Optum Therapists in Illinois

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 365 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: 5/19/2025

Brian Katz

Brian Katz, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
18 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Brian If you feel stuck, and unable to change things, I can help you to start moving again. We can join together and create a strategy for working through the event or dilemma that is stressing you out. Together we can restore or surpass your previous level of productivity and satisfaction. I want to hear your story. I will listen. I will not judge. For the last 18 years, I have helped individuals, families and couples resolve problematic situations. Their experiences often instilled insight, confidence, serenity and hope. My holistic mission is to: • listen empathetically, without judgement • Ease suffering and improve functionality • Teach you to persist when fear and doubt are present • Be equal partners working together to create and implement strategies to resolve, accept and overcome the obstacles that impede your progress I want to • Help you find insight, meaning and purpose • Provide support as you proceed in the direction of your choosing • Teach you how to live more effectively • Create the opportunity for you to smile when it is most needed and least expected I take the time to educate you about the conditions that you experience and the treatment you receive. I believe that self-empowerment begins with self-understanding. I will help you understand why you do what you do and feel what you feel. I have extensive experience treating addicted people in residential in patient treatment, outpatient and aftercare facilities. I advise and treat families struggling to with parents, children and siblings that are addicted

Pam Gehant-Smith

Pam Gehant-Smith, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
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.

Rachelle Barmann

Rachelle Barmann, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
I am a LCPC, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Board-certified art therapist. I take a holistic approach in helping each client heal from trauma, face transitions and challenges, build self-esteem, and learn to love themselves and their lives. Through my work with trauma, I understand how childhood experiences can impact everything from our relationships as adults, our self-esteem, anxiety, parenting, etc. Frequently, it isn't until adulthood that we begin to look at our lives and discover how our childhood influences our choices, relationships, personality, emotions, addictions etc. By healing past trauma, we can find freedom, understanding and compassion for ourselves. In addition to EMDR, I use elements of polyvgal theory, mindfulness, IFS techniques, and body-based bottom up approaches based on the work of current neuroscience. I take a strength-based positive approach, helping clients discover their true and authentic selves.

Lee Affrunti

Lee Affrunti, LP - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LP
17 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings and welcome! Are you struggling with worry or panic, sadness, stressful or rapidly changing life circumstances, or traumatic experiences from your past? Stress, overwhelming emotions, or overall frustration with one's current life's path can zap the life energy from even the most stout-hearted among us! My name is Lee, and, as a licensed clinical psychologist, I empower high-functioning individuals struggling with a wide range of challenges to take back their lives and live with meaning and fulfillment. It is your birthright as a human being to experience peace of mind, hope, and joy. In our sessions together, I will help you find and use your strengths and resources to overcome the current challenges keeping you from living your most authentic, engaged, and meaningful life. I appreciate the courage it took for you to reach out to improve the quality of your life. Yes, you absolutely can live your most fulfilling life, and I offer to be your guide who will strive to enlighten, empower, and support you on your journey. I hope we can travel this part of your journey together!

John D Benton

(he/him)

John D Benton, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
35 years of experience
Virtual
Hello!. My name is John Benton, LCSW from Illinois. I have been a licensed therapist since 2007 working 19 years in a community mental health center. Prior to that i was counseling in group homes for adolescent boys and girls who had serious behavior and thinking problems. I have treated many mental health issues arise in various ethnicities and age groups. I have also supervised staff in properly applying counseling techniques and behavior modifications to help youth successfully reintegrate to their homes of origin, foster homes, and in society in general.

Melissa Cauthen

(she/her)

Melissa Cauthen, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a licensed Social Worker in Illinois with 20+ years of professional work experience. My extensive career background has allowed me to work with people from all different situations, where I've advocated for them to have the best quality of life, always. I have lots of experience working with diverse populations and have the ability to meet people where they're at. I thrive on positivity and mental wellness, with a clear understanding and vision of one's light. I'm a natural promoter of empowerment and hold a great deal of empathy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, unique issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, relationship issues, family conflicts and much more. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I'm here to support and empower you in that journey.

Marcus Jack

Marcus Jack, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
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.

