Optum Therapists in Connecticut

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 21 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: 7/2/2025

Emily Felske

Emily Felske, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, my name is Emily and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in CT and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in IL who works with adolescents and adults using a variety of theoretical perspectives in individual, family and group therapy sessions. I have over twelve years of clinical experience in a variety of environments including outpatient, inpatient, community, and in-home settings. I specialize in working with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and clients of all ages who have experienced varying types of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. This experience has helped to expand my clinical areas of expertise such as stress and anxiety reduction, management of depressive and mood symptoms, harm reduction and substance abuse, and symptoms/risk behaviors associated with personality and attachment disorders. Additionally, I have worked within the foster care system providing both individual and family therapy services to children, adolescents, and guardians. I incorporate an array of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and solution-focused interventions into my treatment approach. In my extensive work with anxiety disorders and effects of trauma, I have frequently utilized DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) techniques, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and other interventions which focus on the psychosomatic manifestation of mental suffering in the body. I am motivated to help clients integrate past experiences into their current identity to increase insight in such a way as to make progress toward personal goals.

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.

Rebecca Mullin

(she/her)

Rebecca Mullin, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hey, I'm Rebecca, Take a deep breathe and acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health. Let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. I help adults explore their relationships and gain insight into patterns that reinforce stress. My goal is to boost your quality of life, self-worth, and confidence. I firmly believe in the power of positivity. A good mindset can truly make a difference, turning a rough moment into just a blip on the radar. Remember, growth and change are within your reach, and I'm here to support you every step of the journey. Schedule our first session and let's get you on the road to feeling better today.

JC Caro

(she/her)

JC Caro, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPC
25 years of experience
Virtual
You may be nervous about participating in therapy due to worries of feeling vulnerable or being judged. I work hard to provide an environment that is accepting and supportive and simultaneously looks for ways that increase growth and healing. My approach emphasizes skill-building, self-knowledge, and balance. My experience has included working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, family conflict, trauma, and other issues that accompany adolescence and adulthood. Together we'll explore the tools that will work for you in working through your issues and coming out stronger! I view my role in your life as being part of your team where I can help you determine what is best for you. It is through working together that I believe positive changes can occur.

Elias Tamene

Elias Tamene, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a dedicated psychotherapist committed to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, improve emotional well-being, and foster personal growth. With a client-centered approach, I provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, or life transitions, I integrate evidence-based techniques tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights to create lasting change and live a more fulfilling life.

Emmanuel Ihemedu, PhD

(he/him)

Emmanuel Ihemedu, PhD, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am Emmanuel Ihemedu, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Connecticut with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Connecticut. My journey as both a pastor and a counselor has been deeply rooted in a commitment to healing, growth, and transformation. With nearly two decades of experience in providing compassionate support, I specialize in helping individuals navigate life's most challenging moments, whether they are dealing with grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties. I serve clients who are seeking not just relief from their immediate struggles but also a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. My approach is holistic, integrating evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a deep understanding of the spiritual dimensions of healing. Whether you are facing emotional distress, grappling with life transitions, or searching for greater fulfillment, my goal is to guide you toward a place of peace, strength, and self-discovery. Through our work together, I aim to empower you to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and achieve lasting change. I am here to walk alongside you on your journey, providing a safe, nurturing space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, gain new insights, and develop the tools you need to lead a more fulfilling life.

Mark Zauss

Mark Zauss, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
17 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a licensed mental health counselor in Florida, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, with over 17 years of experience helping individuals overcome life’s challenges and achieve meaningful personal growth. I specialize in treating ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, narcissistic abuse recovery, bipolar disorder, complex trauma, OCD, PTSD, agoraphobia, social anxiety, relationship struggles, career issues, and alcohol use disorder. I'm an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider, Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician, and a Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist. I'm also a Double Board Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). I offer online counseling as a Board Certified Telehealth Provider, giving clients flexible, convenient access to therapy from wherever they are. My approach is grounded in evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. I graduated with honors from Rollins College, one of the top-ranked institutions in the field of mental health counseling. Since then, I’ve been committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for the individuals I serve. Whether you're navigating the effects of trauma, struggling with attention or mood regulation, working to break free from a toxic relationship, or simply seeking clarity and direction, I’m here to help. My goal is to support you in developing practical tools, deeper self-understanding, and lasting emotional resilience so you can live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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.

