Optum Therapists in Ohio

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 286 verified therapists in Ohio 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.

Availability updated: 8/18/2026

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+8
I am a licensed independent Social Worker who has worked in child welfare and adult crisis emergency services for the past 14 years. I was NASW Region V Social Worker of the year in 2016. I have worked in teaching, crisis settings and home based in the past. I am dedicated to helping clients identify and overcome challenging patterns in their lives through a variety of dynamic methods.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Humorous

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+4
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision Endorsement (LPCC-S) practicing in the state of Ohio. I help those who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, and many other issues. I have experience working with people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and other mental health crises. I encourage you to be open and honest, so I can best help you achieve your therapeutic goals!
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Coping Skills
Parenting
Trauma and PTSD
+2
Threatening or painful events can change the way we see the world and ourselves. I help clients who are feeling distressed by their past as they are trying to live their daily lives. I enjoy working with clients who need a listener to sit with them after a difficult time, and gently navigate a path to better well-being. I believe that there are many ways to heal including the use of EMDR. Never heard of it? That's okay. I'm very approachable and won't judge you. You are not alone. Let's talk!
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor based in Ohio. I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. I have been providing therapy services for the past 20 years, 10 of those years spent in university counseling centers. I tend to treat adults who are struggling with life transitions, identity issues, relationship distress, trauma and personality concerns.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Beginning therapy is a courageous step, and I don’t take that for granted. I'm here to help ensure your journey is meaningful and personalized. My work focuses on supporting individuals through trauma, life transitions, as well as challenges related to anxiety, depression, and grief. I use a collaborative, strengths-based, client-centered approach, customizing each session to fit your specific needs and goals. You’ll find a safe, supportive space where you can truly be yourself whenever you are ready to begin.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
+10
I am a clinically licensed social worker. I went back to school at 54 after a 30 plus year career in special education and early intervention. My passion and gifts center on helping people overcome overwhelming life challenges and life transitions. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and CAMS to assist you in overcoming trauma, changing negative thought patterns, and regulating intense emotions and self-harm behaviors. My focus is to make you feel welcome in an accepting environment that allows you to be transparent and vulnerable in a way that brings healing for you.
Available
Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+9
My name is Amber. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of Ohio. My role is to empower you on this journey of self-actualization. I bring authenticity, warmth, and a solution-oriented approach. We will be working side by side to identify your goals, values, and strengths. From there, we will process past experiences to help you move on to becoming your best self. I have been helping clients achieve their goals for the past several years. These clients range from the age of one-year-old to over fifty-years-old. About 60% of my clients are 12 and under. In working with younger children, I have had the most success using telehealth when parents are present to monitor, arrange a predictable environment, and assist with any technical issues. In working with younger children, the parents’ role is vital. I work as a team with parents and caregivers to build a healthy relationship and find the appropriate strengths-based parenting strategies for the child. Recommended parenting techniques are largely based on the Conscious Discipline model which encourages mindful parenting. With younger children, the parents’ cooperation is imperative to reach desired behavioral goals. I also draw from the approaches outlined in Working with Challenging Youth by Brent Richardson, Ed.D.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

