Optum Therapists in Illinois

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 91 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: 6/23/2025

Lisa Feldmann/Koegler

(she/her)

Lisa Feldmann/Koegler, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
23 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! So glad you are here! Do you get into relationships hoping that this time things will be different? Do you feel overwhelmed and have a hard time exploring and working towards your goals or just life fulfillment? Would you like a more kind and loving relationship with yourself? I love helping people who are ready to identify patterns that hold them back from happiness and fulfillment in both relationship and other areas of life. My name is Lisa and I provide therapy for both addictions and mental health issues. While I have treated those with active addiction for many years, I also treat the patterns stemming from addictions and family dysfunction. This can impact relationships as well as how we see ourselves throughout life. I have a Masters of Education degree in Counselor Education from Southern Illinois University specializing in Substance Abuse. From substance abuse counseling, I have expanded my areas of specialties to include family and relationship dynamics and how to heal survival skills" that have evolved into self defeating life patterns.

Gina Dunphy

(she/her)

Gina Dunphy, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCSW
34 years of experience
Virtual
I have been practicing Social Work/Counseling for 34 years. I am very passionate about what I do, and enjoy seeing clients set goals and take active steps to achieving those goals. I love getting to know my clients, and forming a safe place for them to explore ways they want to overcome barriers to growth and change. It is truly a privilege to meet in the therapeutic space and witness the growth that human beings can make when they are met where they are at and given the unconditional positive regard they deserve.

Kelly Peters

(she/her)

Kelly Peters, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
35 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) in Illinois with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, post graduate certifications in : marriage and family therapy, IFS, addictions/ codepencedncy, family therapy, breathwork, DBT, group, and and trauma therapy, practicing for 40 years. I assist clients in their healing, recovery, and increased agency. I will work with individuals and the systems within which they operate.

Nupur Sharma

Nupur Sharma, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hello everyone, Let me take a few moments to introduce myself. My name is Nupur Sharma. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois. My background includes completing my Bachelor of Science (B.S) Degree from Loyola University Chicago in 2008, and I finished my Masters of Arts (M.A) Degree in Clinical Psychology (Counseling Specialization) in 2011 from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I bring over 15 years of experience working as a mental health professional in different settings and with different populations. I have worked with adolescents, adults, and geriatric population over the years across a variety of treatment settings including inpatient mental health unit, addiction center, nursing facilities, memory care, inpatient behavioral hospital, community mental health center, managed care organization and working with insurance.

Vicki Kamhi

(she/her)

Vicki Kamhi, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
16 years of experience
Virtual
Hi – I’m Vicki – do you ever find yourself feeling lost as you wander on a path that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? Or maybe you’re standing at a fork in the road and you aren’t sure which way to go. No matter what you're going through right now, you can get through it and I can help. I am committed to walking beside you and helping you find your unique path to create a life full of wellness, personal growth, joy and meaning. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol/Other Drug Counselor (CADC) with over 17 years of counseling experience. I specialize in working with individuals 18 years and older who live in Illinois. MY AREAS OF EXPERTISE INCLUDE: SUBSTANCE USE, GRIEF AND LOSS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION. If you are interested in working with a therapist who is committed to creating an authentic, positive collaborative relationship with you, feel free to schedule an appointment with me through GROW.

Dennis Keppeler

(he/him)

Dennis Keppeler, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I began training to be a psychotherapist 15 years ago after having worked in publishing for many years. Becoming a Social Worker and helping others has always been a kind of calling for me, but it took a little while for me to arrive at my goal. I hope that that part of my story helps to prove that it is never too late to change or to pursue goals. I continue to integrate the things that I have learned through formal education and through my own experiences of life so that I am best able to help others who are experiencing distress and difficulties with navigating life. We all need additional support from time-to-time, especially given the complicated, fast-changing world we live in. My goal as a psychotherapist is to be a source of support and assistance as you develop insight into the difficulties you face and as you begin to develop strategies for change. Through interactive-therapy sessions, I help you to understand and clarify life’s challenges and I support you as you begin to make the changes that are needed to make progress towards your goals. I help my clients to discover and explore a positive path in therapy that they can then continue to follow as they pursue their goals and their lives independently.

Kathy O'Grady

(she/her)

Kathy O'Grady, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am a first generation American who is from Chicago & who always had a passion for helping others. I have worked within social services and health care for thirty years. I began my career working with teens who were placed in the care of DCFS and who lived within the group home setting. I continued my career with working with teens who were identified as runaways and soon after, I began to work with individuals who were dealing with schizophrenia. I later in life worked as an ER technician at a Level One Trauma Center while attending graduate school. Thereafter, I continued to work within the health care system as an inpatient and outpatient care manager. Additionally, I managed the first ever memory assessment clinics that were established within this health care system.

