Optum Therapists in Illinois

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 44 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: 6/30/2025

Jacqueline Ritz

(she/her)

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

John D Benton

(he/him)

John D Benton, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

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.

Renee Rodgers

(she/her)

Renee Rodgers, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
24 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a psychotherapist and Clinical Social Worker with 23 years experience providing mental health care for individuals, couples and families. I have experience providing brief and long-term therapy with adolescents and adults coping with a spectrum of mental health conditions; grief and loss; relationship issues; occupational problems and social injustices. It's exciting when relief and hope grow from therapy and the relationship supports meaningful change.

Jocelyn Acoff

(she/her)

Jocelyn Acoff, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hey, I'm Jocelyn. Are you struggling with accomplishing your life goals or feeling stuck? I offer confidential individual psychotherapy sessions to adult, young adults, and teens 13 or older who are struggling with anxiety, depression, psychotic mental health diagnoses, grief and many other life issues. I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years. Private practice for 3 years. I've worked with clients in residential, corrections, rehabilitation, and community mental health. I have helped clients reconnect with themselves and improve their coping skills. I also enjoy helping clients access needed resources. Therapy has helped me during a difficult time in my life as well. Being a mental health therapist is more than a profession to me, it's a passion. I offer day, some evenings, and some weekend appointments because I understand life can be busy. Let's make some changes together!!

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.

Alyssa Norbeck

(she/her)

Alyssa Norbeck, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm Alyssa Norbeck and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois. I understand that it can feel vulnerable and intimidating to begin therapy, but I'm passionate about making therapy a safe space where you feel heard and understood. My therapeutic style is empathetic, nonjudgemental, and individualized. I draw upon a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities (such as CBT, ACT, ERP, and EMDR) to help you reach your goals. I received my Master's in Social Work from USC. I've worked with a variety of age groups presenting with a range of clinical issues in both individual and group settings, including private practice, mental health and substance use intensive outpatient programs (IOP), crisis management and stabilization, Employee Assistance Programs, and in skilled nursing facilities/long term care. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my dog, gardening, crafting, and kayaking.

Amanda Berenguel Smolka

(she/her)

Amanda Berenguel Smolka, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been formally practicing therapy for 5+ years; though I've been an informal therapist for family and friends since my adolescent years. I work mostly with teens and families with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, by teaching DBT, CBT, ACT, and Executive Functioning skills. I have worked in an inpatient hospital and how work in a Partial Hospitalization Program while also doing private practice on the side. I am also a wife (since 2007) and mother (since 2011) so relationships, family dynamics, children with mental health concerns are also part of my daily life.

Danielle Farmer

(she/her)

Danielle Farmer, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

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

Monika Breidenbach

(she/her)

Monika Breidenbach, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
9 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Monika—a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois. I help people navigate anxiety, OCD, and life transitions, as well as stress, burnout, low self-esteem, and tough emotions like anger. My approach is practical, brain-based, and grounded in compassion. Whether you’re new to therapy or returning to it, I’m here to meet you where you are. We’ll work together to help you feel more calm, confident, and in control—one step at a time. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’m here to support you.

Beth Rosenberg

(she/her)

Beth Rosenberg, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois. I received my Masters from the University of Illinois at Chicago and my Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law. I have 20 years of combined experience in private practice, public schools, and a children's hospital. My style is warm, collaborative, and clear. I specialize in supporting clients who are ready to explore the deeper “why” behind their struggles while also building practical tools for change. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, conflict in close relationships, self-doubt, or life transitions, I offer a space where you can slow down, feel supported, and begin to move forward. My work is guided by deep respect for each client’s unique story, pace, and goals.

