Optum Therapists in Ohio

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 271 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: 8/7/2026

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or just not yourself lately? You're not alone and you don't have to figure it all out on your own. I help people who are juggling too much-whether it's the demands of work, parenting, school or personal struggles. By working together, we can help you find clarity and stronger sense of self. With over 20 years in the mental health field as a Licensed Independent Social Worker, I have had the privilege of working with children, teens and adults in diverse settings including hospitals, residential programs and schools. My approach is practical, supportive and tailored to you. I draw from evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Strengths-Based Practice while keeping sessions conversational not clinical.
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

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Life Transitions
+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
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Domestic Violence
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
+3
Welcome! I specialize in working with survivors of emotional abuse/narcissistic abuse and women in recovery. Do you feel like you are walking on eggshells with your partner? Are you constantly belittled or humiliated by your partner and are being controlled or manipulated? Prevented from reaching out to family and friends? Together, we can break the isolation and regain your own personal power and self-esteem. I know that reaching out for help can be challenging, and I want to commend you for taking this brave step towards healing. Together, we can work towards creating a brighter, healthier, and a more hopeful future. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Authentic

Specialties

Chronic Illness
Crisis Intervention
Personality Disorders
+10
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with clinical experience serving a very diverse population after working for 5 years in crisis services for a major metropolitan children's hospital. While there, I was able to gain significant experience using a wide variety of interventions from CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, and strategic family therapy to help children, adolescents, and their family's during the aftermath of their child's mental health crisis. I look forward to translating those interventions and skills to helping my clients develop coping skills, identify maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior, improve communication with supportive loved ones, and create realistic life goals for themselves then develop a plan to reach them. I am very open to feedback from my clients as to what would be helpful for them and how they like therapy to be structured. However, I am not conflict avoidant and I gently challenge my clients to step outside of their comfort zone because I truly believe no one would come to therapy if they weren't seeking change. I also believe that therapists are "in the business of putting ourselves out of business." I don't want my clients to need me forever so I aim to help them help themselves. In my free time, I dance (tap, ballet, and contemporary as well as just bopping around to music while I cook or clean), hike, and spend time with family or friends. I love to travel and aim to do as much of it as I can. I love learning whether it is about people, different cultures, new therapy styles, recipes, styles of dance or historical events. I also really enjoy cleaning and organizing for myself or helping others with those tasks.
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
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where we can work together on the challenges you’re facing. Using evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, I’ll help you explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns, build practical skills, and strengthen your resilience so you can move toward growth, balance, empowerment and meaningful change. I look forward to working with you!
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
Authentic
Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+10
Are you seeking answers to the complexities of life? Are you working through the pain of loss? Are you trying to discover your vision for your life? Have you lost faith in God and are working to believe again? Do you constantly worry or fear the unknown? Let me join you in discovering your next steps in holistically resolving these key issues. I won't tell you what to do, but I will certainly help guide you to the place that feels most helpful.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Intelligent
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Foster Care/Adoption
Personality Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+7
My practice was born from the understanding that people who struggle often have filled their day to day lives with survival mechanisms: habits, actions, and thoughts that may have helped in the moment but become burdensome over time. The lasting effects of trauma can create an overwhelming sense of self-blame, leaving individuals questioning, "Am I the problem?" or "Did I do something wrong?" My practice exists to help individuals build a healthier "life worth living". Where pain, fear, sadness, anger, and memories can be honored rather than suppressed. It is a place where healthier coping skills are developed, empowering clients to create lives filled with resilience and meaning. I am a licensed clinical social worker who has six years of experience and graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a dual degree in Social Work and Nonprofit Organizational Management. Outside of work I love to travel, cook, and craft.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Solution oriented

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hello, I'm Charles. With 24 years of professional experience, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, and depression. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are the expert of your own story, and together, we can harness your strengths to overcome the challenges you face. I am here to support and empower you every step of the way. I hold a Master of Arts in Community Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both from Kent State University. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I have specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My extensive background includes working with individuals, families, and groups, addressing a wide range of mental health issues such as PTSD, addiction, ADHD, and more. In my private practice, I focus on online individual and couples therapy, emphasizing stress management, emotional regulation, and trauma resolution. My previous role as a Residential Therapist at OhioGuidestone allowed me to provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents with severe emotional problems, develop treatment plans, and offer clinical supervision. Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my contributions to the field, receiving the Clinical Service Award in 2004 and multiple inductions into various Sports Halls of Fame. These accolades reflect my commitment to excellence and my passion for helping others. Outside of my professional life, I value open-mindedness and creativity, which I bring into my therapeutic practice. I believe in developing and communicating personalized plans for your growth and development, ensuring that our work together is both effective and timely. If you're ready to take the first step towards positive change, I invite you to reach out. Let's work together to create a path towards a more fulfilling and happier life.
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
Open-minded
Authentic

