Optum Therapists in North Carolina

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 494 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: 2/5/2026

Direct
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Family Therapy
+8
Hiya. My name is Sejal Patel, and I am currently licensed in North and South Carolina, as a LMFT. As a therapist, I show curiosity when my client(s), families, and couples ask me for guidance. Majority of my clients', share the assumption, because I am a therapist, I experience minimal challenges in life and relationships. I wish that was true. My professional education and knowledge has been helpful and useful. Truthfully, the lessons I learned by experiencing failures, challenges, and struggles of life are the true heroes to how I find my solutions. I welcome your curiosity to a collaborative process that combines my professional expertise, your life experience knowledge, and the power of creative solutions.
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Solution oriented
Open-minded

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+10
I am Cindy Arrington, I received my Master's of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2012 from Winston-Salem State University. I and am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor - Associate. I have 5 years of experience working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to assist with job development, placement and follow-up. I have 4 years of experience working as a mental health and substance use counselor. I enjoy meeting my patients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, trauma, and substance use to help them heal and grow to become the best versions of themselves.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I believe that every person is a light in this world, and in order to heal from pain and suffering we must discover our inner strength, inherent worth, and greater purpose. Everyone is subject to the same universal challenges in life. Some of these include meeting our needs in a competitive society, discovering who we are, understanding the meaning of our lives, and coping with change. When stress becomes overwhelming, and when life becomes a struggle, this is the time to reach out for help. My approach to helping clients is very much influenced by humanistic psychology. Understanding the nature and dynamics of suffering is important, but I believe my most important task as a therapist is to help clients learn strategies for regaining wellness and fulfilling their potential. In my role as a therapist I incorporate counseling techniques that are based on cognitive-behavioral theory, polyvagal theory, psychodynamic therapy, and dialectical theory. I have over 10 years of experience working with clients in different roles. Before working in private practice, I worked as an outpatient therapist for a community mental health clinic during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as a college counselor. While pursuing my graduate degree, I worked in the child welfare field for abuse/neglect courts. Prior to graduate school, I worked as a tobacco cessation specialist in the public health field, where I facilitated support groups for clients with nicotine addiction. My journey into the helping professions started in 2005 when I began working as a certified nursing assistant and caregiver for clients with developmental disabilities and the elderly. For many years, I have been motivated to help and heal others. Thank you for reading about my personal counseling philosophy. I am looking forward to working with you!
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New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Post Partum
I am a dedicated mental health clinician with extensive experience using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My practice centers on helping clients increase resilience, develop practical coping strategies, and live more aligned with their values. I bring a collaborative, client-centered style, integrating structured interventions with flexibility to meet each individual’s unique needs. I am passionate about empowering clients to navigate challenges, reduce distress, and create lasting change that supports both well-being and personal growth
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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
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Post Partum
Trauma and PTSD
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) base in North Carolina. I earned my Master's Degree from East Carolina University and have accumulated 15 years of experience in the social work field, with 9 years of practice. I specialize in providing support to young adults and women going through various life transitions, particularly motherhood. I thoroughly enjoy assisting individuals during the perinatal to postpartum stages. I also specialize in guiding clients through their healing journey from past traumas, grief and loss, and burnout.
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Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+1
Keith Casey's approach to therapy is to be empathetic and encouraging. The most gratifying part of his job is when he sees someone embrace the idea that change is possible. He is trained in exposure-response and prevention therapy for OCD. He also likes to incorporate elements of CBT, DBT, and mindfulness into his work. He specializes in anxiety, OCD, depression, and LGBTQ+ issues.
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Solution oriented
Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Grief
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor based in North Carolina. My experience comes from providing direct mental health care in various settings and providing grief counseling to children in school and national grief counseling settings. I have worked with children, teens, and adults with varied presenting issues, including anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma, stress, low self-esteem, Women issues, Marital/ Pre-Marital, Spirituality, Life Coaching, and family issues. I approach the therapeutic relationship with respect and dignity for each client. I walk with them on their journey to wholeness at their own pace. I worked with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate their challenges. I am compassionate and a great listener. I believe in what I do and am compassionate about helping the people I serve. We all can reach our highest potential, which is what I want to help my clients obtain. Many individuals I worked with have had setbacks, but once they believe in themselves, they realize their stumbling blocks are only stepping stones to their destination. Working toward a more fulfilling and happier life takes a lot of strength and determination. If you allow me, I will walk with you on your journey. I earned a Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. I have six years of professional Counseling and over thirty years of experience working in human services.
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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.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Crisis Intervention
Depression
+8
With over 14 years of experience as a therapist, I bring a compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered approach to every session. I believe that each individual is the expert in their own life, and my role is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. My work is rooted in active listening and genuine connection. Together, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing, identify meaningful goals, and build the tools and confidence you need to move forward. Whether you're navigating a major life transition, managing stress, healing from past experiences, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I’m here to walk alongside you on your journey.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