Vanessa Torres Garcia

(she/her)

Vanessa Torres Garcia, LP - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LP
10 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist with almost 10 years of experience working with diverse populations within a variety of settings including hospitals, forensic/correctional facilities, underserved communities, and private practice. My education includes a formal component of Neuropsychological rehab. I specialize in working with adults/elders experiencing adjustment issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, relational difficulties or cognitive deficits. As a dynamic/motivated professional, I like to see each day as a new opportunity to challenge and improve myself. Traveling to different countries, cooking and dancing are always part of my journey of personal growth and appreciation.

Amanda Strobel

Amanda Strobel, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
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.

Charles King

(he/him)

Charles King, LMFT - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LMFT
4 years of experience
Virtual
I am a husband of 13 years, a father of a 10 y/o neurodivergent son and a 6 y/o precocious daughter, a veteran of the US Navy with 12 years served, including 1 deployment, and a geek. I am what the Japanese culture describes as an otaku, in that I work to support my passions. In my free time I enjoy video games (mostly on Nintendo Switch), movies (all kinds, although my favorite is the 2005 animated Transformers movie), books (current favorite author is Brandon Sanderson), and spending time with my family.

Nancy Milam

(she/her)

Nancy Milam, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I gained an interest in Psychology while working in a nursing home for 10 years with those with dementia or end of life care and met so many wonderful people and knew I wanted to learn and meet more people to try and help guide people as much as I could. I majored in Psychology and minored in Women Studies & Multi-cultural studies at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN attaining my BA. I later worked for a while and while working full-time, I went to grad school to attain my Graduate Degree Summa Cumme Laude in December of 2010 at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago majoring in Rehabilitation Counseling which had a primary major emphasis in Psychology and there were also emphases in physical disabilities and vocational counseling respectively. I have 14 years in the field post getting my licensure working with a diverse population. I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) or a Licensed Therapist in other words in the state of Illinois and have been since January of 2012. I have experience as a Qualified Mental Health Professional since 2003 working with adults, adolescents, & children as that is when I started my professional career in Outreach Community Mental Health and have have been at the Director level supervising other Clinicians getting their licenses and those already with their licenses providing counseling and case management services throughout the Chicagoland area.

Patricia V Voloschin-Weiner

Patricia V Voloschin-Weiner, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
38 years of experience
Virtual
I have been providing English and Spanish speaking families in the Chicago area with a wide range of psychological and counseling services since 1985. In our sessions we will explore your feelings, beliefs, or behaviors which are of concern to you and/or your family and identify aspects of yourself or your life that you would like to change. Issues we can discuss can include coping with life challenges, relationship issues, parenting stress, dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma or issues regarding work related stress. I have a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work and Psychology from Michigan State University, Masters of Arts in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters in Public Health from the University of Illinois-Chicago. I am an Illinois Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Social Worker. I am a certified Divorce Mediator.

Marsha McIntosh

Marsha McIntosh, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
My background is not only in psychotherapy, but in health coaching as well! I have a graduate degree in Health and have taught general health, women's health, and human sexuality at the college level for more than three decades. Helping students set health goals, inspire change, and conquer their emotional challenges was a vital part of each course. I have a graduate degree in Counseling and have been providing therapy to both men and women of a variety of ages for many years. I have practiced within an agency and with online platforms. Observing clients build the courage to make changes, walk away from unhelpful patterns and take a new path has been a rewarding part of my career!

Nupur Sharma

Nupur Sharma, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

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.

Tamica Wells

(she/her)

Tamica Wells, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! My name is Tamica, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from University of Southern California. My concentration is Mental Health with a sub-concentration in Military Families. I am a psychotherapist with a breath of wealth and experience in mental health, military families, social services, the criminal justice system, and case management services. I also have extensive experience working with the elderly population, and in psychiatric units, public school systems, mental health clinics, and State, Local and Federal Governmental agencies. My purpose is to help individuals learn evidence-based strategies, techniques and skills to manage their stress, anxiety, depression and other behaviors to reclaim their lives.