Grief
Military/Veterans
Trauma and PTSD
+7
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience in helping others. I am an Army veteran and have served children, adults, couples, military members and their families. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have seen great results when using this method with my clients. I am also trained in grief therapy and have dealt with grief on a personal level, which I believe helps me to be more empathetic for my clients going through major life changes.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+4
For more than a decade I have been counseling clients with a variety of mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual health struggles from a wide spectrum of personalities and life experiences. Each counseling experience brings challenges and victories. I consider it an honor and privilege to come alongside individuals or couples in need- to help in the healing process through processing trauma, identifying and replacing harmful and self-sabotaging patterns of behavior with restorative ones, providing mediation and advocacy, and offering compassion and accountability. I grew up in Ohio, but now live on a 17 acre homestead in the Ozarks with my wife of 17 years and our 6 children. My personal interests range from video games to lumberjacking. I have enjoyed the time and opportunity to work remotely and start a new chapter in my life with my family figuring out the homesteading chaos.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+10
I graduated with my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016 and I have been practicing counseling in Ohio since October 2016. I have worked with a wide spectrum of clients ranging from teenagers up to retirees. I specialize in working with youth, teens, and adults, but I thrive working with clients across the lifespan. My hope is to help clients achieve their goals for therapy, no matter the age group or struggle.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+7
Hi, I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio. I've been providing outpatient therapy to clients all over Ohio for the past 11 years. I love meeting with people and finding out their personal goals and challenges and then creating a therapeutic approach that is unique to the individual and their needs. Creating a strong alliance with each and every client I see helps me to achieve this. This is what makes therapy successful!
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Domestic Violence
Sexual Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
+6
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor. I have been counseling for over 16 years. I find happiness and joy in helping people move beyond what they think is possible. I am sensitive, compassionate, empathetic, and very non-judgmental. I like to provide a safe place to for clients to process, so each client is able to share their story, knowing that you will be very supported.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+7
Hi, I’m Rob. I hail from Steubenville, Ohio. Let’s jump right in. Life is hard- we all need a little help and support on the journey. I see myself as walking beside the people with whom I work. Some need to look into the past and process it, receiving a different perspective on it. Some have a specific goal in mind like decreasing anxiety by learning new skills in a short period of time. Others need a listening ear, with some insights sprinkled in. Others still, benefit from clarity and analysis. What do you need? I believe the interpersonal connection between counselor and client can be healing in and of itself. People are ones that hurt us, we're also the ones that heal each other.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Spirituality
+5
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counsellor (LPCC-S) based in OHIO. I received my Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies from Ohio Christian University. Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Ethics from Mid-America Christian University, Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University. I provide compassionate counseling for women navigating anxiety, emotional exhaustion, trauma, identity struggles, and life transitions through an integrative and faith-sensitive approach. I have worked with clients aged 6 to 80 in community and private practice settings. I have also worked with Medical Students at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine helping young adults struggling to become the best versions of themselves.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Hi, I’m Angie, and I have a passion for helping individuals heal, grow, and thrive. I specialize in trauma-focused care using EMDR, CBT, and DBT to support clients in building healthier relationships with themselves and others. I understand how trauma can impact relationships with the self and others and utilize my lived experience to help enhance the lives of others. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to meet each person’s unique needs on their journey toward lasting change.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+6
Your story is unique and you deserve an individualized approach to care, where you feel safe and heard. I believe you are the expert in your life experiences and we will work together to develop goals and strengths to improve your overall quality of life. Our sessions will be centered around a holistic approach that aligns with your personal strengths, needs, abilities and preferences to meet your goals and build self worth, while navigating difficult emotions, relationships, anxiety, trauma and decreasing depressive symptoms
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

