Optum Therapists in North Carolina

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 410 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.

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Charlotte

Availability updated: 3/18/2026

Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Crisis Intervention
Depression
Hello, I'm Carrie, an LCSW therapist based in North Carolina. I received my Bachelors from Winston Salem State University and my Master's from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill with over ten years of experience as a therapist in many settings with various age groups. I practice therapy to assist others with achieving their goals in the most effective and in a timely manner.
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Specialties

Depression
Perinatal Mental Health
Anxiety
+9
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2006. I received my Masters Degree from Columbia University and my Bachelors Degree from the Univeristy of Rhode Island. I am an EMDRIA approved EMDR therapist, a perinatal mental health specialist, as well as a certified health coach. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for anxiety and depression, grief counseling, parenting support, addressing boundary discomfort, work and career issues, stress management, emotional barriers to physical health and more.
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Empowering
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+9
Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read my biography. I am so happy you went with your instinct to start counseling. I have been a Therapist for over 15 years and my specialization is marriage and family therapy. I have over 30 years experience working with people in one capacity or another. I was a substitute teacher at an alternative high school; I was a silver star rescue diver and an EMT-Intermediate; and, I had worked at a psychiatric hospital for people ages 12 through 80 as well in a private psychiatric office. These few noted experiences have led to my capacity to be an empathetic Therapist while helping others achieve their own goals using their own strengths.
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Solution oriented
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+3
Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). I received my Masters from North Carolina Central University. I am not only passionate about mental health, but overall wellness. I work from a holistic perspective while also utilizing interventions from cognitive behavioral therapy and expressive arts therapy. I believe in a collaborative approach and that clients are the experts of their lives.
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Solution oriented
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+10
I'm Angela Harrington with 10 years please experience in mental health, co-occurring disorders, and substance abuse disorders. My goal in therapy is to elicit change talk, provide positive insight, and motivation to free yourself. When working with clients my structured approach is from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) where the individual learns to explore the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
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Warm

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. I want you to 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.
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Warm
Holistic

Specialties

Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Trauma and PTSD
+7
My name is Anna and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and I specialize in Clinical Complex Trauma with children, teens and adults. I have also worked with various mood disorders and helping many through difficult phases in life. I have worked with individuals and families for about 8 years, both online and in private practice. My passion is to help those who have hit a rough patch and need help making their way to the other side. Working with mothers during and after pregnancy has become a passion as I myself am a mother and can provide empathy and insight to these particular experiences.
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Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+6
Hello! I’m Ally (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. It can be difficult to navigate all the changes and pressures that come with being a teen or an adult. You might feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck during a life transition, or just not like yourself. These challenges can make it hard to feel confident or connected in your daily life. Whether you're managing stress, developing coping skills, or exploring who you are, therapy can be a supportive space to gain clarity and feel more grounded. I’m here to walk alongside you as you work through what’s holding you back. I use a collaborative, warm, and direct approach, respecting that you’re the expert on your own life. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Strengths based therapy. With the right support I believe you can grow more in tune with your emotions and find the right coping skills that genuinely work for you. You deserve a space where you can feel truly seen, heard, and empowered to be yourself.
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Humorous
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

First Responders/Healthcare Workers
High Clinical Acuity
Military/Veterans
+9
Hello, I'm a counselor with a background in Forensic Psychology, having worked in the field since 2004. I have the privilege of serving a diverse range of clients from various ethnicities, racial backgrounds, and socioeconomic classes. My approach is non-judgmental, patient, and easy-going, creating a safe space where you can feel heard and understood. With many years of experience working in correctional settings, particularly with individuals in acute crisis, I am passionate about helping you navigate challenges, find solutions, and work towards lasting positive change. My goal is to empower you to take control of your well-being and move forward with confidence.
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Warm
Intelligent
Direct

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+4
I am licensed as a social worker as well as an addiction specialist. My ideal client is struggling to understand how substance use and misuse is effecting their life.Maybe they are questioning their own use, or that of their partner, children, or they grew up with alcoholics in the household. I also love working with people with depression and anxiety who want to examine where they are at and where they might want to go. I love thinking outside the box and encouraging new ways of seeing the world and its possibilities.
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Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) based in North Carolina and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Carolina. I received my Master of Arts in Counseling with a Emphasis in Professional Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Webster University. I have 16+ years of Clinical experience practicing Outpatient Therapy . I assist children and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mental conditions with developing coping skills to manage their symptoms on a daily basis without disruptions to their lifestyles and daily functioning.
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Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+6
I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of dedicated practice in mental health, and my mission is to help individuals unlock their fullest potential by creating lasting change in their lives. My background spans a wide range of settings, from community-based work with children and disabled adults to providing therapy in psychiatric hospitals, schools, and private practice. With a double major in Visual Arts and Psychology from the University of North Carolina -Asheville and a Master’s in Social Work from East Tennessee University, I bring a blend of clinical expertise and creativity to my practice.
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Humorous
Intelligent

