Optum Therapists in Illinois

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 161 verified therapists in Illinois 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

Chicago

Availability updated: 7/3/2025

Jacqueline Ritz

(she/her)

Jacqueline Ritz, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University in Chicago. I believe the most essential element of therapy is developing a trusting, therapeutic alliance in order to facilitate change. I specialize in integrated treatments for addressing co-occurring disorders, offering genuine compassion, honesty, and humor, along with a trauma informed care approach to treatment. I work independently running a private practice and my experiences include working as an outpatient mental health therapist at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, serving those struggling with mental health issues as well as psychiatric disorders in the community. I have also provided psychotherapy at Family Guidance Centers, assisting those with substance use and psychiatric disorders after completing my internship with Rosecrance Treatment Center working as a substance abuse counselor.

Pam Gehant-Smith

Pam Gehant-Smith, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
30 years of experience
Virtual
With over 30 years of experience, I have a broad and deep experience helping my clients explore their lives to make powerful and meaningful changes that determine how mental health challenges affect their lives. I bring a unique level of warmth, compassion, energy, and enthusiasm into my clinical work. I am a firm believer in “it takes a village” mindset, where together we build a stronger existence. Life can be overwhelming, reaching out for help, guidance and direction is one of our greatest strengths.

Joshua Connor

(he/him)

Joshua Connor, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I'm Josh. Do you find yourself struggling with multiple stressors, consistently putting yourself down for not achieving the way you feel like you should be achieving? Has your anxiety gone from feeling somewhat manageable to being overwhelmed with what seems like small tasks? Are you struggling in your relationships, job, and health? I help individuals manage anxiety and depression, overcome burnout, and work through grief. I believe in a patient-centered, holistic approach to providing counseling. My approach combines cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, and mindfulness techniques- all tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. Together, we will identify triggers, thoughts, behaviors, and core beliefs that are no longer serving you to help get you on the path you want to be on. It takes courage to start a journey of self-exploration with the aim of a better, healthier life. If you are ready to take your first steps, I am here to help support and empower you along your path.

Dina Owen

Dina Owen, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist with over 10 years of experience dedicated to helping clients improve and address their mental health. I offer a wide variety of services, including support for anxiety, depression, and communication issues. My approach is client-centered, providing warmth and compassion to meet you wherever you are on your journey. My practice is built on providing a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and feelings. I am committed to meeting you with empathy and understanding, offering a compassionate environment that encourages growth and healing.

Debra Prichard-Hurt

(she/her)

Debra Prichard-Hurt, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 30 years in the mental health field working in psychiatric hospitals and private practice. I work with clients individually (ages 13-17; 18- 65+); Couples and Families who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, marriage/divorce issues, grief issues, suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviors, domestic violence (victims) and substance use. I am passionate about what I do and truly care about each of my clients.

Felicia Muhammad

Felicia Muhammad, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
11 years of experience
Virtual
I am licensed in Illinois with 11 years of professional therapy work experience. I also am a sociologist of 30 years, studying and teaching on behavior within society. I have experience helping clients with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship difficulties, and family conflicts. I treat everyone with compassion, sensitivity, and respect. I work with my clients to meet their specific needs. It takes courage to take that first step to a more fulfilling, productive, and happier life. I am here to provide a safe space and support you through that process.

Amanda Strobel

Amanda Strobel, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hello Potential Client! Welcome to my Practice. My name is Amanda Strobel and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC). I have had an opportunity to practice behavioral health therapy in many settings over the last 25+ years. My overall goal is to support my clients through their therapeutic journey including supporting them through life transitions, stressful or overwhelming situations, grief or loss issues or executive counseling for career advancement. You will find that I have worked in a variety of therapy settings including: private practice both in person and virtual, inpatient/outpatient, corporate settings, residential, therapeutic day schools, mentally ill substance abuse and oncology wellness centers. In those setting I provided therapy on a variety of mental health issues. I spent the first 15 years of my career working with children, adolescents and young adults working through: physical/sexual and neglect issues, anxiety/panic/OCD, depression, bi-polar disorder, suicidal ideation and actions, family conflicts, boundary setting and substance abuse issues. I have also worked with the overall family unit to address family conflict, parenting issues and relationship building. In more recent years my focus has been on grief/loss issues, coping skills, self care, executive consulting and counseling, life transitional issues and working through major life changes and choices. I would love to support you as you take your first steps towards achieving your goals-please reach out and schedule an appointment.

