Optum Therapists in Florida

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 660 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.

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MiamiJacksonvilleOrlandoTampa

Availability updated: 7/17/2025

Elyce Garceau

(she/her)

Elyce Garceau, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
8 years of experience
Virtual
I’m an open-minded Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) originally from New York, now practicing in Florida. I hold a Specialist degree (Ed.S.) from Seton Hall University and bring over eight years of experience to the field of mental health. I specialize in working with young adults and adults who are navigating the lasting effects of trauma. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in creating a safe, supportive space where you can heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of self. Together, we’ll work to transform pain into resilience, helping you step into the strongest, most authentic version of yourself. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready to take the next step, I’m here to support you on your journey toward healing and empowerment.

Katie Allen

(she/her)

Katie Allen, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Katie, a Licensed Clinical Social. Helping and supporting others has been a driving factor in my life; therefore, I began my career as a teacher. My education and experience in the classroom greatly influenced me; however, I saw how difficult it is to learn when one is struggling with many emotional and mental health needs. While in graduate school, I transitioned to working with families in more of a case management role. During that time, I started noticing how the adults I worked with were often struggling and had not received the help they needed. After completing graduate school, I began working in an inpatient hospital that treats mental health and chemical dependency. After several years working with patients individually and facilitating group therapy, I transitioned to managing an intensive outpatient mental health program for senior adults. In this role, I facilitated group therapy and met with patients individually at times. I greatly enjoyed getting to know my clients and cheering alongside them as they made progress. While I value group therapy, I recognize that it is not the right fit for everyone. Therefore, I have set up a private practice to meet the needs of individuals in ways I was unable to do in previous roles. I believe change is possible and that each person has strengths and life experiences that they can draw upon to help themselves move forward. My passion is helping clients utilize what they already have, learn additional tools for coping, and develop healthier ways of thinking.

William Sawyer

(he/him)

William Sawyer, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome – I’m William Sawyer, MSW, LICSW, LCSW Online Therapy for Individuals and Couples in Minnesota & Florida I’m a therapist who help people and couples when life feels really hard. Most of the people I work with are men and women in relationships with each other. Many come to me when they’re feeling hurt, lost, or scared their relationship might fall apart. If you and your partner are fighting all the time, feeling distant, or just can’t seem to fix things, I want you to know you’re not alone-and things can get better. Even though I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I work with all kinds of people. I have a lot of experience helping men and women who are married or dating each other, as well as people from different backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ folks. My way of helping is gentle, caring, and never judgmental. When you’re stressed out, anxious, or overwhelmed, I help you slow down, breathe, and see what’s really going on. We’ll talk through your worries and pain, and I’ll give you tools you can use right away to feel calm and in control. My approach helps couples talk without yelling, listen without shutting down, and start feeling close again-even when things seem hopeless. I also help people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or feeling different from others. No matter what you’re facing, my goal is to help you feel safe, understood, and less alone. Together, we’ll find ways to ease your stress and bring back hope. If you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, or just want someone to talk to who gets it, I’m here for you. We’ll work together to heal old wounds and help you feel stronger-both as a person and as a couple. If you’re ready to feel better, let’s talk.

Laiken Miller

(she/her)

Laiken Miller, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I’m so glad you’re here. I know first-hand the vulnerability it takes to seek support, and the courage it takes to make change. My name is Laiken and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) deeply committed to supporting the neurodivergent community. Having navigated the complexities of neurodivergence myself, I bring a unique perspective that informs my practice and fuels my passion for helping others. I have received my Bachelors (BSW) and Masters of Science degree (MSSW) in Social Work from Troy University. I utilize a holistic approach in a therapeutic setting, blending various methods to nurture a well-rounded healing experience, and meet each client’s individual needs.

Tahaji Smith

(she/her)

Tahaji Smith, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
2 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Tahaji Smith. I am currently an MSW graduate, and an LCSW with 20+ years of public service experience. Previously, I worked for 17 years as an Emergency Public Safety Communications Operator for one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the nation, but I decided to pursue a career doing what I love…helping others become the best version of themselves.