Jennifer Taylor

Jennifer Taylor, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
29 years of experience
Virtual
"Hello! I'm a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, an expert on trauma resolution, attachment, parts work, and nervous system regulation. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy so I integrate traditional talk therapy with experiential therapies that aid in better nervous system regulation, healing, and overall relief of symptoms. Experiential, brain-based healing & somatic therapies can help accelerate change and often reduce time in counseling. I specialize in biologically based healing, which assists in resolving trauma symptoms that are frozen or stuck in the body. I have training in EMDR (eye movement desensitization & reprocessing) and am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). I interweave these therapies and attachment-based support and repair into all my work with clients, which allows for a rich, gentle, connection-based healing approach. I have been in private practice for over 20 years, and prior to that time I worked in a variety of mental health settings. I see clients via telehealth. Education & Certifications: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) Master of Psychology, The Adler School of Professional Psychology Bachelor of Psychology, Illinois State University Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) Transforming the Experience-Based Brain (TEB) Touch Practitioner SSP (Safe & Sound Protocol) provider

Janice H. March

Janice H. March, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I have 20 years of experience working with adults and adolescents from all walks of life. My expertise is in substance abuse, depression, relationships, family concerns, trauma and PTSD. I know sometimes people go through difficult times. They think something’s wrong with them because they have problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. Having difficulties is part of the human experience. Many people pretend they’re okay when they’re not. They keep all their pain and suffering to themselves. They’re afraid if they tell the truth, they’ll be abandoned and rejected. Therapy can open the door for you to stop pretending you’re “fine.” You can find the freedom to be you. Therapy can help you to come out of isolation and start living again. You'll start to feel better because you're showing the real you and you're connecting with someone. Your therapist can be a “loving witness to your pain.”

Nicolette Surico

(She/her)

Nicolette Surico, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Nicolette Surico. I have a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and am a Licensed Therapist. I have been working with adults, young adults, adolescents, families, and couples for over 20+ years and in the areas of Substance Use Disorders and Mental Health as well as Mentally Ill Substance Users. Most of what I hear from those seeking Therapy has to do with struggling with, as well as, navigating through life challenges, especially during these complicated times. What you may have seemed to manage before might be creating a sense of uncertainty. That is a perfect place to begin Therapy! I think it's important to consider the whole person in Therapy. Creative approaches/techniques that can assist you with recognizing things that can assist you moving forward. Looking forward to working with you!

Liz Dorantes de Inzunza

(she/her/ella)

Liz Dorantes de Inzunza, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hola, soy Liz! I'm a bilingual (fluent in Spanish) licensed clinical social worker and certified alcohol and drug counselor based in Illinois, and my approach to therapy is person-centered with trauma-informed care. This means that I believe you have both the desire and ability to reach self-actualization through personal growth and change, while also considering the impacts of trauma on a person. I became a therapist because of my own life experiences, which have sparked a curiosity in me to get to know the unknown. My own ongoing journey of growth and self-awareness enriches my practice with clients, as it deepens my understanding and compassion towards their own experiences. I identify as Chicana and Mexican-American, which is something that I say with honor and gratitude today. As a daughter of immigrants, I have my own unique experience with growing up in 2 very different cultures, languages and communities, and I'm passionate about advocating for the mental and emotional wellness in our Latinx communities. In our sessions, we'll explore a range of themes, like family and relationship patterns, life stressors, and how your past has impacted you. I specialize in working with people who often feel overwhelmed with heavy emotions or life stressors. Whether that's due to past experiences, relationship issues, low self-esteem, or feelings of hopelessness, together, we can make space for healing. As a bilingual therapist, I also focus on exploring cultural identities and generational patterns within families, providing a safe and compassionate space for exploration and understanding.

Chris Rabe

(she/her)

Chris Rabe, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
You may find yourself experiencing toxic relationships/codependency, eating disorders, drugs & alcohol, anxiety, and perfectionism – the list of the ways we distract and soothe ourselves from discomfort goes on and on. You may find the need to learn more about yourself and your relationships, process life events, share things that are difficult to share with other people, or to explore how past experiences have shaped you. I am passionate about helping clients foster self-awareness by using motivational interviewing, to meet you right where you are. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois, with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adler University. I am a National Board Certified Counselor. I have spent over 14 years in the mental health field, and 10 years as a mental health professional. You don’t need to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy. Ongoing wellness is crucial to a balanced life.