Carolynn Brusseau

(she/her)

Carolynn Brusseau, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) working remotely. I got my MA in Counseling with a focus on forensic psychology from Adler University in downtown Chicago. I have been practicing since graduation in 2020 and have served in various areas including community mental health and private practice. I am also a veteran and love to serve the military and their families. As an eclectic therapist, I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each client. This flexibility allows me to draw from various modalities and techniques to best support my clients in their journey towards healthier lives.

Marcus Jack

Marcus Jack, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? I’m here to help you navigate stress, conflict, anxiety, and depression. Whether you're an individual, couple, or family, I’ll provide the tools and strategies to improve your well-being, regain control, and move forward with confidence. Together, we'll develop a winning game plan to strengthen your sense of purpose—shifting from struggling day-to-day to truly thriving.

Wild Hope Counseling/ Kate Lambie

(she/her)

Wild Hope Counseling/ Kate Lambie, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I love working with my clients in a collaborative therapeutic relationship built upon trauma-informed care. I believe that safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment are the bedrock to build a strong therapeutic rapport. I do my best to show up for my clients in a non-judgmental and compassionate way to help them identify, explore, and take valued action toward their own healing and well-being. I love what I do!

Wanda Bryant-Salaam

(she/her)

Wanda Bryant-Salaam, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
20 years of experience
Virtual
My goal is to empower my clients, supporting them to gain confidence, power, trust in themselves and make it through obstacles and struggles they may encounter. In addition, I will provide them with the tools needed to have the strength to move ahead, succeed and cope with the many challenges in their lives. I have 20 years of experience working with children and families in Early Intervention, and challenges using a Trauma-informed, Strength-based and Client-centered approach. Through this approach, I encourage my clients to become, empowered, and develop coping and problem-solving skills. This will give them the ability to build trust and advocate for themselves. Being an advocate I am very active in the community and very involved in community outreach. My passion is to give back to the community and make a difference. My specialties are Relationship Issues, Coping Skills, Depression, Life Transitions, Stress, Women's issues and Domestic Violence.

Dr. Taliah Ziyad-Nau

(she/her)

Dr. Taliah Ziyad-Nau, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Dr. Taliah, Life sometimes leaves us unable to direct our attention. We're often being pulled towards many directions. If you have work, school, family or a recent life event you would like to process, I am here for you. If a recent life event has brought you distraction, grief or trauma and has you off of your game, let's get you back on track. I would be happy to support you in returning to your best self. Faith-based holistic approach, upon request.

Sara Herman

(she/her)

Sara Herman, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
Are you finding your anxiety or anger more difficult to manage? Is life becoming increasingly overwhelming? Knowing where to begin can feel like a challenge—but you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’m here to help. I’m a seasoned therapist with extensive experience supporting adults through anxiety, anger, trauma, and substance use challenges. My background includes working across a variety of settings, including higher levels of care, private practice, schools, and court-ordered treatment. This breadth of experience has deepened my ability to meet clients wherever they are in their journey. My clinical approach is strength-based and eclectic, drawing from Integrative Family Systems, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and trauma-informed care. I have a particular interest in working with individuals struggling with ADHD, substance use, self-perception, body image issues and desires to increase self-efficacy. My style is direct, humorous, and grounded in empathy. I aim to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and empowered to reconnect with their own inner wisdom.

Cassandra Sissom

(she/her)

Cassandra Sissom, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
14 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed clinical professional counselor serving clients in Illinois and Missouri, with over 14 years of experience. My goal is simple: to create a comfortable space to feel at ease and make meaningful changes in your life. Whether you’re going through a tough time or want to understand yourself better, we’ll work together at your own pace. I believe everyone has the potential to grow and thrive with the right support, and I’m here to help you build the life you envision for yourself. I believe in using methods that have been proven to work while making sure the approach fits you perfectly. We’ll start with tried-and-true techniques like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy to build a strong foundation. Think of it as creating your personal toolbox of skills and strategies you can use both in and outside our sessions. Science shows us something really interesting: being kinder to ourselves and practicing mindfulness can transform how we handle life’s challenges. These practices help rewire our brains, making us more resilient and better equipped to handle stress. They can even help heal old hurts that might be holding you back. I love seeing my clients discover their inner strength and potential. Together, we’ll find the best combination of techniques that work for you – whether you’re looking to improve your relationships, handle stress better, or simply feel more at peace with yourself. We’ll go at your pace, building on what works and adjusting what doesn’t. The best therapy is both practical and personal. While I use approaches backed by research, your unique needs, and goals will always shape our work together.