Specialties

Perinatal Mental Health
Post Partum
Women's Issues
+9
This is my fourth year in the social work field, and I have been in my own solo practice for a year. I am independently licensed in NC, SC, VA, and OR as an LCSW/ LISW-CP. I am also a Certified Doula, Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach, Women's Mental Health Specialist, and Autism Clinical Specialist. In my off time, I love binge-watching Netflix and spending time with my children.
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Often rebooked

Humorous
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+8
Hi, my name is Leslie Travia. I grew up as one of six children and now enjoy spending time whenever possible with my siblings, my many nieces, nephews, and their children. I have two grown children of my own and have been married for over 30 years. Over the years, my family and I have lived in 10 different states as well as in Europe, and I believe each place has deepened my appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. I also believe we are never too old to learn something new. I value self-empowerment and strive to surround myself with positivity and kindness.
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Addiction
ADHD
Anxiety
+7
Would you like to create space for work/ life balance? Would it be helpful to learn more about the connection between your behaviors, feelings, and thoughts? Are you ready to talk about coping strategies- both those that work and learn new ones? I work collaboratively with individuals and families to manage stressors, feelings of stress and anxiety, and cope with addictions. I help clients develop coping strategies that may challenge past thoughts and behaviors but lead toward the accomplishment of goals. Sometimes, it is simply reminding ourselves of what worked before and getting back on track and other times, it is about learning something never practiced before.
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Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Welcome! I'm Stephanie Freeman,MSW, LCSW, LCAS. Take a moment to acknowledge you've taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking 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.
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Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Coping Skills
Depression
Spirituality
+7
Welcome and congratulations on taking the first step in your healing journey! First, my name is Cherie and I am originally from New York. My journey to becoming a therapist began while serving in the Army and having the opportunity to help Soldiers and their family members with personal issues/concerns. My experience led me to pursue formal schooling and training to be more of a service through therapy and providing much-needed resources to the people in need. This path has been rewarding for me, and being able to experience lives being transformed and people empowered continues to be an honor.
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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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Often rebooked

Authentic
Humorous
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+8
Call me Ben! I've been in private practice for 5 years and the mental health field at-large for close to a decade. I'm a big advocate for mindfulness (and ACT) and how it can be used alongside and incorporated into the therapeutic relationship to make tremendous strides in addressing one's mental health. I live in Asheville, North Carolina with my wife and our two cats. I love to go hiking and kayaking, I own a record store where I also work, and love a good gaming session with my friends.
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Intelligent
Authentic

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Hello! My name is Jeff Helms. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor based in North Carolina. Additionally, I am a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) in the state of South Carolina. I received my Masters from the Palm Beach Atlantic University and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adults struggling with depression and anxiety as well as trauma. Additionally I am EMDR trained.
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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. I specialize in individual therapy and am not currently seeing couples.
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Open-minded
Intelligent
Empowering

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
LGBTQ
+10
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.
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Authentic
Solution oriented
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+3
I received my Ph.D. in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at the University of Iowa in 2009. I also received a Master of Divinity degree with courses in pastoral care and counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1995. I have approximately 25 years of counseling-related work experience in a variety of settings (college, schools, and community mental health settings). In addition, I have taught counseling courses in graduate mental health programs. I have worked with a variety of populations including children, adolescents, college students, and adults at various life stages, as well as couples, families, and groups. I am also trained to conduct a variety of assessments for learning disabilities, ADHD, personality disorders, mood disorders, and vocational/career interests.
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Open-minded
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Addiction
ADHD
Coping Skills
+9
I specialize in individual therapy for adults (18-99), addressing a wide range of life challenges. For over 20 years, I have dedicated my career to serving others in the human services field. My work has allowed me to support a diverse range of individuals and communities, including the geriatric population, military families, active-duty members and veterans, those affected by incarceration and reentry, and people experiencing homelessness or systemic oppression. I also work with individuals and families navigating blended households, chronic illness, addiction, abuse, neglect, and complex relationship dynamics such as divorce, separation, and polyamorous partnerships. At the core of my practice is a commitment to helping clients find acceptance, develop insight, and create meaningful change in their lives. My areas of specialization include: • ADHD • Alcohol Use Disorder and Chronic Relapse • Anger Management and Emotional Regulation • Anxiety and Stress Management • Communication and Coping Skills • Chronic Illness and Life Transitions • Domestic Violence and Family Conflict • Grief and Loss • Racial Identity and Oppression Issues • Reentry and Reintegration After Incarceration • Self-Esteem and Personal Empowerment • Spirituality and Women’s Issues • Weight Management • Relationship Challenges, including Dating and Romance I aim to create an inclusive, empathetic, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel supported as they explore their strengths, challenges, and capacity for growth.
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Often rebooked

Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
+10
Do you struggle with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, mood disorders, gender identity issues, relationship challenges, or any other mental health concerns? If so, you are not alone. I offer a diverse range of evidence-based therapies that have been scientifically proven to alleviate symptoms associated with mental health disorders. My therapeutic interventions include Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I empower those lacking motivation, encourage those who feel helpless and hopeless, and guide individuals who believe they have no purpose. I also teach coping skills to help navigate daily challenges. Let's start today on the path to regaining control of your life. I look forward to hearing from you.
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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 North Carolina. 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.

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 happens during the first therapy 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.