Optum Therapists in Illinois

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 238 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: 7/1/2025

D’Juan Powell

(he/him)

D’Juan Powell, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
Are you feeling overwhelmed by day-to-day life? Are there things from your past that are unresolved? Do you desire self-improvement but don’t know where to start? Starting where you are is the first step in every new journey. I want to help guide you on your journey by helping you to unlock your own inner power to make transformative changes in your life. This can sound overwhelming, but you don’t have to do this work alone. I take a client-centered approach by meeting you wherever you may be in your journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether it be depression, anxiety, trauma, work or family stress or issues surrounding self-esteem and identity, you’ll receive the support that you need. I get it. Therapy can be intimidating. That is why I aim to provide a safe and affirming space for my clients to open up, grow and heal. In my 7 years as a social worker, compassion and understanding have always been at the cornerstone of the work that I do with my clients. Our sessions will not be the exception to this. This along with evidence-based techniques will be the key to helping you identify and overcome the current barriers in your life. Ready to work together? Let’s do it!

Wayne Lyons

Wayne Lyons, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
I am originally from Florida and the Valedictorian of my high school who graduated and played football for Stanford University and The University of Michigan. After creating a nonprofit called Empire For The Youth, I have developed a curriculum for building wholistic life success and have worked in over 20 different schools throughout the united states. I work with all youth from ages 8-80 in helping them identify their life purpose and motivation for why they wake up and live every day. I help to mold daily habits to keep my clients living life full of HOPE...Having Only Positive Energy!

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.

Dee Ventucci

Dee Ventucci, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving clients in Illinois. With a Master's from The Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago, I bring 9 years of social work experience, including 7 years in private practice. My therapeutic approach focuses on addressing the root causes of symptoms, empowering clients to live fulfilling lives free from mental health concerns. I'm dedicated to achieving lasting healing for many common disorders.

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.

Krista Jackson

Krista Jackson, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
35 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am Krista A.M. Jackson a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with extensive experience in individual, couples, family, and group therapy. I will empower you to function at your highest level of success through my unique approach that combines clinical expertise, personalized coping strategies, and a deep understanding of human behavior. I hold specializations in Adlerian psychology, behavior modification, and Emotionally Focused Training which allows me to tailor an approach to your specific needs. Whether you're seeking help with personal growth, relationship issues, or academic and career guidance, my solution-focused strategies and comprehensive background in behavioral assessment will provide you with the tools and support needed to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

Patricia Hernandez

(she/her)

Patricia Hernandez, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed clinical social worker who’s worked with diverse populations seeking to feel empowered through education and learning self-advocacy. I have a diverse background with the time in clinical experience and instilled education from different institutions. I prefer to work with patients who want to gain self-awareness and change to live a healthier life. I have worked with those who have a history of domestic violence, trauma, past persecution and trying to establish a safe home. Patients that need counseling in this country to stay legally. Patient’s who have children with mental health disorders and need to be here to care for them. Patients that have a need for support/resources; along with instilling coping skills to manage assimilation stressors, mental health needs and education on other related areas. I want to work with people that want to be their “best self”.

Martha Tierney

(she/her)

Martha Tierney, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, Illinois. I earned my MSW in 2005 from the University of Minnesota. I have supported many clients experiencing life transitions such as career and relationship changes. Additionally, I have many years of experience supporting people around aging, Alzheimer's disease, caregiving and grief. I am drawn to this work because I believe everyone deserves to feel understood and supported as they face the ups and downs of life.

Lisa Sumrow

(she/her)

Lisa Sumrow, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years' experience. I received my master's degree from the University of St. Francis, in Illinois. I am passionate about helping those struggling through life's many transitions. As a clinician, I meet my client's where they are at, listen to what they want to work on, and collaborate with them on ways to achieve their goals. Together, we work as a team towards growth and change.

Gina Dunphy

(she/her)

Gina Dunphy, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

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.

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.

Dennis Keppeler

(he/him)

Dennis Keppeler, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

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.

Nancy Milam

(she/her)

Nancy Milam, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Meghan Skidmore

Meghan Skidmore, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
16 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, my names is Meghan Skidmore and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Northern Illinois. I have 16 years of experience as a clinical social worker. I have previously worked with children in mental health crisis as well as with children and families involved with the child welfare system. I also have worked the past 15 years as a school social worker, working with children and families to help them be successful in and out of the school setting.

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.

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.

Alana Bak

Alana Bak, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
13 years of experience
Virtual
If your search for peace has brought you this far, give yourself kudos for taking the first and most important step in your healing journey. My name is Alana, I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and have been in the field for over 13 years. I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Lewis University, and my Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a focus on Addiction Disorders Treatment. I have worked in community mental health centers, partial hospitalization programs, nursing homes and private practice settings, with a large part of my career focused on crisis work and helping people in times of high need. I have experience working with all ages, types of problems and diagnoses, both in individual and group environments, with past focuses on DCFS-involvement, court systems, PTSD/trauma, suicidal ideation, Social Security/Medicaid systems, family conflict, substance abuse, Alzheimer's, severe mental illness and bariatric surgery and treatment. Whether you're struggling with life stress, relationship problems, work-life balance, or past trauma, I am here to walk alongside you on your path to healing.

Michael Parks

Michael Parks, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Candyce Bell

(she/her)

Candyce Bell, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
I am an Army Veteran and LCPC with a certification as a national certified counselor through the NBCC and have accumulated over 6 years of direct individual/group practice as a licensed counselor. Overall, my experience spans over 10 years working as a crisis, substance use, and mental health counselor in the field. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and substance use. I also have assisted many clients who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is very welcoming and inviting. I believe in honoring the values of respect, sensitivity, compassion, empathy and embracing a holistic point of view to promote mental wellness. It takes courage to make the steps towards a more fulfilling and happier life and embrace change. If you are ready to take that leap into a healthier mind, body, and spirit, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you in your new journey!

Wendy Taylor

(she/her)

Wendy Taylor, LMFT - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
22 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome, Illinois and Indiana residents. I've been a licensed mental health therapist for 20+ years and have had a variety of different roles in the behavioral health field. I believe my personal and employment experiences over the years help to inform the way I am with clients today. I help clients in a number of areas including those struggling with anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma and PTSD, grief, life transitions, parenting concerns, self-esteem, self-harming behaviors, body image issues, and women's issues. My favorite part of being a therapist is when clients have that "aha" moment -- that new discovery about a particular belief or behavior that has held them back. Once that moment shows up there is space for new growth to take root.

Nupur Sharma

Nupur Sharma, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

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!

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.

Elizabeth Newman

(she/her)

Elizabeth Newman, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Perspective clients need to know I genuinely care about the people I work with, and have a passion for joining people on their journey to a new self. The fact that you are searching for a therapist shows you would like something to change. This is very brave. We often lose perspective about situations and how we deal with them. This can be a result of things we have buried from our past, or relationships that did not support us in the way we need. I will give you a safe and supportive place to look at your unwelcome patterns and find a way to make your journey more fulfilling. My counseling focus is on adolescents and adults. My philosophy is client-centered, Mindfulness based, trauma informed, and goal oriented. I have training and experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. My areas of focus include trauma, attachment issues, difficulties with distress tolerance and emotional regulation, along with families dealing with Alzheimer's. Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are what make you who you are. As we work together to understand these parts of you, we will find a way to alter those thoughts that no longer work for you and strengthen those that are helping you become who you wish to be.

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 Grief?

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, Grief, 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.