Dalton Williams

Dalton Williams, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor based in Chicago. I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I've been practicing for 5 years helping people improve their lives through mindful change and a supportive voice. I'm here to be your loudest cheerleader as you make necessary changes and work toward your life goals.

Gina Grigas

(she/her)

Gina Grigas, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I have worked in the mental health field since 2013, starting out in community mental health and crisis services. I work primarily with teens and adults, specializing in challenges facing early adulthood (18-25). I have extensive experience in crisis services and outpatient treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. We will work collaboratively to foster a positive relationship and help you develop the language and skills to manage all of life's challenges. I am passionate about everyone finding their place in this world and creating meaningful connections. Life is not easy but we can get through this together.

Jennifer Beckham

Jennifer Beckham, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
With over 20 years of experience in mental health, I've had the privilege of empowering individuals and families through various roles, including therapist, coach, social worker, school supervisor, and district director. My passion for fostering resilience has driven me to implement trauma-informed care practices that have significantly transformed the lives of those with traumatic pasts. I'm deeply committed to helping others overcome their challenges, and I firmly believe in the inherent strength and potential within each person I work with. My mission is to guide them toward healing, growth, and a brighter future.

Arlette Millan

(she/her)

Arlette Millan, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has been in practice for six years. I support clients dealing with a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, school and work burnout and caregiver stress and burnout. I believe each person’s mental health journey is unique, and effective treatment should align with their specific goals.

Alexandria Henson

(she/her)

Alexandria Henson, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Alex (she/her/hers). I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I received my Masters from Webster University (Saint Louis, MO) and have been practicing for 7+ years. I help young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, ADHD, support needs, and more. I love utilizing an eclectic approach because no one theory or modality works with all clients. My goal is to help you reach your goals and help you be the best version of yourself.

Lisa Amodeo

Lisa Amodeo, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
30 years of experience
Virtual
Lisa Amodeo 30 years of experience and is dual Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. She holds her Master’s Certified Addictions Professional (MCAP) through Florida Certification Board and is Certified Reciprocal Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CRADC) from Illinois Certification Board, Inc. She is trained in EMDR through Emdria. Lisa received her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology in Mental Health Counseling from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1992. She grew up and was raised in South Florida. She has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, such as detox, residential, PHP, IOP, and aftercare levels of care in substance abuse treatment; as well as community mental health, NorthWestern Medicine medical Floors, Veteran Health Administration with children, young adults, adults, and families.

Amanda Noel

Amanda Noel, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
17 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Amanda. I have over 15 years' experience as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lewis University. I provide telehealth services to individuals over the age of 18 who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, grief, stress, and work/life concerns. I love helping and empowering individuals develop the skills that increase life satisfaction and wellbeing.

Danielle Farmer

(she/her)

Danielle Farmer, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Chicago, IL. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa in Psychology, and then I went on to receive my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Valparaiso University. I'm a clinician who is dedicated to creating a warm, safe, and enriching environment for my clients. I understand everyone’s therapy journey is unique and I strive to ensure all of my clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Therapy is a space for you to explore your talents and strengths, identify barriers, and learn new approaches to cope with stressors.

Bonnie Lansing

(she/her)

Bonnie Lansing, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
13 years of experience
Virtual
I believe that everyone has inherent strength. While I can be direct and to the point, I understand that this conversation is about your life, not mine. I come from an inclusive feminist background and am comfortable working with all genders. I also believe in the power of laughter and that everyone is capable of leading their best life. I live in a multi dog/cat/parrot household and odds are good you will not just hear them but may occasionally see them. No worries they don’t judge and have been sworn to HIPAA secrecy.

Matthew Q. English

(he/they)

Matthew Q. English, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Matthew English LCSW, RYT (Registered yoga teacher) is dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. Matthew brings an expertise to his practice, with a strong background in cognitive behavioral therapy, emotion focused therapy, and mindfulness practices. He specializes in areas such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, school challenges, and trauma. Primarily working with people of color, the lgbtqia+ community, and men.

Dawnielle Smith

(she/her)

Dawnielle Smith, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I love the ability to learn, and grow as well as help others see what is it them. Life can have it's challenges but we can navigate through it better when we have support and others who not only see us but hear us. I have worked with youth and adults for the past 15 years supporting them in various ways through coaching, conflict resolution, and using their strengths.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Illinois rather than a city like Chicago?

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

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 Illinois 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.