Lori Wilson

(she/her)

Lori Wilson, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
33 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who completed graduate work at Syracuse University and have been practicing for over 30 years, the last 8 being in Florida. I enjoy teaching (and practicing) coping skills for stress, anxiety and depression. Everyone's journey is different and I see myself as respectfully accompanying them on their own journey, reflecting on experiences along the way.

Jonell Pearce

(she/her)

Jonell Pearce, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are experiencing concerns with, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, critical self-talk, interpersonal relationships, emotional dysregulation, and parent/child conflict and connection. I have worked in various clinical settings providing crisis stabilization and therapy services to individuals of all ages. I utilize a holistic and personalized approach, specializing in trauma, interpersonal relationships, loss and grief, parent/child relationships, adolescent challenges, and parent support. I employ a straightforward and empathetic approach while utilizing strength-based and person-centered perspectives to help those I work with obtain their treatment goals and realize their greatest potential.

Emily Pudlinski

(she/her)

Emily Pudlinski, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Finding the right therapist can be like finding your coziest sweater. I work closely with clients to establish a comfortable rapport before helping them work through difficult adjustments in life. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master's degree from the University of North Florida. I have been practicing for nine years, specializing in helping adults navigate transitions and overcome burnout to achieve their best selves. I look forward to meeting and working with you!

Edmundo Carrión

(he/him)

Edmundo Carrión, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I'm Edmundo Carrion, and I bring extensive experience working in crisis/detox, residential, outpatient, and rehabilitation settings, helping clients reintegrate into society with resilience and confidence. Through these experiences, I’ve seen firsthand the strength and perseverance of the human spirit. My goal is to empower you to navigate life transitions, manage stress, and overcome moments of self-doubt by building on your strengths. Together, we can pave the way for a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Brandee Jones

(she/her)

Brandee Jones, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
Has intro video
LMHC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hey! I'm Brandee - I'm a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and I'm currently offering telehealth services throughout the state. I graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2014 with a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling, and received my bachelor's degree in psychology in 2011 from the University of South Florida. Since then, I have worked in various in person and telehealth settings.

Tabitha Crosno

(she/her)

Tabitha Crosno, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
2 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! My name is Tabitha. I have my own virtual private practice called Mindfully Me. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida. Prior to becoming a Mental Health Therapist I was a counselor for one of the largest school districts for 5 years. I help kids, teens, and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and trauma to become the best versions of themselves.

Stephanie Alvarez

Stephanie Alvarez, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hello/Hola! I am a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Therapist from Colombia, proudly practicing in Florida. With a deep passion for helping others, I specialize in supporting children, adolescents, and their caregivers as they navigate trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach is rooted in empathy and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that each client feels understood and valued. With years of experience, I am committed to empowering my clients to overcome challenges and achieve their fullest potential.

Kristian Battenfield

(he/him)

Kristian Battenfield, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
4 years of experience
Virtual
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. I want to all individuals to grow and evolve through their struggles with mental health by changing their maladaptive behaviors. I am a graduate from FIU who works at Aventura Hospital in a crisis stabilization unit. I offer a challenging yet empathetic approach to help you move out of your comfort zone and towards growth.

Elva Sanchez

Elva Sanchez, LMFT - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Elva Sanchez, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I was born in Lima-Peru and moved to moved to South Florida when I was 16 years old. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and then continued to pursue my Master’s Degree at Carlos Albizu University. I love being a therapist and have the opportunity to help people create, build and obtain the best version of themselves.

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!

Kathryn Pavcik

(she/her)

Kathryn Pavcik, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! My name is Kathryn and I'm a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I graduated from Troy University with my degree in clinical mental health counseling. My aim is to listen closely to what brings you to therapy, provide a safe and supportive space to explore personal challenges, and adapt our work together to suit your needs and goals.

Alisha Ladha

Alisha Ladha, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I’m Alisha Ladha, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and understanding. I specialize in providing support for grief and loss, anxiety, life transitions, and building self-esteem, among other areas. My approach is rooted in humanistic therapy, creating a safe and welcoming space where you can explore your experiences, discover your strengths, and work toward personal growth. Together, we’ll collaborate to help you achieve your goals and build a fulfilling, balanced life.