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Family Therapy
Life Transitions
+9
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families build healthier, more fulfilling relationships. My approach is grounded in Attachment Theory, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, which means I focus on strengthening emotional connections, exploring personal stories, and fostering secure relationships. In our work together, I aim to create a safe, collaborative space where you can better understand your patterns, heal from past wounds, and move towards meaningful change. I believe that with the right support and insight, everyone has to ability to create new paths towards connection, growth, and emotional well-being.
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
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Hi! I am glad you're here! I am Heather and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor working with clients located in Ohio. I have 5 years of experience working with individuals that struggle with mood disorders, trauma, attachment wounds, anxiety, and more. I use a variety of modalities in my practice to find what best works with each client. I have been trained in EMDR which helps to desensitize and reprocess trauma. I have also completed trainings and use attachment theory, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+7
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based approaches. I am passionate about empowering clients to rewrite their inner narratives. I blend evidence-based techniques with genuine empathy. Whether working in private practice, community settings, or telehealth platforms, I remain committed to fostering mental wellness and emotional strength. I believe healing begins when people are given a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming platform to receive guidance, support, and the tools needed to draw upon their own personal strengths to overcome the barriers that stand between them and their quality of life.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Life Transitions
Men's Issues
ADHD
+9
I work with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating emotional challenges, self-doubt, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and direct, providing a supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and encouraged to explore new perspectives. I believe meaningful growth occurs when clients feel both supported and appropriately challenged to move beyond patterns that no longer serve them. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed skills, attachment-focused interventions, and systemic perspectives, to help clients develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and confidence. Together, we identify strengths, address barriers to change, and build practical strategies for managing stress, improving communication, and creating healthier relationships. My goal is to empower clients with the insight and tools needed to achieve meaningful, sustainable change and greater overall well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Parenting
+3
I have been a Social Worker for about 12 years, and have worked in multiple settings including in the community, Private Practice, and at two different Children's Hospitals. I have experience working with school age children, teenagers, and adults. I have experience working with individuals with anxiety and depression, as well as some trauma. I also have experience working with individuals working through the adjustment and struggles of parenting, and also have personal experience with this as I am a Mother of two! I identify as a Christian and can incorporate Christian Counseling if a Client chooses that.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Humorous
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

Often rebooked

Authentic
Direct
Humorous

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Self-Harming
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Do you feel like something is holding you back? Getting in your way? Many people run into barriers- barriers that keep them from achieving their goals, get in the way of their relationships, or keep them from moving on. These barriers can look like anxiety, depression, trauma, communication patterns, etc. This is where I can help! I have worked with crisis services and trauma survivors my whole career; and trauma can look different for everyone! I enjoy nothing more than helping clients identify the barriers that are holding them back; constructing a plan to break it down and take steps towards doing so.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
My name is Michael Starr, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I believe therapy is more than just problem-solving, it’s a place to rediscover who you are, heal what’s been hidden, and move forward with clarity and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families facing anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, identity questions, and emotional overwhelm. My style is honest, grounded, and deeply respectful of the human experience. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT, but I also hold space for what cannot always be explained, your story, your meaning, your growth. Clients often come to me feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. Together, we uncover the patterns keeping you there and build the insight, skills, and resilience to move through them. You won’t be rushed or judged. You’ll be heard, supported, and challenged when needed. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to start. Healing begins with one honest conversation, and I’m here to take that step with you.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Empowering
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+2
Ready to break free from the weight of trauma, anxiety, or overwhelming grief? If self-doubt, social anxiety, or past pain have kept you stuck, EMDR therapy offers a proven path to lasting healing and growth. Together, we’ll work to release emotional barriers so you can reclaim your peace, purpose, and power. In a safe, compassionate space, I provide personalized care tailored to your unique journey. Using EMDR, we’ll address unresolved trauma, ease anxiety, and bring lasting relief from emotional pain. My mission is to support your growth, clarity, and confidence so you can step into a life of freedom and fulfillment. Your healing journey starts here — let’s take the first step together.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Open-minded

Specialties

ADHD
Family Conflict
Men's Issues
+10
My clients have laughed, cried, practiced new things, and worked very, very hard. The only thing I ask, as a therapist, is to have hope and do the work. Each client is a functioning part of a larger whole that wants to stay the same. I see no sense in blaming a person for situations they did not create; it's what each person does that counts.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Men's Issues
Women's Issues
+10
My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Empowering

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Women's Issues
+1
Welcome to my practice. I am dedicated to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore challenges, build on your strengths, and work toward meaningful change. My approach is collaborative and solution-focused — I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and together we’ll identify practical steps to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, or personal growth, my goal is to help you find clarity, resilience, and a sense of balance.
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.