Optum Therapists in Florida

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 649 verified therapists in Florida 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.

Find therapists near you in

MiamiJacksonvilleOrlandoTampa

Availability updated: 7/18/2025

Deborah Hilyard

(she/her)

Deborah Hilyard, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
32 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing for over 30 years. I received my masters in counseling at the University of Memphis. I worked with college students while getting my masters with personal career counseling. After becoming licensed in Florida, I worked specifically with service members and their families with anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, spouse and child abuse and marital issues. During the past 3 years I have worked with young adults to retired adults addressing individual, work and family issues. It has been my pleasure to guide hundreds of people to a healthier, happier life style that enables them to do what they want to in life without what appears to be impossible barriers like depression, stress and anxiety.

Marissa Gilbert

Marissa Gilbert, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Marissa Gilbert, and I have been practicing therapy for over ten years. I’m excited to work with you and support you on your journey of personal growth and healing. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment. I tailor my approach to therapy based on each client’s unique needs and where they are in their journey. My role is to listen, understand your concerns, and help you gain insights to navigate life’s challenges. Whether you're seeking support for depression, anxiety, family issues, or self-esteem, I am here to help you grow and empower you along the way. I strive to be down-to-earth and authentic so clients feel comfortable and connected during sessions. When a client leaves saying their session felt easy or enjoyable, I know we’re making progress in the right direction.

April Smith

April Smith, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
13 years of experience
Virtual
I’m a licensed mental health counselor based in Florida. I received my Master’s degree from Capella University and I have been practicing for over 10 years. I work with adults by guiding them through the complexities of mental health and empowering them to cope effectively. I’m a licensed mental health counselor based in Florida. I received my Master’s degree from Capella University and I have been practicing for over 10 years. I work with adults by guiding them through the complexities of mental health and empowering them to cope effectively.

Colette Biondi

(she/her)

Colette Biondi, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
40 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) located in Ocala, Florida. I recieved my Masters degree from the University at Bufallo in the Sate of New York. I've been practcing for 40 years and work with people of all ages who are struggling with anxiety and depression. I utilize cognitive behavior therapy, active listening and support to help clients gain coping skills and independence. Everyone deserves to become the best version of themselves, feel good and make healthy decisions.

Christopher Turrentine

(he/him)

Christopher Turrentine, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
11 years of experience
Virtual
I have extensive experience with individual therapy, working for substance use treatment centers, and working at various psychiatric hospitals. I have worked in roles including Behavioral Health Tech, Case Management, Primary Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor. I have worked with age groups ranging from young children to geriatrics. I firmly believe that in order to help someone, you have to understand them. In order to understand someone, you require personal life experience to truly understand where they are coming from. I am very passionate about what I do. People have asked me previously if I enjoy what I do. I inform them that in my perspective, this is what I "designed" to be. There is no "taking off the therapy hat" for me - this is simply who I am and my purpose. You will learn very quickly how dedicated I am to serving people. I am well-versed in both DSM-IV and DSM-5 (the manuals used to diagnose someone). I have dedicated approximately 31 years of my life to this. Many clients throughout the years told me in their words that I am the "best therapist" they ever had. I encourage you to hire me and judge for yourself. I was entered into two international honor societies (top 15% of students in the field across the span of 8 countries with a flawless 4.0 GPA). Please note: I am a licensed mental health counselor. If you are seeking medication management, you will need to book an appointment with a psychiatrist.

Alisa McGee

Alisa McGee, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
18 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Alisa McGee, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. I bring an energetic, compassionate presence to therapy and value the role of positivity and even laughter in the healing process. I work with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I aim to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space that encourages both reflection and meaningful growth.

