that between the developmental ages of 1 through 18 can and does affect who you are today and what ever happened to you between that time still has a hold on you today at the ages of 20, 30 50, etc. Getting rid of all that hurt, anger, trauma, etc. so that you can address it, work through it, come to terms with it and ultimately leave it all behind, and unload it.

Elizabeth Lachapelle

Elizabeth Lachapelle, LP - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LP
36 years of experience
Virtual
Short-term counseling with an experienced professional to clarify thoughts and feelings, learn mental health management skills and plan for mental health and wellness. Possible topics include general mental health questions, improving mental health, goal setting, building cognitive and behavioral skills, dealing with life transitions, and clarifying thoughts and feelings. I am not licensed in treatment of substance abuse or addictions. I do not do court related work. Adults only.

Jay Carpenter

(she/her)

Jay Carpenter, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
3 years of experience
Virtual
I am licensed in Connecticut with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Nicolas Navarro

(he/him)

Nicolas Navarro, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
1 year of experience
Virtual
Hey! I am a father, a husband, and a compassionate human being who finds pleasure in helping others. I hold a LCSW licensure from NYU and have experience working in the home-setting, hospital-setting and now private practice. I have worked with both individuals and in groups and take great pride in my work. I enjoy being part of the journey towards change, growth and fulfilment.

Dennis Konadu

(He/Him)

Dennis Konadu, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
18 years of experience
Virtual
Dennis Konadu is a veteran of the US Army, and a dually licensed provider (LICSW and LADC). Dennis has 18 years of experience treating people with mental health disorders and specializes in substance use. Dennis graduated with his Masters in Social Work from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work in 2007 and has been practicing ever since. Currently, Dennis is in the process of completing a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology (PsyD) from Rivier University in New Hampshire. Beginning mental health treatment can be daunting at first. You may have questions or even feel uncomfortable about speaking with someone. This therapist can help you by providing care that is unique, empowering and respectful of your needs. Whether you are reading this for yourself or for someone you love, you have come to the right place. Please reach out so we can take the next step in your treatment, together.

Ivelisse Correa

(she/her)

Ivelisse Correa, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPC
16 years of experience
Virtual
Hello I'm Ivelisse I am a LMHC and Qualified Supervisor for the state of Florida, specializing in child, adolescent and young adult counseling. If you are a parent, care giver or guardian and have a child struggling with recent behaviors in school, home or community settings, you have come to the right profile. I work from the approach of being client-centered and trauma informed care. Adjusting to life changes and anxieties can be challenging and having a safe place to process and navigate the journey of healing and empowerment is essential. Behaviors, family stressors and trauma can affect the family unit. My specialty is working with children, families and young adults between ages 5-25 years old healing from trauma, managing anger, anxiety, depression and more. Together we can develop healthy coping strategies and use a complete self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and creative expressions to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself, child and/or family. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the challenges and habits that's holding you back. Let's work together! I look forward to hearing from you.

Alexandra Psilos

(she/her)

Alexandra Psilos, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm Alexandra, a licensed professional counselor based in Connecticut with over 10 years of experience. I work with clients across the lifespan, from children to adults, helping them navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and the unique stresses of parenting. My approach is warm, honest, and collaborative, and I use evidence-based techniques like CBT, combined with other tools like DBT and art therapy, to provide a flexible, supportive, and effective therapeutic experience.

Alicia Zamora

(she/her)

Alicia Zamora, LMFT - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
I believe that everyone has the tools they need to implement the changes they want. As a therapist, it is my job to help you access these tools through, providing new broader perspectives and understanding how contexts and perspectives may be limiting you. I practice under the theory that relationships work in systemic ways, meaning when one aspect of a relationship is not functioning as it should another aspect will suffer. Through collaborative discussion I will challenge you to broaden your perspective in relationships, allowing you to access your internal tools to implement the necessary changes. Sometimes life is just funny, during our sessions we will laugh, cry and we may even disagree all in an effort to reach our goals and or elevate symptoms. If you are willing to do the work together we can help you create change.

Jamie Winn

Jamie Winn, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Have you ever felt misunderstood by family and friends? Find it difficult to trust others including professionals? Have difficulty being seen as a person and not your condition? Do you feel alone? Do you struggle with adapting and accepting your chronic illness or chronic pain? Let's talk! I can help you build tools to gain strength and confidence in managing your personal challenges. I empower adults with chronic illness/ pain or a history of abuse to take back their control and create healthy supports in order to stay on a path towards healing. Our experiences with our body or from how others treat us create unhealthy pathways for self regulation often exhibited as anger or anxiety. The compassion and guidance I provide will rewire those pathways allowing you to be the best version of yourself. In our sessions together, we will work on making small manageable changes through mindfulness, changing behaviors and embracing a positive healthy mindset. It’s often scary to start therapy for the first time or even to go back to therapy but it is the best self care gift you can give to yourself.

Heather McDonough Hoagland

Heather McDonough Hoagland, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a CT native, who went to grad school in Wilmington North Carolina. I have worked in many different areas of mental healthcare, from mental health hospitals, to military prisons, community based mental health, military bases, and private practice. I have a letter of commendation from SECNAV for responding to the Navy Yard Shooting in 2013. I am trained in Solution Focused Therapy, (trauma informed) CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing I am a mom to an amazing kid and 3 corgis, and my self care activities include cooking, gardening, going for walks with friends and my pups, knitting, movies/series, and working with my local Special Education PTA. I also have a podcast where I talk about 2 of my passions; movies and mental health. I value being transparent and coming from non-judgement and empathy with my clients and helping them achieve THEIR goals. I enjoy learning and have been spending the past couple of years trying to learn from lens that increase knowledge with variety of cultural competencies.

