Optum Therapists in North Carolina

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 484 verified therapists in North Carolina 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

Charlotte

Availability updated: 10/30/2025

Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 1 ratings

Kristen Verrill

LCSW, 6 years of experience

Warm
Authentic

Specialties

ADHD
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello! I am a Queer-identified Neurodivergent Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I work in psychodynamic, behavioral modification, somatic and mindfulness-based treatment modalities. I believe in being collaborative and adaptive to the needs of my clients. We all have different needs as humans and deserve a specifically curated therapy experience. I am a deeply inquisitive and active clinician and will absolutely not leave you sitting in awkward silence, unless that is what you are into. I specialize in treating and understanding: trauma, gender dysphoria and intersections with dysmorphia and eating disorders, ADHD, ASD, OCD, Personality Disorders, relationship concerns, gender identity exploration and needs for medical transition (such a letters of support), depression, anxiety, complicated bio-family dynamics, sexual trauma, sex therapy, grief/ loss, and substance use disorders. I am also kink and poly affirming. In my individual and couples work, I like to focus on histories of self and attachment as a lens to understanding patterns of conscious and unconscious conflict over time and in the present. As a former Literature and film academic, I also like to bring in helpful metaphors in art and media if that is of interest to my clients as well. Starting therapy is an incredibly brave endeavor and it is my ultimate goal to create as safe, helpful, and connective environment as possible.
Virtual
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Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 53 ratings

Chelsea Turner

LCMHC, 10 years of experience

Authentic
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Anger Management
+6
Hello! I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor and a licensed clinical addictions specialist in the state of North Carolina. I am also a licensed professional counselor in the state of Colorado and South Carolina. I received my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from East Carolina University and have been working in the field of mental health and substance use for over 8 years. I operate from a strengths-based and solutions-focused orientation.
Virtual
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Rated 4.7 stars out of 5, 29 ratings

Russell Davenport

LCMHC, 8 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+3
Howdy! My name is Russell and I look forward to meeting you and working together! Taking the step to seek out therapy services can be the biggest hurdle to overcome, yet here you are. You made it! Even exploring options for therapy demonstrates the motivation that you have for positive change in your life. I enjoy taking a collaborative approach to working with all of my clients because you are the expert in your own life and know yourself the best. I am here as a support while you discover more about yourself. I am a LCMHC (Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor) with the state of North Carolina. I have a background working with various ages and demographics in a variety of settings. This includes children aged 6+ to pre-teens, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. I have worked in inpatient hospital settings, assisted with Intensive In-Home services for at-risk youth and their families, as well as with clients in traditional office-based environments providing outpatient therapy. My clinical expertise and the most frequent concerns that I help clients with are anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, relationship issues, family issues, and phase of life concerns. I tend to naturally gravitate toward adolescents who are struggling with navigating their lives, however, I enjoy working with all individuals regardless of age or background since life is a struggle for all of us. I tend to take a laid-back, relaxed (but professional) stance when working with clients to make the therapeutic process as welcoming and comfortable as possible!
Virtual
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 2 ratings

Regina Wesley

LCMHC, 15 years of experience

Open-minded
Direct
Intelligent

Specialties

Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+10
I am a caring and compassionate provider. I enjoy helping people discover their strengths and abilities. I am a very direct therapist but I will walk along side you and help you navigate through life's challanges. I will equip you with the tools you need to overcome the obstacles that you are facing as we determine the best way to walk through them together.
Virtual
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 9 ratings

Kimberly DePue

LCSW, 16 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+9
Welcome! I am a warm, non-judgemental and real person. One of my basic tenants is we, as people, are doing the best we can, and sometimes our conscious or subconscious "plan" to take care of ourselves is just not working anymore. Sometimes we need to develop a new “plan” but that can be difficult and we need help. The relationship with ourselves, family, friends and our community is a pillar to good health and well being. However things get in the way….like trauma, substance use, addiction, depression, anxiety, loneliness, illness, & fear. I want to support your concerns and help you improve your sense of wellbeing.
Virtual
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Rated 4.7 stars out of 5, 3 ratings

