EAP:United Healthcare Optum Therapists in Minnesota

Utilizing mental health support through UnitedHealthcare/Optum’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide you with convenient and affordable access to care. With 57 verified therapists in Minnesota who accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum EAP, you have options across therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and supportive counseling to help address work-related stress, personal challenges, or life transitions. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently open to new clients and has availability in the coming weeks, ensuring timely access to quality, EAP-covered care tailored to your needs.

Availability updated: 7/16/2025

William Sawyer

(he/him)

William Sawyer, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome – I’m William Sawyer, MSW, LICSW, LCSW Online Therapy for Individuals and Couples in Minnesota & Florida I’m a therapist who help people and couples when life feels really hard. Most of the people I work with are men and women in relationships with each other. Many come to me when they’re feeling hurt, lost, or scared their relationship might fall apart. If you and your partner are fighting all the time, feeling distant, or just can’t seem to fix things, I want you to know you’re not alone-and things can get better. Even though I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community myself, I work with all kinds of people. I have a lot of experience helping men and women who are married or dating each other, as well as people from different backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ folks. My way of helping is gentle, caring, and never judgmental. When you’re stressed out, anxious, or overwhelmed, I help you slow down, breathe, and see what’s really going on. We’ll talk through your worries and pain, and I’ll give you tools you can use right away to feel calm and in control. My approach helps couples talk without yelling, listen without shutting down, and start feeling close again-even when things seem hopeless. I also help people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD, or feeling different from others. No matter what you’re facing, my goal is to help you feel safe, understood, and less alone. Together, we’ll find ways to ease your stress and bring back hope. If you feel like you’re at the end of your rope, or just want someone to talk to who gets it, I’m here for you. We’ll work together to heal old wounds and help you feel stronger-both as a person and as a couple. If you’re ready to feel better, let’s talk.

Craig Rice

Craig Rice, LPCC - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
7 years of experience
Virtual
I am well versed in several counseling techniques and have a compassionate approachable demeanor. My counseling experience is above par and I am also organized with an attention to detail. Clients warm up to me quickly and I enjoy helping them reach goals and learn new thinking patterns to view life in a more positive manner. My therapeutic style incorporates expert listening, positive feedback, direct guidance, and creating an environment where you will feel comfortable to discuss your personal thoughts and feelings.

Charles Tyson

(they/them)

Charles Tyson, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Deeply passionate about social justice and facilitating and guiding positive change and development in the lives of others, I am thrilled to connect with you as you begin your journey inward. Healing is truly the risk of showing up for yourself and your resistance to the temptation to go back to unsilenced needs, numbing out, disconnection, and erasure. As a Black, non-binary, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of wide-ranging clinical and field experience, I look forward to tailoring my approach to meet your needs and help you reach your goals.

Tobias Wilde

(he/him)

Tobias Wilde, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Tobias (He/Him/His). I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LICSW) with 13 years of professional work experience. I recieved my Masters from the University of Utah. I have many roles in life, in addition to being a therapist, I was born in the United States. I am a son and a brother in a blended family. I am also an advocate, a father, a friend, a mentor, a student of life, as well as a teacher by heart. I am also a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA) and fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

Micah Sheldon

(he/him)

Micah Sheldon, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Micah (he/him), a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I provide affirming, trauma-informed care to LGBTQIA+ individuals, BIPOC communities, and others navigating identity, relationships, and life transitions. My approach is strength-based and humanistic—I believe you are the expert on your own experience, and I’m here to support you in uncovering what healing and growth look like for you. I’m not here to give you a one-size-fits-all answer or sell you a quick fix. Instead, I offer a grounded, collaborative space where we can explore patterns, values, and goals together. I know therapy can feel vulnerable, and I work to build trust through honesty, warmth, and a deep respect for the complexity of who you are. If you’re feeling stuck, curious, or ready for change, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

Bridget McConnell

(she/her)

Bridget McConnell, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LICSW
21 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I've been a Clinical Social Worker for over 20 years. I have worked with a wide variety of ages, including children, teens, young adults, and adults. In addition, I have worked with many families and am well-versed in parenting support. I have done clinic-based work, home-based work, and currently, on a part-time basis, I provide equine-assistsed therapy. I truly believe that all people have the answers to their own problems and consider my clients the "experts" on themselves. Supporting people to take charge of their lives and reach their potential is extremely important to me. I complete thorough assessments and work hard to streamline diagnoses, as many people have too many "labels" attached to them. I am also certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, which is an eye movement therapy, similar to EMDR, that helps people suffering from trauma, as well as anxiety and depression. My hobbies include fishing, walking, gardening, horseback riding, and traveling. I own an English Bulldog, an Olde English Bulldogge, a 110 pound American Staffordshire Terrier, and two horses.