Diana Correa Boscovich (Bilingual)

Diana Correa Boscovich (Bilingual), LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida, with 6 years of experience supporting individuals through various mental health challenges. I am Hispanic, and fluently speak Spanish. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from Saint Leo University, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients facing issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, and substance use. My approach is grounded in empathy and compassion, and my goal is to support individuals in identifying and addressing their unique needs. I believe in empowering my clients by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where they can explore their challenges, build coping strategies, and achieve greater well-being. Whether clients are dealing with past trauma or navigating current life stressors, I work alongside them to help them gain clarity, build resilience, and move toward their personal goals. I am passionate about being a supportive guide through life's toughest moments, and my commitment is to help individuals regain balance and live more fulfilling lives.

Vicki Bauer

Vicki Bauer, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
39 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm Vicki, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Behavior Analyst. Are you struggling with problems that have a negative impact on your quality of life? Tired of trying to figure out how to change things on your own? I would love to work with you to help you sort through those things that are keeping you from living the life you want to enjoy. I enjoy the art of applying a unique blend of mental health and behavioral approaches to life's problems. I love supporting motivated individuals to identify those areas of their lives that are standing in the way of experiencing the high quality life they want and deserve. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, family issues, overwhelm, anxiety or depression, I am here to help you identify what's not working in your life and get you to a place of balance and inner calm. Together, we can create a safe space for you to share and develop new skills. As we work together, I can provide you with research- and evidence-based tools and techniques to address those problematic life areas. I look forward to working together!

Jed Shlackman, M.S. Ed.

(he/him)

Jed Shlackman, M.S. Ed., LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
26 years of experience
Virtual
Jed Shlackman, M.S. Ed., LMHC provides a variety of individual, family, and group counseling and healing services. Jed combines traditional humanistic and cognitive oriented psychotherapy approaches with holistic guidance and advanced mind-body and energetic healing methods (such as hypnotherapy, meditation, Reiki, mindfulness, energy psychology, emotional release, trauma healing, sound healing) that can foster deep healing and more rapid transformation - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Jed has worked as a counselor for over 25 years and has trained in a wide spectrum of counseling and healing methods. Jed provides a client-centered approach that seeks to identify which resources will best support the client and promote well-being and solutions that truly enhance life and build resilience. Jed is a native of South Florida and studied psychology and counseling at the University of Miami. While beginning his career providing counseling for children and adolescents and their families Jed went through a process of spiritual exploration and self-discovery that led to subsequent training in hypnotherapy, Reiki and energy healing, energy psychology, meditation, sound healing, trauma healing, and other complementary and alternative healing methods. Jed is also an author, with books available on Amazon, and is an amateur musician performing as "Jedi Shaman." Jed provides counseling and healing services with a holistic orientation, which refers to addressing the "whole" person and the systems and environments the person is a part of. This approach incorporates cognitive, humanistic, family systems, and psychodynamic therapies as well as transpersonal psychological therapies, hypnosis, energy psychology, expressive therapies, mind-body healing modalities, and vibrational/energetic healing approaches, as well as somatic therapies and addressing biological systems with herbs, essential oils, diet, and nutritional interventions. As a multi-talented, compassionate counselor with extensive knowledge and diverse experience Jed provide comprehensive healing services and collaboration with clients.

Erin Moyer Johnston

Erin Moyer Johnston, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
29 years of experience
Virtual
Going through a change can be very tough and hard to navigate. Whether the changes are good or difficult, they can still be hard to work through. I can help you find a balance with the changes occurring in your life and the peace you hope to feel. Together we can work as a team to locate solutions to find acceptance and work out a plan to help you move forward in your life in a way that brings fulfillment. I use a whole self-approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. Although I can help you work through most changes you might be experiencing, I have many year's experience working with individuals in the Hospice setting, helping patients and survivors find peace during the end of life with dignity. These experiences have been strengthened by my personal journey with breast cancer, which has given me a perspective on the other side. I hope I can use my 29 years experience as a therapist and my personal experience as a cancer survivor to help you learn how to find happiness and peace in your life.