Giang (Mimi) Vo

Giang (Mimi) Vo, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
My therapeutic style is supportive, collaborative, and grounded in a strength-based approach. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate space where you can explore, heal, and grow—at your own pace and in alignment with your unique needs. I believe in taking a holistic and individualized approach, recognizing that every person’s journey is different and that healing is not one-size-fits-all. I enjoy working with those navigating life transitions, as well as those managing symptoms related to trauma. My experience includes working with adolescents, adults, and families.

Karen Fahey

(she/her)

Karen Fahey, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and welcome! My name is Karen Fahey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience. I work with individuals and ages 18 and up. In a safe and supportive environment, my approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental and collaborative. I use a holistic approach with a goal of healing, change and integration. I strive to help individuals live through their pain and get to a place where they love themselves and where they can be freer to absorb love from others. I will help you to understand patterns of thinking and behavior by cultivating self awareness and self acceptance. By seeking help you are demonstrating that you have courage, strength and hope. You are not alone. During my 25 plus years as a therapist I have worked with a diverse population ages 5 throught the life span. I worked in a variety of therapeutic settings including private practice, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, community mental health centers and a cancer center.

Katerina Kouliaki

Katerina Kouliaki, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in New York and licensed in the states of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut. I have been practicing for 7 years and I am proud to say that I have supported adults and adolescents throughout challenging mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, grief and postpartum mood struggles, as well as adjustment to life transitions. I am Bilingual able to perform treatment sessions both in English and Greek.

Inna Dobkin

(she/her)

Inna Dobkin, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University. My concentration was clinical practice in health and mental health settings. For the past 14 years I have been working in a hospital setting. During this time I have worked with individuals and families facing serious illness, life altering diagnosis, grief, substance abuse, homelessness as well as various other life transitions, depression, anxiety and panic attacks.

Tameko Penny

(she/her)

Tameko Penny, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome—I’m Tameko, and I’m genuinely glad you’re here. If you’re reading this, it likely means something in your life feels out of alignment or unfulfilled. Perhaps you're facing difficulty initiating or following through on goals, feeling trapped by limiting beliefs, managing persistent mental health challenges, or carrying the weight of unresolved trauma or disconnection. Whatever brings you here, know that transformation is possible. My work is centered on helping individuals identify and dismantle the internal and external barriers that hinder growth, joy, and self-connection. Together, we’ll pave the way toward a more empowered, grounded, and satisfying life experience."

Dr. Mertens

(he/him)

Dr. Mertens, LP - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
20 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a licensed Psychologist in CT and FL dedicated to helping you find a way to manage your symptoms and effectively negotiate the complexities of how you relate within yourself and to the world around you. I received my PH.D. in Clinical Psychology from PGSP (Palo Alto University). My APA internship was at the State of CT DMHAS River Valley Services, with rotations at CT Valley Hospital. I completed my post-doc at the UCONN Dept. of Psychology, Research Division. My career was spent working in skilled nursing and military settings.

Michele Binezewski

Michele Binezewski, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPC
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, grief loss and trauma. I utilize a strength based approach to cognitive behavioral therapy. I have successfully engaged clients in a trusting therapeutic relationship. With over 25 years in the field helping people move forward in the lives. I encourage you to reach out and starting your healing process.

Yaasmiyn Marcelle

(she/her)

Yaasmiyn Marcelle, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
2 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings my name is Yaasmiyn Marcelle. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut and South Carolina. I received my Master's from Post University. I have worked in social services since 2009. I believe working with all populations is my life's work as my dream is for all those who want to live a positive life are able to do so.

Ashley Quinones

(she/her)

Ashley Quinones, LMFT - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
PLEASE NOTE. WE WILL HAVE OUR FIRST APPOINTMENT VIRTUALLY, FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS WILL BE DISCUSSED. HI! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CT. I have been in the mental health field for 15 years and a practicing therapist for 8 years! Taking this step to begin therapy is both courageous and meaningful—and I want to acknowledge the strength it takes to reach out. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready to explore a new chapter, I want you to know that you’re not alone. This is a space where your thoughts and feelings matter, and my goal is to offer a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free environment where you can be heard and supported. I’m most commonly found working with teenagers that struggle with family dynamics, ADHD, depression and anxiety. I love my littles as well and will provide a play based apps to supporting them with big feelings… And adults, life is hard! Very experienced in providing care to support life transitions, your parenthood journey or functioning as your best self in your relationships focused on communication, boundaries and that deep inner work! I’m a therapist that works with the lifespan, all ages have a place in my office! - please note, initial assessment will be virtual, unless otherwise discussed! Located in Berlin, CT

Lorraine Kenowski

(she/her)

Lorraine Kenowski, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
30 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut and have over 30 years experience. Helping clients achieve their goals by identifying barriers and thought patterns that get in the way of these goals is key. Learning coping skills, ways to communicate and manage emotions can be valuable and helpful. My direct but empathetic approach will help you meet your goals.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Connecticut rather than a city like Hartford?

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 Connecticut from New Haven to Springfield! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Connecticut.

Will my therapist take Optum?

Yes! If you use Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have 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 Coping Skills?

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. For example, your selected specialty, Coping Skills, is filtering therapists in Connecticut that work with patients with similar concerns.

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.