UnitedHealthcare/Optum Therapists in Kentucky

Hello, I am Jonathan Edwards, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). It is my joy to help people of all ages and backgrounds navigate mental health issues. I have experience treating a variety of disorders related to anxiety, depression, trauma, mood, and negative behaviors. Utilizing various treatment strategies from proven counseling techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, I find an approach that works best for each client. I believe that a person’s sense of self develops from their experiences interacting socially and their ability to meet personal goals. I hope to guide my clients in identifying sources of negative feelings, developing better coping skills, and forming meaningful connections. Helping individuals create and achieve their goals empowers them to live more meaningfully.

Hello!! And, Welcome! Looking forward to meeting you!! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am licensed in Kentucky, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Utah, and Nevada. I received my Masters from Western Kentucky University, and have been practicing for 28 years. I help individuals, and couples to overcome "old programming", develop new and healing ways to see themselves and life, and utilize places of self-empowerment. Increasing one's relationship with oneself helps one to have greater relationships with others, and all other parts of life.

Hello- I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor in KY. After providing Pastoral Counseling to my congregants for 10 years I earned my Master’s in Profession Counseling at Grand Canyon University; I wanted to not just help others spiritually, relationally, and emotionally—- but also wanted to be able to help others with their mental hurts and habits they faced on a daily basis.

Do you always seem to be struggling on the fringes or even have intense trauma, anxiety, or depression? Are you from a minority population, or a marginalized group? You deserve to have a space of healing and complete acceptance to further explore, grow, and understand yourself. It is my goal as a provider to work on what YOU want to work on during your journey of growth and healing. You are your own expert, I'm just here to keep us on the path. I am a Half-Turkish LPCC-S who specializes in EMDR, cultural diversity, anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ concerns, alternative lifestyles, and neurodivergent populations. I am intensely passionate about meeting clients where they are and working on goals collaboratively with clients and any supports in their lives with whatever method that works the best for them. Starting therapy no matter how many times you may have tried before, can be frightening but I am here to help make this process go smoothly! Let us work together and see where your life can go, and how it can change!

I’m Peyton Shelton, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Kentucky, dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges with compassion and clarity. With a Master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and over three years of clinical experience, I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore concerns, build resilience, and achieve lasting change. Using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I tailor our work to address issues such as anxiety, stress, family dynamics, and personal growth, collaborating with you to find solutions that fit your unique needs. My goal is to empower you to overcome obstacles and thrive. Whether you’re ready to start therapy or have questions, I’m here to support you, let’s begin your journey together!

Welcome to GrowTherapy I'm John Warner and I'm looking forward to working with you. I'd like you to acknowledge this step that you have taken to reach out. It takes motivation, insight, and courage to seek changes in your life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Louisville, Kentucky and I specialize in working with people who are either struggling with Substance Abuse or Mental Health issues, or who are trying to support a Loved One who is struggling with these issues, and feels overwhelmed by the circumstances. I provide a safe and supportive environment for you to explore the issues that are concerning you now. I believe that you are the expert on the things that do and don't work in your life but when life becomes overwhelming, we can sometimes lose sight of these skills and knowledge. I have found that many people often underestimate how much they know about themselves and others, and underestimate the strength that they posess to cope with and overcome the struggles that they experience. much more about themselves than they give themselves credit for, and I see part of my role as helping you unlock this knowledge and apply it in your life in ways that work best for you. While there may be times that you feel like you are not making progress, you will find that you are making more progress than you realize. We sometimes have more difficulty seeing the progress and positive qualities than we do in others. I will help guide you to see the strength and goodness that you possess and help you to see that the overall arc of our lives bends towards improvement

I am a skilled and empathetic with over 18 years of experience. I work with a wide variety of clients from the very young to the very experienced. My clients are people who have been struggling, often through many failed attempts, to get their life back on the path they want. I help my clients find their own, unique way to overcome the challenges they are facing be it depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or unexpected changes in life circumstances. I help my clients find their footing and forge their own path towards the future they choose.