Leah Petrucci

(she/her)

Leah Petrucci, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Holistic Health Coach. I help clients seek whole health for their Mind, Body, Spirit, and Relationships. I also hold several additional certifications - I am a Spiritually Integrated Therapist, incorporating the client's spiritual beliefs into the sessions to the extent they desire. I am a Certified Vagal Toning Practitioner, where I teach clients who experience frequent Fight or Flight responses how to balance their nervous system to become more calm and resilient to stress and trauma. I am also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider, where I integrate a mix of natural alternatives for the mind and body to treat a variety of issues.

Brenda Hodges

(she/her)

Brenda Hodges, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
13 years of experience
Virtual
Brenda Hodges, M.A., M.S., is a licensed mental health professional with over 13 years of dedicated experience in therapeutic counseling. Holding dual master's degrees in Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, she brings a comprehensive approach to mental wellness, serving clients across Kentucky and Florida. Known for her warm, approachable demeanor, Brenda specializes in treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and survivors of violence and abuse. Her therapeutic style creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges and work toward healing. Throughout her career, Brenda has helped individuals reclaim their lives and develop resilience in the face of trauma. Her dual licensure in Kentucky and Florida reflects her commitment to expanding access to quality mental health care across multiple communities. Brenda views her role as more than just a profession—it's a calling. She considers it both an honor and a privilege to guide clients through their healing journeys, drawing on her extensive education and experience to provide personalized, evidence-based support for each individual she serves.

Kate Jaramillo

Kate Jaramillo, LMFT - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
16 years of experience
Virtual
I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly 15 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, adults, and families to improve their mental health. I specialize in addressing issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship issues, parenting issues, and more. I earned my Master's degree Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Thomas University. I also completed a certification in loss and healing and a certification in trauma as well as two additional years of post-graduate study, passed the advanced national clinical board, and gained my professional license in the state of Florida afterward. I have chosen to continue my education by taking hundreds of hours of additional courses in the neurobiology of trauma, grief and loss, abuse recovery, child development, parenting, and communication. We all encounter obstacles in our lives. I am confident that I will be able to assist you on this journey providing you with enlightenment and new techniques that will enable you to be able to cope with whatever challenges or obstacles you may be facing in life. If you are wanting to embark on this new journey, schedule an appointment with me today!

Virginia Harris

Virginia Harris, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
3 years of experience
Virtual
I am dedicated to assisting individuals of all ages as they navigate challenging periods in their lives. My therapeutic practice incorporates mindfulness-based techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), with interventions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Professional support can be invaluable, and I strive to provide a space where clients can discuss their concerns and address life’s complexities in a collaborative, supportive environment.

Lindsey King

Lindsey King, LP - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LP
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a licensed Clinical Psychologist based out of Montana with licenses in Florida and Montana. I have 12 years of experience working with adults and groups. I have 7 years of experience working with a bariatric population. I work with adults who want to learn how to use nutrition and physical activity to improve their physical and mental well-being. I also use evidence-based therapies and techniques and teach my clients how to use these same techniques to improve their lives!

Amanda Benlien

Amanda Benlien, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I specialize in helping individuals navigate the challenges of substance use, emotional dysregulation, and life transitions. My work is rooted in evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—approaches that support real change by combining empathy, skill-building, and a strong therapeutic alliance. With 8 years of clinical experience and lived experience with addiction and family trauma, I bring both professional knowledge and real-world understanding into the therapy room. Above all, I offer a space where you don’t have to explain or justify your struggle—you can just be real. And from that place, we work together to create the life you want to live.

Lisa B. Meotti

Lisa B. Meotti, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
17 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist in Florida, Texas, and Utah with over 17+ years of professional work experience. I am also a Certified Clinical Trauma professional (CCTP) with experience in helping clients with PTSD, C-PTSD, coping with addictions, LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, and family conflicts. I specialize in helping individuals navigate life's challenges, build emotional resilience, and create meaningful change. I believe that healing begins with genuine human connection. I show up in my therapeutic sessions not just as a clinician, but as a real person - someone who values honesty, warmth, and the courage it takes to face life's challenges. My work is grounded in authenticity because I know that people heal best when they are truly seen , heard, and accepted without judgment.

