Optum Therapists in Illinois

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 81 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.

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.

Vanessa Martinez

Vanessa Martinez, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
3 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I have had experience in the mental health field for over 3 years. My previous experience was working with kids and teens on the spectrum. Currently, I work with those over the age of 13. I like to use a variety of therapy techniques depending on the client's needs and expectations.

Bill Morgan

(he/him)

Bill Morgan, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
35 years of experience
Virtual
If you have seen the movie “Groundhog day” starring Bill Murry as Phil, you would say it is a comedy. But it is more. He finally breaks out of his dull, repetitive life not by changing his surroundings or anyone else; he changes himself. Just like Phil, if you don’t change something, nothing will change. That is the purpose of counseling: to help you try something different, to change something about yourself, to help you become the best YOU. Whether you are in a tough spot or just have issues you want to address, getting an outside viewpoint can help. I am a licensed clinical counselor and a licensed marriage and family counselor. I have 30+ years of experience and have helped clients with: • Addictions • Mental illnesses • Depression • Trauma and abuse recovery • Anger management and more If I can’t help, I will connect you with someone who can. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be looking for and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share. I currently have daytime openings on Wednesdays for video or online appointments. I would like to help you on your journey. Starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, and scary all at the same time. Congratulations on taking the first step by reading this. More details about me are below. Areas of focus: • Stress, Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Paranoia • Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Family of Origin Issues, Career difficulties, Workplace Issues • Grief, Self-esteem, Life Purpose, Coaching • Coping with life changes, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Men's Issues, Midlife Crisis, Young Adult Issues • Codependency, Control Issues, Domestic Violence • Drug and Alcohol Addiction • Forgiveness, Money and Financial Issues Clinical therapy approaches: • Client-Centered • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) • Existential • Solution-Focused • Systems Perspective. License information: • IL Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor 180000552 • IL Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 166000131

Dr. Taliah Ziyad-Nau

(she/her)

Dr. Taliah Ziyad-Nau , LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Dr. Taliah, Life sometimes leaves us unable to direct our attention. We're often being pulled towards many directions. If you have work, school, family or a recent life event you would like to process, I am here for you. If a recent life event has brought you distraction, grief or trauma and has you off of your game, let's get you back on track. I would be happy to support you in returning to your best self. Faith-based holistic approach, upon request.

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.

Justin Cody

Justin Cody, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

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.

Gina Grigas

(she/her)

Gina Grigas, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I have worked in the mental health field since 2013, starting out in community mental health and crisis services. I work primarily with teens and adults, specializing in challenges facing early adulthood (18-25). I have extensive experience in crisis services and outpatient treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. We will work collaboratively to foster a positive relationship and help you develop the language and skills to manage all of life's challenges. I am passionate about everyone finding their place in this world and creating meaningful connections. Life is not easy but we can get through this together.

Robert D Jaskula

(he/him)

Robert D Jaskula, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

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

Tekoa Jaddua

Tekoa Jaddua, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello My Name is Tekoa I am a Licenced Clinical Professional Counselor and I specialize in Addiction Therapy and all that comes along with it. Has drug or alcohol use taken a toll on your life? Impacting your livelihood, family, job? Can't find your way out? Is desperation the norm? Let me help. Allow me to share in your dreams of sobriety, recovery and wholeness. Let's walk step by step through this maze, as it will be safe with me, as you open up and begin your journey. Together we'll work to build from low self-worth, shame, guilt, unforgiveness, denial, lies, pain and loss. I am a straightforward type of therapist, with no tiptoeing around the issues, and no blaming others, solution-focused. Focusing on how you got here and the plan on getting out. Paired with the understanding that it is you who are responsible for your life choices and you are responsible for your life changes. You can do this, let's do it together.

Jennifer Martin Rieck

Jennifer Martin Rieck, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
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.)

Stephenie Teague

Stephenie Teague, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
I have amassed over 20 years of experience in counseling, specializing in supporting adults and adolescents dealing with substance use disorder, domestic violence and sexual assault, and mental health challenges before branching off into private practice.  My passion is empowering individuals, couples and families to see their strengths as resources in life's challenges and to help shift patterns to more satisfying outcomes.   

