Optum Therapists in Connecticut

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 15 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: 5/22/2025

Michael Dutko

Michael Dutko, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LPC
22 years of experience
Virtual
I have over 17 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, and families. I specialize in the assessment and treatment of Substance Abuse Disorders, Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, ADHD, Behavioral difficulties and emotional regulation. I am trained in a variety of different models including CBT//DBT /CPT Person Centered Approaches, Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Tf-CBT. I work with clients of all ages, as well as professional adults and military service members. I enjoy thinking "outside of the box", and implement that in my sessions. I enjoy thinking of creative approaches and utilizing a variety of different skills to help my clients. My goal is to assist the client, you, in developing healthy coping skills, while building a strong therapeutic relationship. I have worked with people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, male, female, non-binary, various sexual orientations, young and old, and I have always taken the approach that each person is unique; their issues are real, and I want to not only help them, but truly hear them and their stories.

JC Caro

(she/her)

JC Caro, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
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.

Mecaila Tolone-Smiley

(she/her)

Mecaila Tolone-Smiley, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Connecticut. I received my Master’s from Adelphi University and have been practicing for five years. I’m deeply committed to supporting individuals in improving their mental health and overall well-being. As a therapist, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their feelings and work through emotional or behavioral challenges. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and talk therapy, to help individuals develop the tools they need for emotional well-being and personal growth. My goal is to support you in navigating life’s difficulties and building a healthy, balanced life.

Pamela English

(she/her)

Pamela English, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LPC
3 years of experience
Virtual
Pamela English is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), licensed in the state of Connecticut. Pamela has 10 years of experience working in the mental health profession. She has provided therapy for children and teens dealing with grief and loss. She has also provided case management and therapeutic services for single adult women living in a homeless shelter. She also provided counseling for older adults in a nursing home. Pamela has extensive experience with adults and clients in crisis. She has experience working with teens and families. She also has experience as a case manager; she has extensive knowledge of mental health resources and utilizes those connections while working in private practice. Pamela can provide multicultural counseling for people with a variety of racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. She has also worked closely with many members of the LGBT community, providing counseling and case management when those services may not otherwise be available to them. Pamela completed her Master of Arts (MA) in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care at Fordham University. Because her degree also focused on faith-based counseling, she can provide those services to clients when necessary. Pamela provides a calming presence for her clients. She maintains quiet confidence with each client and situation. She can draw from a wide range of experiences to provide therapeutic support for each client. She is flexible and versatile when building therapeutic rapport; she provides flexible scheduling. She is very excited to develop and grow her practice with Grow Therapy.

Tina Siragusa

(she/her)

Tina Siragusa, LMFT - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LMFT
39 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in CT and NC, and a licensed Addictions Therapist in NC. I also have my Certification as an Expressive Arts Therapist. I have been working with individuals (ages 12 to adult), families, and couples for 39 years helping people manage emotions skillfully, become unstuck, process grief, improve relationships, and to be a support to live a valued life, while creating a safe space to do the work. I have intensive training in and integrate Family Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Compassion Focused Therapy. I am also a trauma focused therapist. My overarching commitment is to help people realize their psychological flexibility and their valued life.

Yomaris Ramos Rivera

(she/her)

Yomaris Ramos Rivera, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LPC
11 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut with 11 years of professional work experience. I hold a degree in Psychology and Counseling from the Interamerican University of PR. I prefer to have my sessions in Spanish but I do talk English as well. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, psychoticism and Substance abuse. I offer individual, couples, families and group therapy. I believe that you are the expert on 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! ***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.

Michelle Louise Bicking

(she/her)

Michelle Louise Bicking, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Thank you so much for allowing you to join this phase of your journey. I am a first-generation Bajan (Barbados)/Vincentian (Saint Vincent and Grenadines) queer clinician of color seeking to be of service. I have over 20 years direct care services, including hospice/end of life care, residential services for teens and young adults, inpatient and outpatient care. I am here to meet you where you are, and show you where and who you can be.

Jessie Gambrell

(she/her)

Jessie Gambrell, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am Jessie and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am licensed in CT, SC, FL and UT! I help clients navigate relationships and life changes that may be causing stress or keeping them stuck. I am trained by the BECK Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with extensive training in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorder and meditation CBT style!

