Optum Therapists in Connecticut

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 8 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: 7/9/2025

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.

Stephanie/Stevie Willoughby

(she/her)

Stephanie/Stevie Willoughby, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Has intro video
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.

Eric L. Dungan

Eric L. Dungan, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
21 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Eric Dungan and I'm a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Worker. I attended University of Louisville. I specialize in PTSD, Grief, loss, Depression, Anxiety, Marriage and Family and Anger Management. I have years of experience in the field of mental health care. I strive to help people attain their maximize potential in all aspects of their lives, using several different treatments modalities. All sessions are focused, to provide a nonjudgmental and objective environment to help the patient view their struggles with a new objective fair perspective towards themselves and other significant people and events in their lives.

Jim Hughes

(he/him)

Jim Hughes, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
33 years of experience
Virtual
There are lots of ups and downs in life… twists… and turns. Some people choose to navigate difficulties alone. However, you are likely reading this because you are tired of doing it all by yourself. You’re thinking about a little help and support. Reaching for help is a wise thing. It is a sign of health that I value deeply. I am Jim Hughes. I have over 30 years of experience as a Specialty Clinician. I'm a former faculty member of the UMASS STRESS REDUCTION CLINIC that was featured on Bill Moyers' Healing and the Mind. I got my start working with Children at a crisis shelter, Casa De los Ninos, and in the trenches at The Arizona Children’s Home in Tucson Arizona. Moved by the profound transformations I witnessed, I moved east and attended graduate school as I worked at Wellspring, a long-term therapeutic community in Bethlehem Connecticut with mentor Richard Beauvais. Upon graduation, I worked for the renowned UMASS STRESS REDUCTION CLINIC with Jon Kabat-Zinn teaching meditation and stress reduction in the hospital. In all my endeavors, mindfulness-based stress reduction is the key ingredient to help heal through difficult emotional and medical issues, challenging adult relationships, intimacy issues, anxiety, depression, and internet and pornography addiction. In addition, I am particularly interested in helping people with chronic stress and anxiety and medical problems such as panic attacks, stress, anxiety, heart disease, hypertension, A1C issues, diabetes, chronic pain, cancer and other medical issues.

Shomari Beamon

Shomari Beamon, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings! Just a bit about me: I have over 25 yrs of experience providing evidence-based therapy, I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families to address behavioral, emotional, and mental health challenges. My clinical expertise includes Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Person-Centered Therapy. I have provided comprehensive, wraparound services to families, addressing crises, coordinating care, and supporting clients in community settings. From re-entry to domestic abuse, I have worked with many diverse populations, utilizing clinical assessments, treatment planning, and behavioral interventions to support rehabilitation and reintegration.

Dr. Dammy Bamisile

Dr. Dammy Bamisile, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am Dr. Dammy Bamisile, LCSW. I have over 20 years of clinical experience in working with individuals, families and couples using trauma informed CBT and other evidence based therapies in meeting clients where they are. I use a holistic approach that integrates the customization of your choice like values, culture and belief with science and psychology. I work with clients who have challenges on issues like anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, grief, sleeping problems, and problematic relationships. I specialized in working with young adults and other adults. Our session will center on the issue and how we can process a user-friendly person-centered approach for the empowered you!.

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.

Eden Corridon

(she/her)

Eden Corridon, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello there! I am a dual Licensed Professional Counselor and School Counselor who is passionate about providing individualized therapy using a person-centered and holistic approach. I have a Masters in Counseling from The University of Saint Joseph, and I have experience working with clients of all ages. I believe that in a society where mental health can often be looked upon as an afterthought, it is especially important now more than ever that it is prioritized. I aim to create a collaborative working relationship that will ultimately lead to self-improvement and healing within a safe therapeutic environment. I use an interpersonal and relational-cultural approach in therapy meaning that one of my top priorities is getting to know the client as a whole person. This includes the many layers of a client’s identity and experiences. It is important to me that I place a large emphasis on client strengths and cultivate authenticity and empowerment so that they feel in control of their life. I believe therapy should be collaborative and depending on the need, I integrate a wide range of treatment options including CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy. Some of my training includes working with anxiety/depression, mood disorders, adjustment disorders, trauma and abuse. My approach to counseling is rooted in my experience within therapeutic practice and my commitment to equity.

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 Sexual Abuse?

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, Sexual Abuse, 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.