Stephanie/Stevie Willoughby

(she/her)

Stephanie/Stevie Willoughby, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
I value authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness, both for myself and my clients, and as a critical part of the therapeutic process (I also take advantage of the healing power of laughter whenever possible!). I aim to normalize and validate my clients’ experiences without judgment, and above all, provide the most basic of human needs: to feel seen and heard. My name is Stephanie (or Stevie, either is fine) and I have been providing therapy in NJ exclusively via telehealth for about the last 5 years (prior to that, in person). I have a deep passion and respect for the power of therapy to change lives, which I have been privileged to witness in my work with clients, as well as in my personal life, both through the consistent use of therapy as part of my own self-care, as well as having spent the last 20 years raising two children with special needs. If you have been struggling with symptoms of depression or anxiety, particularly if they are related to a traumatic experience, I would love the opportunity to work with you to reduce your symptoms and help you experience a present that is not overshadowed by your past. I love working with women ages 20 to 30-something who are still in academia or just starting out in their careers, but also love working with women of any age. I frequently work with survivors of child sexual abuse, as well as those struggling with issues related to self-worth, but work with other conditions as well.

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.

Michael Shilleh

Michael Shilleh, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
I am a compassionate provider that uses my empathy and ability to connect with clients to provide hope and meaning in their lives. I utilize many different techniques and interventions to shed light on areas that may need some. I appreciate the client's perspective while offering reflections that may provide an unrecognized point of view. I always allow space for the client to share their thoughts feelings and emotions in a safe format.

Yomaris Ramos Rivera

(she/her)

Yomaris Ramos Rivera, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
11 years of experience
Virtual
As a licensed professional counselor, I am dedicated to providing compassionate and effective mental health services to diverse populations. Being bilingual in English and Spanish allows me to connect with a broader range of clients, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to quality care. My bilingualism enhances my ability to communicate more effectively with clients from varied cultural backgrounds, fostering an environment of trust and understanding. I am committed to creating a safe space where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to work through their challenges. Through my experience and training, I have developed a keen understanding of the cultural nuances that influence mental health and well-being in bilingual communities. I strive to integrate culturally competent practices into my counseling approach, recognizing the unique experiences of each client. In my practice, I aim to promote mental health awareness and provide supportive interventions that resonate with the linguistic and cultural identities of my clients. I look forward to continuing my work in this capacity and making a positive impact within the communities I serve. ***ATTENTION: If you do not show up for your intake session your case will be closed. There are 3 documents attached to your file that needs to be filled out before your first session. There is a cancelation fee policy if you do not contact and let me know 24 previous to your appointment. If your health insurance is Husky or Medicaid and you incur two no shows your case will be closed. You need to be pending on emails because this is my way to contact my clients, especially Sundays when I revised the schedule and make adjustments on timing.

Yamira Manrique-Rutgers

(she/her)

Yamira Manrique-Rutgers, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hola! If you are looking for a psychotherapist who is empathetic, open-minded, occasionally funny, and most importantly someone who will push you take the driver's seat in your own treatment, then I am the therapist for you. I’m here to help you to take back ownership of your own life when your symptoms have made you feel powerless. I am trained in a variety of modalities: CBT, DBT, ACT, CPT and psychodynamic therapy. I can take from these modalities what I think will most benefit my clients' progress.

Denise DeBrady

(she/her)

Denise DeBrady, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi. I am Denise DeBrady, LCSW. I graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Master's degree in Social Work. I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I work with clients of all ages, and using a warm, safe environment, assist my clients to identify their strengths, goals, and abilities to cope with and overcome their symptoms and discomforts.