Dawn Martinson

(she/her)

Dawn Martinson, LP - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LP
1 year of experience
Virtual
Hi. I’m a licensed Psychologist (LP) who is based in Minnesota. I received my master’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) and have been working in the mental health field for over 30 years. I work with adult clients who want to change to create their best life. I help clients shape their thinking and behavior through development and use of practical skills.

Matthew Cruz

(he/him)

Matthew Cruz, LPCC - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Matthew Cruz, but many people call me Matt. I enjoy talking with people about their problems, offering them support, and helping them to find a way forward. My background is in substance use and with that, I am familiar with CBT and DBT approaches. However, I am looking for what works and am not attached to any one mode of treatment. I enjoy helping people explore meaning and symbolism in their world through a person centered approach to treatment. For those that are interested, I am comfortable incorporating faith and spiritual practice into the treatment experience.

Larry Baumgartner

(he/him)

Larry Baumgartner, LMFT - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for residents of Florida and Minnesota. I received my Masters degree in Tampa, Florida and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adults get from point A to B by asking Solution-Focused questions. People have a lot more potential then they believe. My job as your Therapist is to ask you the questions that will make you think about your past accomplishments, skills/strengths, resources and experience and see if someway, somehow those 'solutions' can help you move forward in a more positive, productive way today.

Deanin Willsun

(she/her)

Deanin Willsun, LPCC - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have been licensed for a little over a year but have been practicing for 10 years under supervision working in private practices. I was an elementary school counselor for 3 years. My experience includes working with adolescents, teenagers and adults providing crisis, case management, group therapy, play therapy. I help individuals work through, life stressor, improve self esteem, coping skills, anxiety and depression and school concerns.

Angela Mendez-Vanegas

(she/her)

Angela Mendez-Vanegas, LMFT - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
11 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Angela Mendez-Vanegas. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Minnesota as well as a certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner. I have been a licensed therapist for over 10 years and I have worked in the mental health field for over 15 years. I have worked with various populations over the years with a primary focus on adults (18+). The bulk of my experience is working with individuals with different cultural backgrounds struggling with life experiences and adjustments.

Rebekah Lorenz

(she/her)

Rebekah Lorenz, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! My name is Rebekah Lorenz, and I am a LICSW in Minnesota. I have over a decade of experience in the mental health field, supporting people who are experiencing a wide array of life’s challenges. I work together with my clients to create lasting positive changes that are in line with their needs, values, and goals. I'd be honored to support you on this journey!

Jake Bergstedt

Jake Bergstedt, LMFT - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hi. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT with 14 year of experience, living in Minnesota, seeing clients in Minnesota or virtually in Ohio. I like to work with an eclectic group of clients, I enjoy seeing all types and walks of life come though my door. I meet client where they are at now, and work with them towards their goals.

Clover McKinney

(she/her)

Clover McKinney, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Clover and I am a licensed clinical therapist and addiction specialist in the state of North Carolina. I look forward to the opportunity of learning and working together as part of our therapeutic process. I enjoy working with folks who are gender diverse and members of the LGBTQIA+ community who experience unique stressors and conflicts with their day-to-day lives. I also love working with folks who struggle with substance use either in addition to other life stressors or on its own especially in the context of substance use disorders being highly stigmatized. I focus on substance use treatment approaches with a functionality mindset to work on setting reasonable goals and expectations during the clinical process. I started my clinical work with addiction and grew as a therapist and person to see people from a whole-person perspective. Our difficulties, conflicts, our stressors do not define us for who we are and when they prevent or delay us from becoming our authentic selves is where the therapeutic process blossoms. I believe everybody is always in a constant process of growing into our best selves and I hope to have the opportunity to work with you along this process too.

Kayci Rush

(she/her)

Kayci Rush, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
I earned my Masters in Social Work from the University of Minnesota had have been a licensed clinical social worker for 15 years. I have worked in a variety of settings with teenagers and young adults who are looking toward the future while living in an uncertain world; women who have had a traumatic birth, or an unexpected disability; women who are looking toward a return to the workforce or a career change; adults looking to improve their relationships or their own quality of life; and those grieving the loss of partner, a child, a parent or other significant relationships.

