Optum Therapists in Illinois

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 82 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: 7/18/2025

Greg Donathan

(he/him)

Greg Donathan, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the past 20 years and have a wide variety of experiences working with clients. I am certified in DBT and have training in ACT, motivational interviewing and trauma treatment. I find great fulfillment in partnering with clients in order to help them find the life they wish to live. I focus on what the client seeks and work to develop practical skills to help improve emotional balance, better relationships and more awareness of the present moment.

Lisa Hines

(she/her)

Lisa Hines, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
I have over 3 decades of experience working in the fields of mental health and social work. I work with youth, adults, families, and couples who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, relationship issues, and school refusal. Prior to private practice, I worked in academia as an administrator of social work programs and as a medical social worker.

Vicki Kamhi

(she/her)

Vicki Kamhi, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Edith M. Moran

(she/her)

Edith M. Moran, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! I’m Edith, but please, call me Edie. As an out and proud transgender woman, I am excited to work with the LGBT community through sexuality- and gender-affirming treatment. Are you struggling with your gender and/or sexuality? I would love to walk with you as we collaboratively work to find answers, solutions, and resilience. I help queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming folks travel the path of living your truth! Through conversation guided by CBT, DBT, and emotion-focused therapy, we will peel back the layers of identity to find your wonder, beauty, and strength. I approach each client interaction with unconditional positive regard. I am warm and not judgmental. So bring your whole self. I cannot wait to meet you! I am available for virtual sessions at this time.

Jennifer Duque

(she/her)

Jennifer Duque, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
30 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Jennifer Duque and I have over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. I love helping clients who are struggling with issues related to anxiety, depression, and stress management, as well as couples and individuals struggling with relationship issues. I meet each client where they are at; providing a laid back, comfortable environment for clients. I believe this approach gives them the opportunity to share and grow. I feel like therapy is a collaborative effort between client and therapist. Let's work together to get you to where YOU want to be.

Douglas DeRhodes

(he/him)

Douglas DeRhodes, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
16 years of experience
Virtual
I provide individually tailored treatment in a safe and supportive environment that draws and builds upon each person's strengths, resources, wisdom and goals. My style is collaborative, warm and interactive. I enjoy working with a range of clients from children to adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, healing from trauma, major life transitions, grief & loss, identity development, self-esteem difficulties, coping with medical health issues and illnesses, dual diagnosis (substance abuse and co-occurring psychiatric disorders), mindful living, and cultivating self-compassion. Using a strength-based approach, I help clients realize their inner strength to make desired life changes. I believe strongly that people can make those changes and create the life they want. I believe it's important in the therapeutic process to establish a relationship of trust, acceptance and empathy. In keeping with the belief that mental and emotional health is as vital as physical health to overall well-being, I am committed to making services available conveniently and comfortably. Appointments can be scheduled seven days a week with early morning and late evening availability.

Jeri Howell

(she/her)

Jeri Howell, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Amy Cabbage

(she/her)

Amy Cabbage, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
22 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Amy. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults of all ages that have faced various life challenges in all stages of life. My passion is helping people in a way that provides them a sense of courage, empowerment, and motivation to make the changes that they want to live their best life!

Jeffrey caldcleugh

(he/him)

Jeffrey caldcleugh, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

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.

Dr. Baheia Ahmad-Derweesh

(she/her)

Dr. Baheia Ahmad-Derweesh, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based in Illinois, with over 30 years of experience in the field. I obtained my Doctoral and Masters degrees in counseling education from Argosy University and Northeastern Illinois University, respectively. My practice focuses on supporting clients dealing with life stress, depression, and anxiety, while also assisting families in enhancing their communication skills. I'm passionate about helping individuals become the best versions of themselves and making a positive impact on their lives.