Kendrick Burden

LCSW, 18 years of experience

Empowering
Direct
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m Kendrick Burden, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping people reconnect with their truest selves. I work with individuals who are navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and high-pressure transitions especially when life feels heavy or unclear. Whether you're processing loss, healing from old wounds, or trying to realign with who you were created to be, therapy is a space to pause, reflect, and move forward with intention. My approach blends evidence-based tools like EMDR, CBT, and ACT with compassion and faith-based support when desired. Together, we’ll identify what’s been holding you back and chart a new path grounded in your values and strengths. My hope is to help you feel more anchored, more empowered, and more at peace with the life you’re creating.
Virtual
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Rated 4.7 stars out of 5, 15 ratings

Wanda McWilliams

LCSW, 13 years of experience

Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
+10
I am a fully licensed clinical social worker. I live helping individuals identify their Wirth and strengths they possess to achieve their goals. I have successfully helped women, especially, to work through relationship and parenting issues. I enjoy assisting individuals in settling healthy boundaries and in developing skills needed to effectively and productively be present in their lives. I believe it is impotant to listen to what clients need and want. My clients report feeling comfortable and heard in mu sesions. Some were in counseling prior to working with me and state I have been very beneifical.
Virtual
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 6 ratings

Paula Patterson

LCSW, 20 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Open-minded
Solution oriented
Empowering

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Autism
+8
Are you in search of completing your puzzle? The puzzle we call life? Look no further, together we can find the missing piece(s) and bring the function back into the dysfunction and chaos. Navigating through your thoughts, feelings, and actions to create the unique YOU, you have always wanted and needed. The power is yours! I, Paula Patterson, MSW, LCSW look forward to the opportunity to be a part of your journey. Please feel free to reach out and make your dream life of healthy, happy relationships become a reality,
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 6 ratings

Shannon Simpson

LMFT, 15 years of experience

Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Hi, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in North Carolina. I received my degree from Saybrook University in California and have been practicing for the past 15 years. I have specialized training in Somatic Experiencing and Attachment Therapy. I work with adults to resolve symptoms of stress, shock, and trauma that accumulate in our bodies and nervous systems transforming patterns that get stuck and impact our daily life. I support clients in bringing their nervous systems back into balance getting out of fight, flight and freeze to strengthen one's sense of safety, resourcefulness and resilience in the world. Some of the techniques I use are helping clients slow down and attune to what is happening in their bodies. I also work with clients on "resourcing" or finding tools to help them self soothe when they are feeling emotionally overloaded.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 1 ratings

Chaundra Fletcher

LCMHC, 15 years of experience

Authentic
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+6
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NC and a Licensed Professional Counselor in SC. I received my Master's Degree from Montreat College. I have been practicing professional counseling for 9 years. I help those ages 16+ learn how to navigate life, manage stressors, identify and manage emotions while building coping skills and learning to reframe negative thoughts.
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Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 15 ratings

Ann Glaser

LCSW, 25 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
+6
You deserve to live your life feeling centered, safe, and well. You don't have to meditate for hours every day, become a yogi master, or spend years in therapy to achieve this. My goal is to provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings, identify your strengths, become comfortable with yourself, and find peace. I am a licensed clinical social worker with more than 25 years of professional and/or lived experience with vicarious trauma/secondary traumatic stress, work stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and role changes through life stages. I understand the experience of loving and living with someone who is struggling with mental health and/or addiction concerns. You are not alone, and there is nothing wrong with you. We will work together to get you where you want to be. Let me help you be your best self.
Virtual
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 1 ratings

Rose Gallagher

LCSW, 6 years of experience

Empowering
Direct

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Florida and NC. I received my Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX., and have been practicing in North Carolina and Florida for since 2018. I help children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly set boundaries, learn coping skills, and foster positive communication to overcome challenges they have faced throughout life. I am also certified in Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ADHD certified, and Parent Instructor certified.
Virtual
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 44 ratings

Roberta Mason

LCMHC, 9 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+2
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) based in North Carolina. I received my Masters from the Gardner-Webb University and have been practicing for 9 years. I help young adults and children struggling with career/school stress as well as feeling stuck in a life. All the pressures we have today lead to melancholy and burnout. Lets work together to help you become the best versions of yourself so you can feel peace and contentment.
Virtual
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Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 43 ratings