ADHD
Couples Counseling
Mood Disorders
+10
Hello, I am Samantha but you can call me Sam. I understand the struggles of life and mental health from a professional and personal perspective. Having lived through my own challenges, I've worked hard to transform my life. Through perseverance and dedication, I obtained a Master's of Science in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University. I began my career working with individuals both adolescent and adults battling addiction for three years, before transitioning into mental health working through each licensure until becoming independently licensed. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of individuals, ages 13 -70, across various mental health disorders, including ADHD, relationship issues, anxiety, and mood disorders. My work spans a variety of settings and has worked extensively with the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring an inclusive, affirming approach for all clients. More recently, my focus has been with family and relationship therapy, understanding how interconnected our mental and relational health are. I also have a special focus on supporting healthcare workers, as I know the unique challenges we face in the field and the importance of having a healthy outlet to process those stressors.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Addiction
ADHD
Personality Disorders
+9
Hello! My name is Kali Scott and I have been a counselor for the last 8 years with a combination of experience in mental health and substance abuse counseling. I emphasize in providing an empathetic experience to my clients by remaining open minded and supportive. My educational background includes a Bachelors Degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from the University of Cincinnati and a Masters of Education in Counseling and Human Development from Lindsey Wilson College. In addition to being independently licensed as a Professional Counselor (LPCC) and Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC), and owner of my private practice, Vision Board Therapeutics, I am a wife and mom of 3 kids.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Serious Mental Illness
Trauma and PTSD
Michelle Hartenstein MSW, LISW-S is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Master's Degree from the University of Cincinnati with an emphasis on Specialized Mental Health across the lifespan. She completed her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Northern Kentucky University. Michelle brings over 20 years of experience working in various therapeutic settings ranging from community mental health, dual diagnosis settings, inpatient, and psychiatric services in both residential, private practice and acute hospitalization settings. She began her career working with SES children and families in the foster care and dependency court system in Southeastern Ohio. Michelle currently enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and couples utilizing a multidimensional approach. In addition, she has provided Clinical Supervision for Master's-level interns and dependently licensed professionals. Michelle's areas of expertise include individual and relational issues, anxiety, depression, trauma focused and personal growth. Michelle believes therapy is a very individualized journey where each individuals biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs are thoroughly assessed. Michelle provides Christian counseling upon request. Michelle believes in the power of vulnerability and the beauty of resilience. She begins each day with the Serenity Prayer asking the Lord her Savior to not only provide her with the courage, strength, knowledge, wisdom and patience but to also be with each and every client she encounters to assist them in overcoming their hardships. Therapy is a self-discovering journey, I look forward to embarking on this adventure together. When Michelle is not working she seeks adventure in the beauty of nature, often found traveling, photography, health and fitness and spending time with her Husband and son.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+9
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor with over 40 years of experience. I work with individuals and couples, providing a warm, supportive, and practical approach to therapy. My focus is on helping you better understand yourself, your patterns, and your relationships, while also guiding you toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels manageable.
VirtualAvailable

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+3
Hello, I’m Monica Freeman-Bennefield, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I provide a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore life’s challenges with honesty, clarity, and hope. My approach blends person-centered care, evidence-based strategies, and faith-based principles for those who desire it, allowing for holistic support of the mind, body, and spirit. I work collaboratively with clients to better understand patterns, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and life transitions. I am passionate about helping clients build emotional resilience, strengthen coping skills, and experience meaningful, sustainable growth that extends beyond the therapy room.
VirtualAvailable

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
With over two decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings and roles. I bring this professional background to my practice, but my core desire remains the same: to be a warm, supportive presence as I guide you on your journey. I work from a relational focus, which means our work together will prioritize how you connect—with yourself, with others, and with the world around you. My goal isn't just to help you navigate challenges, but to help you build a stronger, more authentic connection to your life. I'm here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support as you discover a greater sense of peace and well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Grief
+6
Hello, I a am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a certified case manager, and certified grief support professional. I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work. I continue to participate in yearly trainings and continued education in the areas of anxiety, depression, grief, individual counseling, and couples counseling. I have been in the field of assisting individuals transform their lives since 2007. I have worked with a diverse groups of individuals including adults with learning disabilities, children and families, individual counseling, couples counseling, and grief support groups. During my 15 years of service, I have worked with individuals in their home setting, office setting, and hospital setting. The one thing that has never changed is my capacity to help individuals transition to a new stage in life.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+2
My name is Alahya Clayborn, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I specialize in systemic and strategic family therapy models. My counseling philosophy is grounded in the belief that healing occurs through our attachment and interactions and by transforming the systems around us. With expertise in relationships, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and depression, I focus on creating meaningful and lasting change. I am dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate their challenges and achieve their fullest potential.
VirtualAvailable
Humorous
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+6
I'm a dedicated professional with over 14 years of experience in the behavioral health field. My goal is to empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves and find comfort in their daily lives. I insist on personalizing my interventions to suit each individual's needs. I work mostly with young adults and adults (ages 18+). I believe that most of us would benefit from therapy at most points throughout our lives. We are social beings by nature and are simply not meant to struggle alone. We are our own worst critics so it takes an outside perspective of a loved one or a professional to help us recognize the strength amid chaos.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in Ohio. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Ohio from Cincinnati to Cleveland! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Ohio.

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.

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.

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.

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.