Jennifer Martin Rieck

(she/her)

Jennifer Martin Rieck, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am Jenn, and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Certified Telemental Health Provider, and the owner of Epijennetics Counseling and Consulting in Libertyville, Illinois. Epijennetics Counseling is located just outside of downtown Libertyville off of Milwaukee Avenue in Forum Square. You can read more about my work and practice at www.epijennetics.com. As a therapist, I hold the belief that we cannot fully understand mental health without first understanding the impact of our stories, our relationships, and our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. I am passionate about helping clients increase their self-awareness of these things so that they are more in touch with their feelings, needs, and desires, and are more equipped with the knowledge and tools to create the life that they want. By utilizing assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to better understand personality and the Young Schema Assessment to explore harmful thoughts and beliefs that came from previous experiences and messages received during childhood years, I help clients discover hidden obstacles that keep them from having the life they dream of. I have found that when we put in the work to make sense of ourselves and our stories, we not only heal and grow ourselves but also develop more compassion and increased understanding of others. Often this growth and healing process lessens mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression and improves overall quality of life, as well as relationship quality. If you are interested in doing some exploring, I would love to hear from you! (Please make an in-office appointment if you are booking Couple or Family therapy sessions.)

Olena Burger

Olena Burger, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my master's degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and I have been practicing for 10 years. I help adolescents and adults struggling with mental health problems stemming from traumatic life experiences and circumstances out of their control. I offer a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy that utilizes both holistic and evidence-based practices.

Joshua Eaves

(he/him)

Joshua Eaves, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I’m a licensed clinical social worker based in Illinois, specializing in anxiety, depression, and stress management, and mindfulness. I also have experience working with veterans. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate their mental health, manage anxiety, and reconnect with their sense of purpose. As a therapist, I believe in a systemic approach, understanding that we all operate in an intricate web of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how they relate to others around us. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), existential, and humanistic modalities to help you explore these connections and build a stronger foundation for growth. I also offer EMDR to process trauma. I take a collaborative and compassionate approach in therapy, recognizing that every person has both strengths and vulnerabilities that shape their healing journey. My goal is to support you in tapping into your resilience, finding clarity, and fostering a life aligned with your values. If you're looking to explore your growth or tackle anxiety, I’m here to help you move forward, offering services through a secure tele-health platform.

Carrie Parr

(she/her)

Carrie Parr, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
22 years of experience
Virtual
We live in a fast passed society, and it can be hard to keep up with all of our various life roles and responsibilities. Those who are making mental health a priority in their lives are notably the most satisfied and happy individuals in our American culture. I am a social worker by trade, and I have been a licensed clinician for over 20 years. I offer my clients a safe space to express their feelings, get to know themselves on a deeper level, and learn skills to take control of their thoughts and emotions. I guide my clients at their own pace to define and achieve their therapy goals. I believe that all people have it within themselves to optimize their own growth and success in all areas of life. Guiding you in your effort to achieve your definition of personal success and satisfaction is the ultimate objective.

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.

Joanie Paradis

(she/her)

Joanie Paradis, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
My counseling style is relaxed and conversational and one of meeting someone where they are on their path. I recognize it takes courage to seek therapy and implement changes and would love to assist you on your journey of discovery. I understand that it may be difficult to open up and talk to someone and I pride myself on being an active and nonjudgemental listener. I am genuinely interested in helping everyone I come in contact with thrive in all aspects of their personal and/or professional lives. I will constantly work to promote an empathetic experience where an individual’s needs, concerns, and personal values are met with compassion and respect. I am devoted to creating a safe place that both fosters and aids emotional growth and healing.

Tina Gaskell

Tina Gaskell, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Has intro video
LCPC
25 years of experience
Virtual
🧠 Hey, I'm Tina — and I'm glad you're here. I'm a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience providing therapy in person and online. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in your head, or like you're constantly second-guessing yourself... you're not alone. Whether you're a teen navigating school and social pressure, a young adult figuring out life direction, or someone who's overwhelmed and just tired of carrying the weight of anxiety, depression, or ADHD — I’ve got you. 🌿 How I help My approach blends evidence-based tools (like CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness) with the latest insights from neuroscience — because when you understand how your brain works, change becomes way more possible. Together, we’ll untangle what’s getting in the way of your confidence, motivation, and peace of mind. I specialize in: - Anxiety & overthinking - Depression & lack of motivation - ADHD & focus struggles - Low self-esteem & self-doubt - Life transitions & emotional overwhelm - Relationships and social support 💬 What therapy with me feels like Think of our sessions like a mix of real talk, science-backed strategies, and personalized support. I’m not here to “fix” you — because you’re not broken. I’m here to walk alongside you as you rediscover your strength, your clarity, and your calm. 📍 Who I work with I offer virtual therapy for: - Teens (13+) - Young adults - Adults of all ages Based in Illinois and fully online, so you can show up in your comfiest clothes with zero commute stress.