Crystal Scarborough

LCMHC, 7 years of experience

Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
I am Crystal! I describe myself as warm and welcoming, but also authentic in providing a space for growth and accountability. I provide a space that will enable you to show up as your authentic self and leave evolved. I am here to help support you in your mental health and wellness journey by showing empathy, compassion, and wisdom. I enjoy helping others navigate this thing called life!
Virtual
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No reviews yet

Charlie Counselman

LCSW, 5 years of experience

New to Grow

Challenging

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+6
Hi, I’m Charlie Counselman, a therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion and practical support. I specialize in working with clients dealing with anxiety, addiction, and depression, using evidence-based approaches like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and 12-step facilitation. I also have extensive experience treating men's issues, agoraphobia, and trauma. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can build resilience, find clarity, and move toward lasting growth.
Virtual
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Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 32 ratings

John Dyson

LCMHC, 8 years of experience

Empowering
Challenging
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Career Counseling
Depression
+7
Welcome — I’m John Dyson, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), based in the foothills of North Carolina. Take a moment to acknowledge that you’ve already taken the first step toward bettering your mental health. Let’s be honest — starting therapy can feel empowering, confusing, or even scary — sometimes all at once. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore concerns related to anxiety, depression, and self-care. I focus on helping clients build assertive communication skills and healthy boundaries, both with themselves and with others, in ways that support a more balanced, fulfilling life. Therapy is an opportunity for personal growth in whatever way you're seeking — whether that means navigating specific challenges or building the life you deeply deserve. If that’s what you’re looking for, I’m here when you’re ready. Together, we’ll clarify the challenges you’re facing and identify where you want to be — a month, six months, or a year from now. Then, we’ll explore actionable strategies to help you move forward. You'll leave each session with a clearer understanding of your situation and a set of “next steps” you can begin right away. There will always be space for feedback and collaboration in our work — including holding each other accountable as we walk this path together.
Virtual
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 231 ratings

Jonathon Payne

LCMHC, 20 years of experience

Authentic
Humorous
Open-minded

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hi, my name is Jonathon Payne and I am a practicing Licensed Clinical Mental Health Clinician, LCMHC, with the State of North Carolina with over 18 years of experience. Most of my work experience has come from working with individuals in crisis settings and or situations. The work has always been challenging, humbling, and rewarding. It has taught me the value of true genuineness and the importance of being able to connect with people and build working relationships. I love therapy. I respect the therapeutic process and value the hard work and introspection it requires. Therapy is something that I am passionate about. Everyday it provides me an opportunity to help others and learn from others. I am proud of the things I have learned, but even more humbled and optimistic of things that I continue to learn. One thing I would tell you is that a have a real passion and commitment to counseling and the therapeutic process. It is and has been what I love to do. I put tremendous value on the importance communication, language, and building a good therapeutic relationship or rapport. Its important to me that you, the patient feel safe, heard, and valued. My counseling style is very laid back and supportive, with a very non-judgmental stance. However, I am not afraid to roll my sleeves up and work hard. I believe in being supportive, motivating, and challenging. Its important that you have the opportunity to work hard, learn, grow, while developing realistic attainable and measurable goals.
Virtual
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 67 ratings

Carmen Villate

LCSW, 29 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hola! I am a Hispanic, Bilingual (Spanish/English), licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina. I received my Masters from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and I have 40+ years of experience providing therapy services and social work services to the NC community. I have helped clients suffering with difficulty managing their stress and communication styles, relational difficulties- parenting, marital, family-, occupational, and emotional problems such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and much more. I have a non-judgmental style and treat my clients with respect, empathy, sensitivity, and compassion, and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support and empower you during that journey.
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Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 20 ratings

April Mizell

LCMHC, 5 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Humorous
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+5
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina and South Carolina. I received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. Don't let that scare you. I do not judge and am easily relatable. I love working with clients who find themselves in a place where they have to make life decisions and help them think through what the best decisions would be.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 8 ratings