Rachel Logan

(she/her)

Rachel Logan, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I am Rachel Logan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, esteemed author, speaker, and founder of Get to the Root Counseling, P. C. I provide counseling services for individuals in Illinois and Missouri. I help individuals break unwanted cycles and recover from past traumas using a combination of evidence-based techniques and Christian principles. My motto is "Therapy + God = Healing." I offer a unique model for uncovering the root of these cycles, enabling individuals to live peacefully.

Gilmarie Garay-Adames

Gilmarie Garay-Adames, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! My name is Gilmarie, but you can feel free to call me Gigi. I am a licensed, clinical social worker providing individual therapy and couples counseling for clients in Illinois. I am bilingual in Spanish and English and am of Puerto Rican descent. As a social worker/therapist, I love working with people and I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It is an honor to walk through life with my clients. Also, I enjoy providing faith-based counseling for those who desire to incorporate their faith in their therapeutic journey.

Maleka Qureshi

Maleka Qureshi, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
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.

Tijen Dyson

(she/her)

Tijen Dyson, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
Virtual
You are a whole and complete being - body, mind, and spirit. Anxiety, stress, depression, and overwhelm can cause you to feel isolated and disconnected from yourself and what's important to you in your life. In therapy, we'll draw on your strengths, goals and desires to support you in integrating all parts of yourself so you can feel like the complete being you are. Engaging in therapy is courageous and I commend you for taking this step. I believe that this is a partnership and I'm here to support you in your goals and offer tools that you can practice and draw from to manage and reduce your stress, anxiety, overwhelm and depression. I'm looking forward to partnering with you on your wellness journey.

erica brown

(she/her)

erica brown, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I’m erica! Whether we find ourselves at our stressed out breaking point, ready to process old wounds, or simply seeking to understand ourselves more deeply in order to build a life that we desire, each of us needs a place to lay down our stressors and talk out the problems that we face that feels safe, warm, and non-judgmental. For many of us, one of those places is with a trusted therapist. It can feel daunting to explore the idea of starting therapy; and yet, to even be sifting through therapists online shows already a level of hope, care for, and dedication to yourself and your wellbeing - what a meaningful moment! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Illinois, and earned my master’s degree in clinical social work from The University of Chicago. In my years of practice I have worked with adults who are struggling with the pressures of the world and the pain or trauma they have endured, are processing current or upcoming moments or seasons of change, and are overall seeking to find their own healing, hope, and beliefs. Most often my clients are looking to address anxiety and depression, trauma, perinatal mental health, self image and confidence, education and career direction and development, sexuality and sexual or gender identity, and cultural experience and identity. Regardless of what specifically you are seeking and carrying, I am honored to be invited to walk alongside you on your unique journey of healing and discovery. I seek to always offer warmth and a gentle and empathetic presence where you can feel free to explore whatever is on your mind or in your heart and know that it will be met not with judgment, but rather with compassion and care.

Leana Lopez

Leana Lopez, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
1 year of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Chicago. I received my Master's from the University of Chicago in 2012 and have been working in the healthcare and social service fields since then. I help people feel connected to their loved ones and community, overcome symptoms of anxiety and stress, and support those struggling with career stress and burnout to become the best versions of themselves. Through tailored therapeutic approaches, I empower clients to navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth.

Marianne Ogbonnaya

(she/her)

Marianne Ogbonnaya, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Marianne Ogbonnaya. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois. I have been practicing for over 4 years. I specialize in self-esteem issues and will work with you to increase your confidence and sense of well-being. I work with a variety of individuals and provide culturally affirming counselling to BIPOC, with a focus on first-generation and immigrants

Jon Mark Bormann

Jon Mark Bormann, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCPC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Is life not how you want or planned for it to be? Are the sources of stress and worry creating a daily struggle? The human journey is fraught with peril and navigating the challenges we face can feel overwhelming. I am Jon Mark Bormann, a licensed clinical professional counselor. I believe that the goal of therapy is to restore enjoyment to life. Through accessing your strengths and discovering the rich narratives of your life, pathways of flourishing will be revealed. I have been working with persons facing the varied struggles of human existence for 20 years in clinical, hospital, religious and military settings. I have witnessed the power that therapy has to change life for the better even in the direst of circumstances. I will challenge you to places of depth. Knowing that through the challenging work of delving deeply into lived experience and emotions your life will feel different.

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.