Lucero Garcia

(she/her)

Lucero Garcia, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Latinx bilingual and bicultural psychotherapist. I have a master’s degree in social work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago. My expertise has centered on providing therapeutic care in inpatient settings and community mental health centers with a focus on crisis and trauma interventions. I am trained in mindfulness-based approaches, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, parent training and Motivational Interviewing. In therapy, I address patient's concerns which include depression, anxiety, domestic violence and complex trauma. My approach to care is to create a safe and comfortable environment for all of my clients and I believe individuals can excel when addressing their symptoms from a systematic, family and individual approach. I began practicing 9 years ago at a community mental health center with survivors of domestic violence. Thereafter, I worked with adolescents experiencing depression and anxiety. The next five years I spent my time working with pediatric patients in the Autism spectrum addressing behavioral concerns. In this process I have worked with the LGBTQ+ and Latinx community and inclusive of other communities. It is my belief that therapy is unique to each individual and I cater individually to all my patients. I practice cultural humility as I continue to learn about cultural uniqueness and differences. I continue to research and inquire about patients' experience to improve my approach to therapy, the therapeutic relationship and experience.

Justin Cody

Justin Cody, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) based out of Central Illinois. I have been practicing for 6 years. Life is a journey, and as with all journeys there are ups and downs. I am here to help you manage the journey of life. When you feel stuck, I am here to help you get back up and on you way again. Through a Christian lens, I will help you manage life.

Shelena Clay

(she/her)

Shelena Clay, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Shelena is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She has worked in the field of mental health for 10 years and in private practice for the past 4 years. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry and her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She loves working with individuals to help them reframe negative thinking and behaviors. She utilizes treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Reality Therapy. She believes that given the right tools we all can become the best version of ourselves.

Anthony Brooks

(he/him)

Anthony Brooks, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
16 years of experience
Virtual
I am a 3rd generation social services worker. I was born to help others, it is all I know. It is my passion. With nearly 20 years in the field, I have a wide array of experiences that help make me a well rounded practitioner. I I have worked with Department of Corrections, DCFS. I have experiences in both high acuity inpatient and intensive out patient therapy. Poly dynamics and LGBQT+ friendly.

Michael Parks

Michael Parks, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
19 years of experience
Virtual
I am a 47-year-old white Christian male that has been married for 29 years. I have three kids 26,19 and 16. I also have a spunky granddaughter who is five years old. I have a Master in Psych, as well as a MSW in Social Work. I also carry a CADC for work in Substance Abuse. I received my MSW from SIUC in Carbondale Illinois. I have been working in Mental health for the last 19 years in one way or another. I currently work at my day job with children 5-12, to assist with ADD, Anger, Sexual Abuse, grief etc. I have also worked with adults in the past. I am looking to be that calm helping hand in the storm that you are experiencing.

Olena Burger

Olena Burger, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
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.

Jannetta Brass

Jannetta Brass, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker(LCSW) based in Oklahoma with a Master’s degree from Capella University and five years of experience in the field. I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges related to stress, depression, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, and parenting issues. My compassionate and collaborative approach empowers clients to find practical solutions, healing, and personal growth. I strive to create a safe, supportive space for everyone to explore their concerns and reach their goals.

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.

Ellen Rodman

Ellen Rodman, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I received my Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Rehabilitation Counseling Psychology. I began my career working with severe trauma and persistent mental illness. This gave her a unique perspective on life and how quickly one can loose the life as we know it...and how wellness can suddenly elude us. To grieve loss and restore wellness, I believes a strong therapeutic relationship. I use a client centered approach in establishing rapport. Having worked in the most challenging neighborhoods of the inner city, I have seen the best and worst of human nature. What impressed me the most, is the inner strength I saw in people, under the most difficult of circumstances. It is this impression, this knowledge, that guides me to focus on an individuals’ capacity to overcome hardship, pain and despair. I use a holistic approach to therapy as I do not believe any one approach works for all, as each and every person is unique and different. I believe with compassion, care and empathy, one can be empowered to make the necessary changes to become more happy, fulfilled and to grow.

Candice Love

(she/her)

Candice Love, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
3 years of experience
Virtual
As a therapist who values mental, emotional, and behavioral health my goal in working with clients is to help them identify the best strategies, perspectives and mindsets to enjoy the life they lead. My approach to therapy is solution focused, non judgmental and collaborative. Together we will work towards the life you truly deserve. I plan to assist you with grief, identity issues, life transitions, family issues, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and much more.

Explore more Illinois Therapists by:

Selected tab: Insurance

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 Coping Skills?

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, Coping Skills, 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.