Patrick Cornelius

(he/they)

Patrick Cornelius, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name Patrick and I served in three combat tours: serving our country for nine years as a United States Marine. I decided to serve those that are mentally ill in 2013 after my tour of service. After 5 years of study and schooling I got my start in 2017 in a dual-disorder treatment center conducting Intensive inpatient/outpatient groups and utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy as an approach to treating mental health disorders. Today, I specialize in taking an eclectic approach to using interventions looking at the holistic approaches to the human dynamic. This means looking at a person’s relationships and/or lack, cognitive schemas, their behaviors and habits, their priorities, and then determining how interventions and treatment plans will be formulated. I look at a person’s self-concept and determine holistically how their behaviors, thoughts, and patterns are contributing to their problems and functioning. The skills and tools of a therapist are the personal characteristics they bring into therapy: empathy, active listening these aren’t just attributes that look good on paper but are verbal and non-verbal forms of communication; and its these skills I believe what enables successful outcomes in therapy.

Debbie Levine

Debbie Levine, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received my MSW from University of Illinois Chicago/Jane Addams School of Social Work. I have been working with individuals aged 13+ as well as couples in identifying their areas of concerns, developing a meaningful treatment plan and goals, and helping facilitate their journey at their pace. I believe therapy is your personal journey and I see my role as a facilitator, here to help you along the way.

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.

Julie Schrader

Julie Schrader, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
11 years of experience
Virtual
Whether you are struggling with relationships, work, anxiety, depression, or feel "stuck," you are no longer alone in your journey. Entering therapy is a brave choice, and helping you to reach your personal goals is my objective when partnering with you. I provide a safe, professional, warm environment where you can process your circumstances and make the necessary changes to live the life you want to live.

Jessica Hrdlicka

(she/her)

Jessica Hrdlicka, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois with 11 years of professional work experience, primarily working with individuals ages 3-25. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Karina Orozco

(she/her)

Karina Orozco, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hola, my name is Karina Rodriguez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker (LCSW), fluent in English and Spanish, with a background of working with adolescents and families in various situations including inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization, residential facilities, private practice, and DCFS. You are the expert in your own life, and I strive to provide a supportive and safe environment within our therapeutic relationships. I look forward to helping and guiding you in developing new confidence, behaviors, and skills as we work toward achieving your goals. Currently, I have helped start a Virtual Partial Hospitalizations program where I provide group and individual therapy for adolescents struggling with mood disorders or who have severe school refusal due to anxiety.

Jody McGuyer

(she/her)

Jody McGuyer, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCPC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Working as a counselor within a myriad of settings and diverse populations for the last 14 years has allowed me to become the therapist that has established a safe, empathetic, and knowledgeable space for you to grow. My clinical expertise includes having worked within juvenile residential and outpatient, adult outpatient, hospital, private practice, and adult correctional settings. This experience has allowed me to work with individuals presenting with life stressors, changes, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, issues related to legal issues/incarceration, trauma, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

Michelle Foor

(she/her)

Michelle Foor, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm Michelle. As a dedicated mental health therapist, I am committed to guiding individuals on their journey towards well-being with a strong emphasis on self-care and intention. My goal is to get my clients started with building awareness of the patterns and behaviors causing distress, setting out to build strategies into seeing the “bigger picture”, and then making the choice to shift away into "new and different". I believe that the mental health journey can feel different for everyone and is valid for all. It’s addressing the pile-on effects of everyday stress and learning how to breathe through anxiety and panic attacks. It’s establishing and keeping a daily routine as part of ADHD symptom management and finding self-compassion when experiencing depressive thoughts. There is no perfect or prescriptive way to approach the process of mental well-being. My role as a therapist is to support, facilitate, and provide collaborative space to examine all the pieces.

Susan Ennis

Susan Ennis, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, and thank you for taking the first step in your journey to a better you! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor. My career spans twenty years of working with Adults, Kiddos and Families through the multiple stressors life can present. I specialize in Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, ADHD, Childrens Behavioral Issues, Illness Management and Trauma. I have an extensive history of working with Helping Professionals. I will bring to you my experience in current therapeutic models, and evidence-based modalities to help you find ways to cope at this time in your life.