Diego Peralta-Calderon

(he/him)

Diego Peralta-Calderon, LPC - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello/Hola, my name is Diego Armando Peralta-Calderon, LPC. As a bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Professional Counselor over the past 5 years I’ve cultivated a practice of peace centered guidance for clients. I believe in a mindfulness-based approach embracing the wholeness of the individual. I’m passionate about helping individuals of all walks of life. My approach is mindfulness-based and focuses on cultivating a person-centered environment where all are heard and seen. I draw from strength-based and relational cultural theories to provide an honest space through conversation to empower others. Navigating through life’s obstacles and immersing into your inner self, strengths and build meaningful connections. I provide compassionate support and fostering meaningful connections with my clients. I believe in the power of compassion and collaboration, and I’m here to support you every step of the way on your path to emotional well-being and personal growth.

Stephanie/Stevie Willoughby

(she/her)

Stephanie/Stevie Willoughby, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome to my little corner of things, where we work hard, sometimes cry hard, but usually laugh harder. I genuinely enjoy working with my clients, and am so happy that you've taken the time to read my profile! 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.

Rachel Kabari

(she/her)

Rachel Kabari, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Ledornubari "Rachel" Kabari and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Connecticut. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and couples with the primary goal of supporting and empowering clients to become the best versions of themselves. I take a holistic approach with clients and factor all aspects of their identities as well as their environment throughout treatment.

Geanella Lara

(she/her)

Geanella Lara, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Connecticut with over 11 years of experience in the helping field. My passion is supporting adults in living more fulfilling, balanced lives. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds facing challenges such as substance use, trauma, parenting stress, domestic violence, life transitions, and everyday stressors. My approach is collaborative, person-centered, and grounded in strengths-based practice. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care—always meeting you where you are and honoring your unique goals and experiences.

Alexandra Dash

(she/her)

Alexandra Dash, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! My name is Alexandra, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Columbia University. I have over 7 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in a variety of settings; with specialized experience working with Veterans and those currently serving in the military, including active duty, Guard and Reserve components; as well as survivors of domestic violence. I currently offer individual therapy, focused on helping clients navigate feelings of anxiety, depression or overwhelm, life transitions or other ongoing stressors, as well as working through traumatic experiences. I have a particular focus on helping people cope with the emotional and psychological effects of difficult or traumatic events. I am committed to providing compassionate and effective therapy, in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgemental space. My goal is to support my clients in developing greater self-understanding and growth, supporting change, and fostering healing. If you are struggling with the effects of stress, depressed mood, anxiety, or trauma, or just want to be able to talk to someone in a supportive and nonjudgmental space - I encourage you to reach out for help, you do not have to face these challenges alone. Life is often full of an incredible mix of significant positives and profound challenges, often these challenges are filled with anxiety, overwhelm, or distress, that can at times, feel impossible to navigate. My goal is to help and support you, while you learn to navigate these challenges and work toward healing, happiness, and growth. Please remember, as you are taking this step to connect with a therapist, while it may not have been the easiest of decisions, the decision to seek help is a sign of profound strength, never one of weakness. You deserve to feel happy and well.

Melissa Brown

(she/her)

Melissa Brown, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Connecticut, and received my Masters in Social Work from Boston College. I have been in practice since 2011, and have worked with ages birth to 26 in community, school, and office-based settings. A few highlights in these roles was the privilege of working with medical complexity, parents/caregivers, and supporting young adults in the LGBTQ community. In my private practice, I seek to help adults of all ages navigate life’s challenges by giving light to all that's been pushed to the side, left behind, and holding them back.

Lovelyn Bogle

(she/her)

Lovelyn Bogle, LCSW - Connecticut Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi I am Lovelyn Bogle. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Sociology, along with a Master's Degree in Social Work. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing therapeutic services to adults and older adults for 10 years in an inpatient setting. I take great pride in the work that I do and the support that I provide to my clients.

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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 Suicidal Ideation?

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, Suicidal Ideation, 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.