Hi, I'm Helena (Hell-in-uh)! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with almost 10 years of experience! I like to emphasize that at the heart of my practice, I am a Social Worker and I approach my work from that perspective. I acknowledge that there are barriers we all experience to living our best lives and that certain people experience more and worse barriers because of who they are. My work is most rewarding when I get to help folks level the playing field by accessing the support, validation and compassion they need.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing care to a wide range of clients, but my focus has been working with people finding their way through grief and loss. While grief is a universally human experience, most of us don't talk or share much about it, much less how to live through it. No one is meant to grieve alone, and it is my privilege to join others on this path.

Hello, I'm Jonathan. You know the challenge for anyone who wants to change is to find the inspiration and motivation to start and then the confidence to continue. Once you do, you will find that the blessings far outweigh any hardships it took to get there. I will help you find the inspiration, motivation, and confidence you need to embrace the challenge to change. You cannot possibly imagine all the wonderful things yet to happen. I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 30 years in the mental health field. I hold a Doctorate in Biblical Studies, a Master's in Professional Counseling, and a bachelor's degree in Clinical Psychology, and I am a Certified Hypnotherapist, Smoking Cessation Specialist, and Brain Health Coach.

"Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it. ~Tori Amos Healing takes courage, and I believe we all have that courage—even if we have to dig a little to find it. Over the past ten years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through addiction, depression, anxiety, and major life transitions. I understand that everyone encounters difficult moments, and sometimes the most powerful step forward begins with being truly heard. I come from a large family in eastern Kentucky and now live with my spouse, our dog, and our cat. Earning my Master’s degree later in life deepened my empathy and perspective, reminding me that growth can happen at any age. In sessions, I focus on the present moment and meet each client exactly where they are, emotionally and mentally. My approach is grounded in patience, understanding, and the belief that healing happens one step at a time. My goal is to walk alongside you as you build the life and sense of self you’ve been striving toward.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Kentucky. I received my Masters from the Bellevue University and received a certificate in advanced graduate studies from Salve Regina University in Holistic Counseling and have been practicing for 16 years. I specialized in helping young adults and men with life issues and transitions as well as teens through adulthood with anxiety, depression, and trauma issues.

Brenda Hodges, M.A., M.S., is a licensed mental health professional with over 13 years of dedicated experience in therapeutic counseling. Holding dual master's degrees in Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling, she brings a comprehensive approach to mental wellness, serving clients across Kentucky and Florida. Known for her warm, approachable demeanor, Brenda specializes in treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and survivors of violence and abuse. Her therapeutic style creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges and work toward healing. Throughout her career, Brenda has helped individuals reclaim their lives and develop resilience in the face of trauma. Her dual licensure in Kentucky and Florida reflects her commitment to expanding access to quality mental health care across multiple communities. Brenda views her role as more than just a profession—it's a calling. She considers it both an honor and a privilege to guide clients through their healing journeys, drawing on her extensive education and experience to provide personalized, evidence-based support for each individual she serves.

Hi, I’m Mona. I specialize in helping people overcome the emotional pain of trauma and addictions, including anxiety and depression. With a Master’s in clinical social work and over 25 years as a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Kentucky, I guide you in understanding how trauma affects your relationships, career, health, and overall quality of life. I help people break free from the pain of the past without reliving it. With a unique blend of counseling and coaching, I will guide you to release emotional baggage and reclaim your life. Every person's journey is unique, so I offer tailored services to meet your needs. Whatever you're facing, I'm here to help you move forward. I create a safe/respectful space to help clients identify & break through the barriers that hold them back. I explore limiting beliefs rooted in past traumas, especially from childhood, and transform them into empowering truths. By building healthy coping skills, boundaries, & self-care, clients quickly experience improved self-esteem, better relationships.

I have over 12 years of experience in behavioral health, supporting individuals in both inpatient and outpatient treatment. I work with people navigating anxiety, depression, anger, family stress, and substance use, as well as those who feel stuck or uncertain about their next steps. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and focused on creating a safe space where clients feel heard and supported.