Suzanne Stokes

(she/her)

Suzanne Stokes, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
39 years of experience
Virtual
I have worked as a Mental Health Therapist for 30 years and I love my work as much today as the day I started. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Certified Addictions Professional. I am honored to join people where they are at on their journey. I focus on positive goals for getting back on track or even transformation. As I realize the courage it takes to come to therapy, I focus on the patient/therapist relationship. There must first be an experience of safety and trust. Then, of course, the therapeutic work will follow. I utilize a warm, relaxed style with fierce reflection or gentle support as needed. I believe that everyone benefits from a therapeutic experience to attain the best version of themselves for the best quality of life. 1 utilize humor combined with therapeutic skills which makes my approach unique. Laughter isn't always appropriate, but it can be very helpful with reframing and bringing down barriers. With so many years of experience and training, I have a broad skill set and utilize multiple interventions to create a unique treatment plan for each person, couple, or family. Some of the modalities that I frequently utilize are: Solution- Focused therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psycho-education, Systems Theory, Emotion Focused Therapy, Behavioral Modification, Skills training and Motivational interviewing/coaching.

Andrew Penn

(he/him)

Andrew Penn, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, and I have been practicing for 8 years. I am also licensed in Vermont as a telehealth provider. I received my Master's degree from Capella University, and am passionate about helping adults with a wide range of issues to become the best version of themselves. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to work healing and growth.

Casey Thomas

(they/them)

Casey Thomas, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I began my professional career in 2005 working as a caseworker helping children and families maintain safe and healthy environments as well as financial stability. Since then I have completed masters degrees in counselor education and clinical counseling and was first licensed as a professional counselor in 2014. I'm currently credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida.

Nicole dempsey

Nicole dempsey, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011 with my Masters in Social Work and have since worked in a variety of settings and with different populations. Have you ever wished, "I wish I was more like (fill the blank)", or thought, "I am not good enough." We are born with a certain temperament and into a certain situation but there are things we can control. My favorite part of my job is helping people see the best parts of themselves and using their strengths to achieve their goals.

Rachel Elzey

(she/her)

Rachel Elzey, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm Rachel. You might be struggling with depression, anxiety, identity questions, or feeling overwhelmed by life changes of becoming a new parent. Maybe you’re just looking for a way to feel more centered and connected. You want a space where you can show up fully as yourself, without judgment, to work through tough feelings or confusing moments. My ideal client is someone who’s ready to explore their emotions, gain clarity, and build practical tools to feel better and move forward with confidence.

Brian Smerdon

(he/him)

Brian Smerdon, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Florida. I received my Masters from the Nova Southeastern University and have been practicing for 12 years. I help adults struggling with adjusting to the aging process, dementia, Alzheimer's and End of Life issues. I help them using Positive Psychology, Active Listening, Talk Therapy and Mindfulness. I help my clients deal with Depression, Anxiety and Self-Esteem.

Paul Zukas

Paul Zukas, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background working with adults, adoptees, and trauma. My therapeutic approach revolves around building a relationship with my clients and establishing the core issue of what is a challenge for them by facilitating a place for them to be transparent with themselves, judgment-free. I have experience working with all walks of life and have held an assortment of different roles in the field working with social services, foster care, adoption, and healthcare. These experiences have made me well-rounded when it comes to addressing cultures and beliefs that differ from my own. The first step toward getting better is having the courage to ask for help. Let's meet for a session and get to know one another.

John Brennan

John Brennan, LMFT - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I’m a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with the State of Florida. I received my Masters from Stetson University in 1999. I have about five years experience in therapy and also worked in foster care for about five years. I have primarily worked with children but I'm looking forward to working with adults who are motivated to make improvements in their lives.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Florida rather than a city like Tampa?

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 Florida from Miami to Jacksonville! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Florida.

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 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.