Maritza Solis

Maritza Solis, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings, I'm Maritza Solis, a bilingual and bicultural clinical therapist who is passionate about holistic methods to heal people's mind, body, and spirit. Through my culture I learned about the power of community, spirituality, and natural remedies to promote well-being. My philosophy of therapy is based on the belief that everyone has the ability to heal themselves, and my role is to facilitate that process by providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space. I draw from evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy, as well as natural remedies, prayer, meditation, and yoga to create a truly holistic approach. Ultimately, my goal as a therapist is to empower individuals to live their best lives by helping them reconnect with their inner selves and tap into their own inherent healing abilities. I believe that true healing happens when we address the whole person - mind, body, and spirit. Open to working with children and adolescents ages 8 and older.

Marisol Cruz,

Marisol Cruz,, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Marisol Cruz, and I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have 24 years of experience working as a school counselor with children from kindergarten through 12th grade. I have worked with students with various diagnoses. My main objective in working with students is to help them by supporting and guiding them so they can carry on a daily routine in school and any environment. A partnership is developed, whereby children and adolescents are actively involved in helping to create personal growth and development in their lives. I work with families, helping them to create an environment that will establish routines at home so that the changes can be implemented and the children and adolescents feel a sense of support and accountability. I also provide services for adults with depression, anxiety, relational support, and much more. As a counselor, I offer wraparound services to help families with the resources they need to live productive lives.

Edwin Caraballo

Edwin Caraballo, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Please take a look at our website to determine if we are a good fit for your needs: https://encouragedcounseling.com/ As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Ordained Minister of the Gospel… … I’ve spent over 20+ years with people whose lives have been impacted by anxiety, trauma, grief, crisis, violence, and other messed-up stuff no one likes to talk about. I became a therapist so I could work towards helping the hurting people in my community, Humboldt Park, Northwest side of Chicago. I want to be the one person who comes alongside a client and knows that I really have their back and understand them in a world where it seems no one understands each of them. Puerto Rican from the Hood of Humboldt Park… I am a strength-based, cognitive-behavioral therapist and provide my clients with helpful strategies and tools to feel better overall. After I graduated from Trinity Christian College with a bachelor’s in Psychology and Theology and a master’s in Social Worker from Loyola University, I have worked in both elementary and high schools as a school Social Worker. As an Ordained Minister at New Life Covenant, it has been a great honor and privilege to work with the hurting in the Humboldt Park Community. I love my job as a therapist. Helping people struggling with mental health issues find relief and joy once again is my greatest joy. I have been married to the greatest woman in the world for 32 years. Together, we have three beautiful adult daughters. We love them dearly. They mean the world to us. In addition, we now have two granddaughters. They have been a tremendous gift to our family. For fun, I still play softball and hang out with my family. Faith is really important to me. I work every day to grow in my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Without him, I would not be the man I am today. He has made me a better husband, father, minister, and therapist. My Mission Grow in my faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Be the best husband I can be to the woman that deserves to be honored and respected, provide my daughters and grandchildren with Godly wisdom to help them be the best they can be, and help my clients become stable, heal, and reach their goals. Please feel free to learn more about me at https://encouragedcounseling.com/

Soraia Oliveira

(she/her)

Soraia Oliveira, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
As a Latina and Brazilian, I bring a multicultural perspective to my work, with fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, French, and English. I have many years of experience supporting immigrant women and others from diverse backgrounds. I'm here to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery. Together, we'll work to challenge and reshape narratives that no longer serve you, build tools for resilience, and celebrate the strengths you bring. My approach is rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a deep commitment to honoring each client’s unique cultural experiences.

Gita Tewari

(she/her)

Gita Tewari, LCPC - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCPC
10 years of experience
Virtual
I have experience working with adults, adolescents and children struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, low self-esteem and key life transitions. I provide a safe and accepting space where you can be open and honest with the difficulties you are experiencing in your life. Prior to returning to school for a counseling degree, I worked in the corporate and nonprofit sectors for many years as an editor and writer and I bring that unique perspective and experience to my work with clients. My multicultural background is also an asset in working with diverse populations. I utilize a strengths-based approach when working with clients while creating a safe and accepting space where you can be open and honest with the difficulties you are experiencing in your life. Because I view therapy as a collaborative process, I will be checking in with you throughout our time together to review your initial goals for therapy and to ensure that you continue to feel heard and understood in therapy. It takes courage to seek out counseling. If you are ready take that step, I am here to support, encourage and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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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 Spirituality?

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, Spirituality, 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.