ADHD
Mood Disorders
Perinatal Mental Health
+8
Welcome! I’m April, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina. Congratulations on taking the first step towards reaching your goals. Don’t discount the decision you’ve made to search for help, because many people never do so. I see counseling as a partnership between the therapist and the client; I have the mental health expertise while you’re the expert of you! For this reason I'll spend our earliest contacts getting to know you better. Choosing a therapist is a very personal decision and therefore, I want to give you information so you can choose for yourself if you’d like to work with me. I would describe my counseling style as warm, but professional. I love to use strength-based approaches as much as possible, also incorporating your values into our work. I find myself using an integrative approach, incorporating different theoretical frameworks and techniques that I will tailor to fit your needs. Two approaches I use most often are Person-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Person-Centered counseling uses a lot of reflection to help you process your thoughts and feelings, which is often the first step towards solving your problems. CBT helps us examine your thought patterns and whether they are helpful or harmful. If a particular thought is harmful that could trigger issues like a depressed mood, for example. We’ll work together to replace the harmful thoughts with more helpful ones. There are many other approaches to potentially integrate into our sessions, and I’d be happy to explain anything I believe may benefit you. I once read a quote online (source unknown) that rings true for me: “A counselor isn’t someone you pay to pretend they care about you. A counselor is someone you pay to teach you how to care for yourself.”
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Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+6
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), licensed in North Carolina. My passion is working with people who are in transition to a better life, or know that they want a better life, but not sure how to get there. One of my passions has become helping teen girls improve their relationships with their mothers, so when the girls become adults, there is actually a friendship.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering

Specialties

ADHD
LGBTQ
Anxiety
+7
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. I graduated in 2020 with my Master's of Social Work from Western Carolina University, and I've been working with youth and families for over 15 years, 8 of those being in the mental health field. I help neurodivergent, queer, and gender-expansive young adults find ways to live authentically as themselves in a world that can be unkind and harsh. I also support people who have had negative experiences with therapy in the past and want to try again with a more person-centered and affirming approach.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+7
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina with 10 years of counseling experience. I received my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and have spent many years working in community behavioral health. My training and my work have shaped me into a clinician that understands a person's environment is as important as their mindset. You will find me to be supportive and an advocate for my clients complete health.
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Direct
Authentic

Specialties

Military/Veterans
Mood Disorders
Substance Misuse
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. I have been a social worker for 19 years, most recently in the last 7 years doing therapy. I enjoy working with people who are wanting to see change happen but have barriers stopping them from moving into action. I also enjoy working with those who have relationship dynamic issues.
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Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+1
I provide a non-judgmental, genuine, and warm atmosphere that helps clients feel at ease from the start. My passion is supporting people through a wide range of challenges — whether it’s everyday stress related to relationships, work, or school, or deeper, long-standing issues rooted in childhood or past trauma. No matter where you’re starting from, my goal is to help you develop a stronger, more grounded, and content sense of self.
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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.
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Empowering
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

ADHD
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
+10
My name is Aesha Lomas. I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in South Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I am a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and I have been practicing for 9 years. I have extensive training and experience working with adolescents and adults, including those who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, suicidality, other mental health diagnoses, and co-occurring disorders. My therapeutic approach aims to identify and address the underlying causes of coping difficulties and mental health concerns.
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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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Intelligent
Solution oriented

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.
VirtualAvailable
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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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Solution oriented
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+6
Welcome! My name is Kalyn and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in North Carolina and South Carolina, with a Master of Science in Human Development from Virginia Tech. I have 6 years of experience working with individuals of various ages and diverse backgrounds on a range of issues, including relational problems, couples counseling, communication challenges, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, and mood disorders. My approach is collaborative, person-centered, and strengths-based, always striving to understand and cater to the unique needs of each individual I work with. I use elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family/systems therapy, and supportive therapy to create a welcoming and open environment. It is a space where you can freely explore your emotions, build up your strength, and work towards making the positive changes you aspire to achieve—all without any judgment.
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Open-minded
Challenging
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
+4
Hey. My name is John Jensen, but you can call me Jake. I received my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Campbell University and am the owner of Woodhaven Counseling PLLC. I started counseling after retiring from playing football at Wingate University and strive to assist those moving through life transitions, manage anxiety, and build confidence in their identities.
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Authentic
Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Hello, Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or like life is taking over? It's completely natural to experience these emotions from time to time, but you don't have to navigate these challenges alone. My name is Latonya Badger, and I'm an experienced and compassionate mental health provider here to support you on your journey towards well-being and happiness. I have 4+ years of experience in the mental health field, I am a licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals like you find balance, resilience, and inner strength. My approach is client-centered, meaning I tailor each session to your unique needs and circumstances. Together, we'll work collaboratively to address your concerns and develop personalized strategies to cope with life's stressors.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
+10
Hi everyone! Are you someone who is open to growth, change, and you want healing to take place? I like to work with clients who have a desire to grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally and who recognize this doesn't happen overnight. We are each a work in progress! I am a clinician who has been practicing for over 20 years. I enjoy working with various populations and ages but primarily focus on providing counseling services for the adult population. I feel God has led me to be a counselor, and I love watching others grow and heal in their life journeys. I work to help clients build resilience, regain confidence, and find peace in their personal and relational lives. Through a supportive, personalized approach, I work to help clients heal from their past hurts and begin to look forward to the future with a hopeful outlook.
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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.