Alexis Kraus

(she/her)

Alexis Kraus, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Maleka Qureshi

Maleka Qureshi, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Maleka Qureshi, and I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I specialize in supporting adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses of mental illness and substance-related disorders, and various mental health issues. I offer culturally and linguistically appropriate services in English, Urdu, Hindi, and Gujarati. My therapeutic approach combines different psychotherapy techniques to help clients address negative thoughts and past patterns, empowering them to focus on the present and achieve their goals. I believe therapy is a collaborative journey, and I am dedicated to helping clients find fulfillment and balance in their lives.

Guy Oberwise

Guy Oberwise, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
35 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 35 years of experience treating male and female clients ages 16-80 in individual and couples therapies. Treatment includes a broad range of issues relating to anxiety, depression, communicaton, life transitions, and improving self-esteem. My assessments include evaluating the clients Mind, Body, and Spirit and improving their lives to function at the highest level they ever have in their life.

Daffaney Burnside

(she/her)

Daffaney Burnside, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
As a child, I always wanted to pursue a career where I could assist with an individual’s growth, creativity and happiness. I learned at a young age the struggles that life can bring, not only through the inevitable, but also through situational traumas that we at times have to face and endure. Being an active member in the clinical field of helping professionals, I have certainly learned the importance of patience, empathy and peace. Identifying and securing ones’ purpose in life, creates the true masterpiece of one’s story. My goal is to assist you in your journey to self-actualization. ​

Jacqueline Lizarazo

(she/her)

Jacqueline Lizarazo, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! My name is Jacqueline Lizarazo, and I go by Jackie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in therapy for individuals, children, and couples, with a focus on grief, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and sexual abuse. Why Choose Me: I want you to read the following passages: On Abuse: “I lived in a glass house into which my mother could look at any time. In a glass house, however, you cannot conceal anything without giving yourself away, except by hiding it under the ground. And then you cannot see it yourself, either.” On Depression: “Trees aren’t supposed to display fruit; they’re supposed to produce it. As much as I wanted to see results, I knew that I had to wait. The tree had to become healthy and mature before it could produce the fruit, and that takes time.” If what you read resonates with you, this is the type of therapy I offer. I push, and sometimes might make you cry—not to harm, but for growth. I deeply care about my patients and only want the best for you. I am not judgmental; I am here to listen and provide feedback. I often ask myself the question: if I were sitting where you are, would I come back? And the answer is yes. I give homework, so don’t expect it to be easy unless we need it to be. I am flexible, and my schedule is pretty open to fit your needs. We’re going to have days where we just catch up and talk about what happened that week but be prepared to talk about your past. I believe together we can grow into the person you want to be.

Tom Youngberg

Tom Youngberg, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, My name is Tom, and I have practiced clinical Social Work for over a decade. I specialize in PTSD/trauma-related disorders. I have a family and enjoy gardening year-round. As a clinical social worker, I work from a strengths-based approach; meaning, I work with individuals' strengths to build a foundation of safe and healthy coping and problem solving skills, as well as assist in allowing for ongoing introspection.

Liliana Gomez

(she/her)

Liliana Gomez, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Liliana Gómez, and I am a bilingual (Spanish & English) and bicultural clinical social worker. At the heart of my profession lies a commitment to holistic health, where integrating mind, body, and spirit is paramount. If you are struggling to manage mental illness and/or physical chronic illnesses, I can help you navigate the feelings that arise and teach you practical skills. I believe healing is relational and that the relationship to ourselves is the most important relationship there is so if you are interested in enhancing your relationships feel free to reach out. My hope is that together we can develop a plan to make life a little less overwhelming and more enjoyable. I provide individual therapy emphasizing strengths-based, client-centered, and trauma informed approaches for diverse populations, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I generally practice from a relational lens and integrate evidenced based practices such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy, and internal family systems (IFS). I also like to incorporate community resources and collaborate with natural supports.

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 Bipolar Disorder?

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, Bipolar Disorder, 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.