Gabe Lamas

(he/him)

Gabe Lamas, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I would describe myself as a goofy and radically empathetic therapist that struggles with severe ADHD and also anxiety. Not to mention the grief! I am big on being vulnerable myself. We must lead by example. I also am a strong believer in the power of connection. If you cannot connect with your therapist, research says that therapy is not likely to be effective. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship above all else. That is my foundation. That means I pride myself on not being a robot. I cannot believe I have to say this, but many students in therapy have told me that they have had robotic therapist. That is not me. I believe the most powerful therapeutic techniques are empathy and unconditional love, and those are the values I do my best to display consistently. I currently provide individual counseling to students at Miami Dade College and I have found that I really enjoy working with college students that recently graduated from high school. I find that the world treats them cruelly at such an overwhelming time of their lives and they deserve unconditional love, not tough love.

Joanna Fonseca

Joanna Fonseca, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
15 years of experience
Virtual
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, I provide compassionate and solution-focused therapy to individuals across various life stages. With a Master's Degree in Counseling from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, and over 15 years of experience in psychology, I've developed expertise in addressing everyday stressors, anxiety, mood disorders, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's unique needs. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their concerns, identify strengths, and work towards lasting growth.

Callie Buchanan

Callie Buchanan, LMFT - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello there! My name is Callie Buchanan, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am also a trust based relational intervention (TBRI) practitioner which means I am trained to understand attachment disorders and how early childhood trauma can have lasting negative impacts without intervention. I have experience in working with individuals, couples, families, teens, and elderly clients.

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.

Dan Dean

Dan Dean, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Dan, and I am a licensed mental health counselor. I am passionate about my profession and enjoy helping my clients achieve their individual goals. It is exciting to see a client go from where they were to where they want to be in their lives. I love to help those who are struggling in their personal or work relationships learn how to better communicate their needs and improve the quality of those relationships! This is all achieved by tailoring my sessions to the needs of each person I work with. One of the most powerful effects I have found in therapy is providing a safe space where you are heard, understood, and accepted. We all have stress and struggles at times and there is great healing in exploring and touching those feelings. Let's work together towards your goals!

Kelsey Williams

(she/her)

Kelsey Williams, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
6 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed clinical mental health therapist (LMHC) located in south Florida. Whether this is your first time exploring the options for a therapy or you are seeking to return to the "therapy couch" to work on something different, know I'm proud of you for taking that step! I recognize that participating in therapy can be a struggle all within itself due to beliefs and preconceived notions. My goal is to meet you where you are and walk beside you with compassion and empathy to achieve your goals. As a therapist, I have worked in a range of areas, including outpatient substance abuse treatment, with individuals involved in intimate partner violence (survivors and perpetrators), in addition to education-based interventions for anger management & substance use. Additionally if you decide you would like to meet with me, feel free to reach out if a time slot you would need is not available. I am more than willing to accommodate with advance notice on days/times you may need.

Patricia Birkhimer

(she/her)

Patricia Birkhimer, LMFT - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
9 years of experience
Virtual
My self-pay rates: $225 for a thorough intake assessment, $200 for couple and family therapy, $175 for individual therapy sessions. I am currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in FL, who has also had training in a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy program. LMFTs are uniquely trained to view problems through a systemic lens. Humans do not exist in a bubble, which means we impact the systems we are a part of and those systems impact us. My life experiences are what lead me into the helping field. Typically, the therapist who can best help someone is a therapist who has shared experiences with their clients. As a result of the many traumas, including medical traumas, I have experienced, I have learned how to work through trauma, negotiate its current impacts, and rediscover a preferred path. I enjoy spending time outdoors, including water recreation and nature hikes and am also a lover of all things animal and nature. My goal with clients is to help them determine which path is the correct one for them and support them on their journey. While I am an expert in my field, my clients are the experts on their lives. Collaboratively, we will work as a team to improve quality of life and learn how to endure life’s stressors in a healthy way and achieve goals while ensuring my clients feel heard, supported and valued despite their struggles. Ensuring a safe space to discuss the most uncomfortable topics is of utmost importance. There is no topic off limits and no shame in discussing what may feel embarrassing because you will not find judgment from me in our work. Ever.

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.

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 Peer Relationships?

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, Peer Relationships, is filtering therapists in Florida 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.