Hello! My name is Rachel Fondren and I am a licensed independent clinical social worker and private independent practitioner. I graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelors in Social Work and from the University of Southern California with a Masters in Social Work. Over the years, I have worked with individuals on a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD, and Serious Mental Illnesses.

Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows; it can be filled with challenges, difficulties, and hardships. I believe that life is all about perspective and the way we react to problems. Our trials and tribulations are opportunities for us to grow into stronger and wiser individuals. When challenges arise, most people ask, "Why?" I encourage my clients to change their mentality by asking, "How?"—how can I use this to grow and learn, make myself smarter and wiser?" I am a firm believer in empowering clients with the tools and knowledge needed to live a more fulfilling and productive life. With 8 years of sobriety and personal experience battling my own challenges, I know how helpful therapy can be in helping a person rebuild their life and become the person they want to be.

Hi! My name is Vanessa Sewell and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I received my Bachelor's Degrees in Psychology and History from Western Kentucky University and my Master's Degree in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College. I am currently a doctoral student in Lindsey Wilson University's Counselor Education and Supervision program (and yes, they changed their name). I have spent time counseling individuals from ages 4-80 in community mental health, foster care, and inpatient behavioral health settings for the last 5+ years. I have worked in the mental health field for more than 15 years.

Hello, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Illinois. I have worked in the field of Social Work for 25 years at the Bachelor's level, including case management for at-risk youth, CPS investigations and medical social work. I received my Master's of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville and have been practicing four years. I assist adults dealing with anxiety, depression and trauma with recognizing triggers/barriers to successful living and then learning to effectively reframe in order to be a better version of themselves.

Hi! I am Dr. Kelli Stephens, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from the University of Kentucky. I have extensive experience as both a therapist and a clinical director, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience and self-compassion. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative, drawing from evidence-based therapies to support clients in achieving meaningful growth and healing. I specializes in trauma therapy, addiction, and anxiety. I have experience working with adults and adolescents struggling with a variety of personality and mental health disorders.

Hello! I'm Dr. Diedre Wade, and I'm honored to walk alongside of you to better your life. I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor in Kentucky and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety or self-esteem, and/or self-care. I have a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, so my full-time job is teaching counselors-in-training how to help their own future clients. I also have a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling with over 13 years' experience working in private practice, inpatient behavioral health, residential treatment, Drug Court, and a jail. These different settings have developed me into a compassionate and caring provider who is eager to help! I'm a former competitive bodybuilder, so I know how pressures of sport and goals can lead to perfectionism and anxiety. After trips to Africa, I renamed my practice Acacia Vitality: I got to see some mighty Acacia trees (along with animals who love them)! These trees stand the test of time and survive elephants shaking them as well. Like the acacia tree that thrives in the harshest conditions, true mental toughness and resilience grow strongest through adversity. I was so inspired by this concept that I now center my practice and research around it.

Hello everyone! My name is Neha Mahboob, MACMHC, LPCC. I am a clinician working in the beautiful state Kentucky. I have been working as a clinician for 5 years and very happy with the career I have chosen as it gives me the opportunity to help those who need it. I am a firm believer in having a healthy mental/emotional mindset as it sets the stage for a healthy physical state. I help individuals find their inner-peace by giving them tools/techniques to utilize.

Hello, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master Degree of Social Work from the University of Louisville over 20 years ago. I've worked with various different backgrounds, and populations. I look forward to meeting you and working together to find ways to assist with breaking down barriers. I enjoy assisting others in finding positive ways to cope with life challenges.

With a passion for holistic well-being and two decades of experience in the field of mental health, I am dedicated to helping you navigate life's challenges. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of the mind-body connection. I use a range of therapeutic modalities from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to EMDR and other body centered therapies. Sessions will be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.

Hello! I truly believe that every single one of us has a powerful story to share. As Dr. Iyanla Vanzant reminds us, “It’s important that we share our experiences with other people. Your story will heal you and your story will heal somebody else. When you tell your story, you free yourself and give other people permission to acknowledge their own story.” I am passionate about connecting with people and discovering the richness of who they are—the good, the bad, and the beautifully complex. Looking forward to meeting you!