Izabela Gluszak

(she/her)

Izabela Gluszak, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) with over four years of experience counseling adults across Illinois. I welcome clients of all backgrounds—especially those from immigrant communities—and provide a compassionate, culturally responsive space to explore life’s challenges and foster lasting growth. If you’re ready to confront unhelpful patterns, heal from past wounds, and embrace a more fulfilling path, I am here to walk alongside you.

Marta Micko

(she/her)

Marta Micko, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! My name is Marta, Why just survive when we can thrive? This is the question we need to ask ourselves when thinking about starting therapy. I have dedicated my career to help answer this question, with over six years experience working within a variety of specialties and populations. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor that has worked extensively with individuals struggling with relationship dissatisfaction and other relational issues, depression, anxiety, anger and emotion management, emotional eating, panic attacks, trauma, struggles with self-esteem, stress-management and burnout, difficulties with parenting or co-parenting, career related hurdles and work dissatisfaction, adult ADHD, OCD, and intrusive thoughts. I work with adults trying to navigate life’s hurdles, and am very well versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and a variety of other methods, therapies, and techniques to help you achieve your goals. I take a creative and holistic approach with treatment to make sure we nourish our mind-body connection and cater to each individual clients needs using a client centered approach in addition to other techniques. My focus is on personal fulfillment, growth, and change and I am also a huge advocate for self-care. Whether you're dealing with overwhelming emotions, a lack of balance, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. It can be hard to ask for support, and even more difficult to open up to someone new, and this is a great first step! Together, we can work towards finding the root of your struggles, and move towards cultivating a full and abundant life. So now we ask, are we ready to thrive?

Hannah Jurkevicius

Hannah Jurkevicius, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Life can be difficult, and sometimes we can get overwhelmed or lose our way. As a therapist, I can be a healthy support system to help you achieve emotion regulation by learning ways to control your emotional state and needs in various situations. I provide comfort in processing unresolved grief through psychoeducation about the 6 stages of grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance, Meaning). I lend support to you through your past and current traumatic events. I also focus on family and couple conflicts by addressing specific issues and improving communication and conflict resolution. If you find yourself relating to any of these this can be the time to seek additional support. I can help children ages 4 and up individual adults, couples, and families. I offer a safe space of support, empathy, and encouragement as we work together through your healing journey to become your best possible self.

Dr. Shelly Scamardo

Dr. Shelly Scamardo, LP - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
21 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm Shelly. I grew up in Michigan and completed my doctorate at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago in 2004. I have over 20 years of experience working with people of all ages with all sorts of issues. I help adults with anxiety, OCD and life transitions feel better quickly. Some life transitions that I help with can include adjusting to college, graduating and starting a career, marriage, career change, and having children to name a few of the areas that I help with.

Jane Perkins

Jane Perkins, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCPC
27 years of experience
Virtual
A Christian Counselor who counsels with an open Bible during the session. I serve individuals grappling with intrusive negative thoughts, shame, and guilt from past decisions and the lack of clarity about their God-given purpose. Do you experience emotional breakdowns, increased stress, and sleepless nights? Do you often fight to quiet or chase away the persistent inner thoughts/voices? It can be down-right SCARY as uncontrollable anxiety and spiritual uncertainty set in, leaving you to wonder, “Where is God?” “Why is this happening to me?” and crying out, “I just want it to stop!” When positive self-talk, distraction, and deep breathing are not working, you need to find a different kind of therapy. Christian counseling, which utilizes Biblical instructions from God, focuses on dealing with all aspects of mental health. The Bible is true, and scientific discoveries continue to support what God has been telling us. Let's remove the distracting emotional states of worry, fear, and pain so you can focus on life. You can engage in enjoyable activities again with doubt or apprehension. If you are done with all the annoying, catastrophizing negative thoughts that keep you from enjoying life or rob you of sleep at night, I want to encourage you - you don’t have to live this way. Reach out to me TODAY. I offer a FREE 20-minute CONSULTATION if you still have questions. Start experiencing peace and joy today!

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 Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)?

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, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), 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.