Dora Eller

LCSW, 6 years of experience

Empowering
Intelligent
Authentic

Specialties

Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
+9
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in North Carolina. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work with an Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology/ Minor in Criminal Justice. I began my professional career working with at-risk children, teens and their families. I then expanded into working with adults providing individual and group therapy. My professional career is roughly 15+ years. I've worked within homes, schools, residential facilities, military installations, and community based programs. I'm currently focusing on providing individual therapy within a variety of mental health disorders.
Virtual
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Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 82 ratings

Robyn Hawley

LCSW, 33 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Parenting
+6
Welcome! I am Robyn. These days many people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and depressed. Sometimes they feel as if no matter what they do, it isn't enough and either they or those around them are never happy with themselves. How about you? Are you trying to manage to be the best parent, spouse, and employee that you can be? Are you struggling with a recent life transition or the loss of a loved one or relationship? Are you lying awake at night reviewing the list of things you think you should have accomplished? Or are you ruminating on what you said to someone, how you said it, and what you should have done differently? You are not alone! Many people experience these feelings and you do not have to continue to feel like this! You CAN FEEL BETTER! I work with adults of all ages who are struggling with these things by providing a safe space to talk about and work through these issues. I strive to empower them to discern their strengths, their priorities, and the barriers to feeling better. Once we’ve done that, I help them find ways to address those barriers and build new coping skills they can use to overcome the challenges of anxiety, depression, managing change, and people-pleasing. Change is not easy! I am impressed by your courage in taking the first step of asking for help to start your journey toward feeling better! You deserve to have someone skilled and trustworthy to guide you to grow and heal. I will compassionately work with you using evidence-based techniques to get beyond the challenges you are experiencing and on the road to feeling better! I’d love to have the privilege of working with you!
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Breanne Harrington

LCSW, 7 years of experience

New to Grow

Specialties

Depression
Grief
Perinatal Mental Health
+10
Hello! I'm Breanne, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in North Carolina. I've been in the field for 7 years, and greatly enjoy being an inclusive and person-centered clinician. Primarily, I help people navigate the challenges that come with depression, anxiety, stress and burnout, phase of life changes, and grief. Together, we build effective coping skills to manage life challenges as they come. Everyone approaches this differently, and each person has their own needs in this process. You may need to explore triggers and behaviors, process past traumas, and/or learn how to create and enforce healthy boundaries. Or, you might need to focus on the present moment, one issue at a time. It could be that you just need a little help figuring out how to move forward. Whatever you need, I am here to help you on this journey. We do this together.
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No reviews yet

Carla Williams

LCSW, 18 years of experience

New to Grow

Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+5
I am here to aid you on your journey in becoming the version of yourself you want to be. We will walk this journey together and figure out the best way to deal with changes that occur in your life. I come with an open mind and ask that you do the same. Realize we are in this adventure together and your opinion, experiences and vision for yourself will be the focus of our plan. Feeling empowered, challenged and heard. You will know that your concerns are valid and deserved to be addressed.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 31 ratings

Chip Palmer

LCSW, 30 years of experience

Authentic
Intelligent
Open-minded

Specialties

ADHD
Depression
Substance Misuse
+5
Hi! I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and licensed clinical addiction counselor (LCAS.) I went to graduate school at the University of Vermont and have provided therapy services for more than 30 years in outpatient mental health settings as well as in inpatient psychiatric and addiction treatment settings. I'm in long-term recovery from alcohol and opiate dependence. Fun fact: I worked on an offshore lobster boat in the Gulf of Maine for 4 years.
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Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 36 ratings

Catherine Naylor

LCMHC, 9 years of experience

Solution oriented
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Self Esteem
Hi, I’m Catherine! I became a counselor because I want to help people heal. I have served North Carolina as a Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) for 8 years, helping clients of all ages navigate mental health issues and life’s situations. Whatever their age, I aim to guide clients towards a more authentic and successful way of living. Many of my own experiences influenced my desire to help others. I utilize this empathy to offer clients the quality of treatment I would want.
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Frequently asked questions

Why filter by North Carolina rather than a city like Charlotte?

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 North Carolina from Raleigh to Greensboro! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in North Carolina.

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 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.