Heather Bohn

Heather Bohn, LP - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
10 years of experience
Virtual
Are you interested in seeking therapy but you just feel so scared and overwhelmed? Maybe your problems just are not big enough? Or maybe your problems are too big? You don't know where to start. Life is stressful, and we are living in hard times. Sometimes we feel alone and like things are out of control, but I am here to help. I can offer nonjudgmental support, strategies to help you cope, short-term goals for growth, and flexibility to your individual needs. I am a Licensed Psychologist, and I am also certified as a School Psychologist. I received my PhD from Fordham University. I have worked in multiple states with children, adolescents, and adults in private practice, community mental health, residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, forensic settings, and schools. I am currently working at a public elementary school during the day. I work with regular people just going through day-to-day challenges and seeking support. I completed an American Psychological Association accredited internship in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. I am also skilled in making diagnoses and conducting evaluations. I offer a wide range of experiences and a broad and flexible approach to treatment. I have worked with individuals from 3 to over 60-years-old with a wide range of diagnoses, including Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Adjustment Disorders. I have also worked with people with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I can work with you on anger management techniques, anxiety coping strategies, strategies for managing depression and stress, behavioral management strategies, and psychoeducation. If you prefer, we can just talk and gain some insight and self-awareness. I will try to understand, and I know that coming to therapy is not easy. You are not alone.

Gianfranco Beaumont

(he/him)

Gianfranco Beaumont, LMFT - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual
Are you tired of feeling trapped in the same endless cycle? Does the weight of your thoughts feel heavier with each passing day? Enough is enough. It's time to reclaim your reality, your joy, your true self. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a deep passion for helping people move through anxiety, depression, and emotional stuck points. I create a space where you can be real, be heard, and begin to heal. My work is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and collaboration—because lasting change comes when we do the work together.

Briana Dovi

(she/her)

Briana Dovi, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
Making that first call to a therapist takes real courage, but the rewards can be profound. I would be honored to be the one to support you in meeting your goals. I have a passion for working with adults 18+ who are struggling with depression, anxiety, panic, relationship issues, women's health, grief, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions and many other struggles. With 10+ years of counseling/social work experience, I know we can work together to build you up and support you in learning techniques to make life a little more manageable. My goal is to help you feel more in control of your lives by cultivating self-awareness, processing emotions, problem-solving, and replacing unsupportive coping skills with healthier strategies. Together we explore and identify the underlying thoughts and emotions that drive these behaviors while working at your pace.

Demetria Agharese

(she/her)

Demetria Agharese, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I’m Demetria Agharese, a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about supporting individuals on their path to healing, empowerment, and mental well-being. The desire to help others has always been at the core of who I am. My practice is built on the foundation of empathy and compassionate care, and I strive to create a therapeutic space where you can feel safe, supported, and understood.

Eugenia Dansinghani

Eugenia Dansinghani, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am an open minded therapist who has been in the field for over 20 years. I have a sincere passion for helping people navigate through difficult times and helping them find peace and balance in their lives. I have a sincere passion for helping people find their path in life. So they may live happier and more fulfilled life.

Mariah Benjamin

(she/her)

Mariah Benjamin, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
You overthink everything — texts, decisions, your relationships, even your future. You’re not broken or “too sensitive” Rest assured, you're not alone in this. Your thoughts DO NOT define your worth. You can CHANGE your mindset and how you feel. Hello, my name is Mariah, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 6 years. My session includes talk therapy, education and videos to help you learn new ways of thinking in the way you learn best. Do you struggle with negative self-talk, history of trauma and setting boundaries with others and your self? If you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and ready to feel more at peace, reached out for a consultation or set up an intake right online.

Audrey Blanchard

(she/her)

Audrey Blanchard, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hi. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master's Degree from Fordham University and have been practicing since 2000. I help people from young adults to older adults struggling with mental health issues ranging from anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, self esteem/self worth and marriage and couples issues. I understand not one type of therapy works for everyone so I utilize a multitude of different therapies in my practice to help people learn, heal and grow to live their best lives.

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 Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)?

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, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), 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.