Jenny Schwieger

(she/her)

Jenny Schwieger, LPCC - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
18 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and have been practicing in Minnesota for 18 years. My hope as a therapist is to build relationships and work collaboratively with individuals to address their specific goals. My intention is to bring an accepting, inviting and non-judgemental presence into each session, with encouragement in helping you navigate life’s challenges and assisting you in developing strategies and skills to make positive changes in your life. In addition to working as a therapist, I also have 25 years experience working as a school counselor.

Katie Larson

Katie Larson, LPCC - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Mid Minnesota. I received my Master’s degree from Adler Graduate School and have been practicing therapy for about eight years. I work with individuals navigating life’s many transitions and challenges, and I aim to offer a space that feels supportive, respectful, and grounded. My approach is relational, person-centered, and strength-based, meaning I focus on building a genuine connection with you while helping you tap into your own resilience and inner wisdom. I also use motivational interviewing and psychoeducation to support insight and empower you with tools for growth. I believe therapy should be a collaborative journey—where you feel heard, accepted, and supported as you move forward on your own terms.

Rome Alexander

(he/him)

Rome Alexander, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LICSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hello- My name is Rome Alexander, and I am a licensed therapist in Minnesota, with over 20 years of professional experience in helping those that are struggling with the conditions of various situations such as: anxiety and depressions, issues of sudden or prolonged grief, Post-Traumatic Stress, and/or other psychological traumas such as those that may occur in childhood, adolescence, or adult situations.

Myste Hutton

(she/her)

Myste Hutton, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Myste. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe in the power of resilience and the unique strenghts each person brings to their healing journey. My approach is collaborative, affirming, and grounding in the belief that meaningful change happens when we feel seen, heard, and supported. I specialized in helping clients navigate anxiety, life transitions, identity exploration and relationship challenges, using evidence-based practices with compassionate, inclusive lens. Together, we'll build on your strengths and develop tools to foster growth, balance, and connection.

Karen Larson

(she/her)

Karen Larson, LP - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
33 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed psychologist based in Minnesota. I received my Master's degree from Fort Hays State University and have been practicing for over 30 years. I help adults struggling with life transitions, trauma, health issues, anxiety, and depression to learn coping strategies, be more aware of things that impact their mood both positively and negatively, and to identify ways to create a sense of meaning and purpose.

Dr. Glenda Hayden

Dr. Glenda Hayden, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Thank you for taking steps toward improving your well-being! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in Clinical Child and Family Psychology, Crisis Management, and Christian Counseling, I bring over 20 years of experience helping adults, teens, and families cope with anxiety, depression, caregiver stress, and life transitions such as death, divorce, and job loss. My goal is to foster a brave space where all thoughts and feelings are valued, allowing clients to embrace vulnerability. Together, we will work on creating meaningful personal goals to support your overall well-being. I look forward to supporting you on your healing journey.

Portia Harmon

(she/her)

Portia Harmon, LPCC - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. I have several years of experience providing therapy services. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Renee Hauwiller

(she/her)

Renee Hauwiller, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hello there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Minnesota is where I call home. Most of my 25 years of experience has been in a variety of therapeutic educational settings, primarily with teens and young adults. When we begin the therapy process, I thoroughly enjoy learning about the person who is in front of me. My style is to partner with you, together we can figure out what you feel is most important to focus on in therapy and if you are not sure what exactly that is, it's OK, we will figure it out together.

Trisha O'Bryant

Trisha O'Bryant, LPCC - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
15 years of experience
Virtual
My clients often long for deeper peace, stronger boundaries, and more authentic relationships—but they may not know where to start. Many are navigating life transitions, past trauma, or complex emotions that leave them feeling isolated or exhausted. They want to feel more grounded, aligned, and confident in who they are and how they move through the world. That’s where I come in. I help by creating a compassionate, empowering space for you to slow down, tune in, & heal. Together, we explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want to live. My work is rooted in modalities like ACT, CBT, IFS, Brainspotting, & mindfulness. In our first few sessions, you can expect to feel heard, supported, and not rushed.

Cynthia White

(they/them)

Cynthia White, LICSW - Minnesota Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social worker and live in Minnesota, where I have been in private practice for almost 25 years. I really love my work with clients. I especially enjoy helping clients move from feeling stuck in their lives to feeling empowered. My goal is to help clients live the life they most desire and I have helped thousands of clients to do this.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Minnesota rather than a city like Minneapolis?

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 Minnesota from Saint Paul to Rochester! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Minnesota.

Will my therapist take EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum?

Yes! If you use EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have EAP:UnitedHealthcare/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 a specific issue?

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.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

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.