Heidi Grafton

(she/her)

Heidi Grafton, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Do you find yourself feeling irritable or moody? Do you feel overwhelmed with daily expectations and responsibilities? These feelings can be a sign of depression and/or anxiety. I can help you through these difficult emotions. Together we can help you gain self-confidence and improve your life. Often it is difficult to know where to start. I teach strategies to help manage your symptoms. I have experience helping clients build and maintain relationships, with those struggling to find purpose or meaning in their life, with grief, and trauma. Additionally, if you are struggling with infertility, miscarriage or loss, or postpartum depression this is my niche. I have over 20 years of experience with child welfare, healthcare, maternal child health, postpartum, antepartum, neonatal, addiction medicine, and school/behavioral issues. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space with use of respect, compassion, empathy, hope, and a bit of humor.

Robert D Jaskula

(he/him)

Robert D Jaskula, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with thirty some years' experience. I currently supervise master's degree level students in substance abuse treatment field placement. I have delivered services in a variety of contexts: schools, hospitals, and community mental health agencies. I approach my work with curiosity, openness, and transparency - attempting to increase understanding and build community in diversity.

Maria Nowak

(she/her)

Maria Nowak, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a mature and empathetic individual with experience in PTSD, as well as both mood and personality disorders. Non-judgemental and eclectic in my approach. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have experience working with a variety of populations in a variety of settings, ranging from residential/restorative to outpatient. I have 10+ years of experience addressing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, religious trauma, and relationship challenges. I am interested in working with adults, adolescents, and older children.

Jeffrey caldcleugh

(he/him)

Jeffrey caldcleugh, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I use a collaborative and strengths-based approach with each of my clients. I have years of experience working with Client's and Families/Couple's from working in both mental health treatment facilities and outpatient private practice. I integrate a variety of evidenced-based treatment interventions to address behavioral health issues, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Twelve-Step Facilitation Therapy, Psychodynamics and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy.

Sara Herman

(she/her)

Sara Herman, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
6 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.

Carlos Echevarria

(he/him)

Carlos Echevarria, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Chicago, IL. I received my master's degree from Boston University and have been practicing as a licensed clinician for three years. Throughout these three years, I have worked with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. I am passionate about the population I serve, and I am a strong advocate for destigmatizing mental health and substance use disorders.

Eliza Adams

(she/her)

Eliza Adams, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
18 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counsellor (LCPC) in Illinois. I received my Doctorate degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I received my Master's of Science degree in Community Counseling from National Louis University. I have over 2o years of experience in the field and enjoy providing client centered care to individuals of all ages.

Lisa Amodeo

Lisa Amodeo, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
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.

Jeri Howell

(she/her)

Jeri Howell, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
27 years of experience
Virtual
Hello!!! I am Jeri Howell a Licensed therapist from Illinois. I have a Master's Degree in Human Development Counseling and i have been practicing for over 25 years. I want to help people recognize their own strengths and build on the resilience they already possess. I work with individuals and couples as well as teens and young adults. I am available for telehealth and in person at the Be Well Therapy Center in Mt Sterling IL.

Dr. Mary Wilson

Dr. Mary Wilson, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! I am a licensed therapist and have been in the field for 30 years. I have a doctorate in Philosophy with a focus of Psychology. I specialize in personality disorders, anger management, and trauma. My passion is working with adults that present with an array of issues including but not limited to anger, trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and criminal behavior. I have a lengthy background with couple counseling, effective communication, and narcissistic abuse.

Alexis Kraus

(she/her)

Alexis Kraus, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Alexis. You might be feeling overwhelmed with life and need someone to talk to. Therapy is an essential practice that will help you understand your challenges and bring you the happiness you deserve. I will be there to support and guide you as you grow into the person you want to be. My goal as a therapist is to help you overcome obstacles and develop the skills needed to improve your overall well-being. I provide a warm and non-judgmental space for you to be truly heard so that you can communicate your authentic thoughts and feelings in a safe place. I can help you address your problems, make positive changes, and use the skills that we develop together to solve future problems. I am certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and often incorporate aspects of talk therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, problem solving, and skill building techniques into my work with clients. Each technique is tailored specifically to each individual's needs. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) helping serve individuals in Chicago and all over Illinois. I have extensive experience working with teens and adults diagnosed with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, thought disorders, substance use disorders, and trauma histories. No matter what you are going through I will be there to aid you as you take on this journey, we call life.

Stephen Wright

(he/him)

Stephen Wright, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. I received my Masters in Counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I have been practicing for that past 15 years. Much of my work has been in residential and PHP/IOP settings working with individuals with co-occurring issues, most often complicated by trauma. My goal is the help individuals see their own intrinsic value and guide them toward feeling empowered again.

Kate Hindle

(she/her)

Kate Hindle, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and welcome! My name is Kate Hindle and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been practicing for about 9 years now and am a firm believer that the best way to help someone is to understand the person. Therefore, I take the time to get to know you, your struggles and goals to form a person-centered approach to our sessions.

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 Addiction?

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, Addiction, 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.