Optum Therapists in Ohio

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 273 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: 8/21/2026

Solution oriented
Humorous
Warm
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
+10
Drawing on my experience working in all aspects of mental health, from the inpatient and emergency settings, to individual and family therapies, I will work with you to identify and achieve measurable goals for your ideal mental health. In 2012, I achieved my Master of Social Work(MSW) specializing in Mental Health, and have been a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor (LISW-S) since 2019.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
Self Esteem
+9
My name is Margaret Whitmore, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I began working in the mental health field in 2015 as a case manager. In 2019, I graduated with my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy from Ursuline College. I am dedicated to providing counseling services to those looking to reignite their spark in life.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Family Conflict
+6
I hold a Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University and have over a decade of experience as an in-home family therapist, a school-based mental health clinician, a social work care coordinator in a medical setting, and individual therapy. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. My values are adventure, honesty, integrity, and quality time with friends and family. On any given day off, you will catch me watching the Columbus Crew, exploring a new place, playing board games, gardening, or reading a book. I am married and a mother of one kiddo.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Depression
Family Conflict
Foster Care/Adoption
+4
Hi! I'm Jeff. If you are up against it, I'm here for you. If life circumstances, your relationship, your job, parenting, or other factors in your life are causing distress, let's connect! I'm happy to hold space for you and help you to process whatever is having a negative impact on your life and relationships. I offer a judgement free space for you to explore, uncover, and problem solve.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Autism
+5
I’m so excited to connect with you! My name is Erica Richley-Duda. I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio. I’ve been a practicing clinician for 20 years. I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and adults. I have extensive experience working with school issues and parenting issues. I’ve also worked with couples issues. In my free-time, I love spending time outdoors and walking my dog, Noble! I’ve authored two books - “Unmasking ADHD: Navigating the Neurodivergent Mind” and “Unlocking Trauma: Creating Trauma-Informed Environments and Transforming School Discipline.”
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
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
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

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

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Sexual Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
+7
Hi! I’m Alexis. I am a mom, wife, adjunct professor, and therapist. When I am not working, I enjoy being surrounded by family. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Kentucky and my Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Healthcare Studies from Ohio University. I am trauma informed and am trained in multiple trauma informed modalities including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Integrative Treatment for Complex Trauma, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Building a relationship in therapy is very important. I will work to create a safe, empathetic, and validating space to work together. My goal is to create a safe environment for clients to feel heard, supported, and challenged.
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
Warm
Open-minded
Authentic
Specialties
Foster Care/Adoption
Health/Medical Issues
LGBTQ
+9
Hello, I’m Gina — and I’m glad you are taking the next step! If you’re navigating life with complex challenges, know that you don’t have to do it alone. You’ve found a safe, affirming space. I offer a trauma-informed, affirming space to process complex emotions, reduce stress, and build resilience. My approach is compassionate, real, and personalized — drawing from evidence-based practices and years of hands-on experience. You deserve a therapist who truly sees you. Let’s work together to create healing and growth on your terms. With over 16 years of experience, I specialize in working with people who often feel overlooked or misunderstood in traditional mental health spaces. My approach is compassionate, straightforward, and tailored to your needs. I combine evidence-based practices with a strong dose of real-world experience. I believe that healing doesn’t always look the same for everyone — so we’ll work together to find the tools, strategies, and pace that feel right for you. Above all, I’m here to offer a space where you can feel truly seen — not judged.
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
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
Authentic
Empowering
Humorous
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+12
Bilingual in English and Spanish. Bilingüe en inglés y español. I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience. Soy licenciada en la Florida con 13 años de experiencia como terapeuta profesional. I have experience in helping patients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, and career difficulties. Tengo vasta experiencia ayudando a mis clientes con sus estresores, ansiedades, con pérdidas de seres queridos u otra índole, motivación, autoestima y autoconfianza, así como cambios o desarrollos de carreras. I work with my patients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Trabajo con mis pacientes para crear un ambiente abierto y seguro en el cual los pensamientos y sentimientos pueden ser compartidos sin temor a ser juzgados. Tomar el primer paso hacia la terapia se puede sentir extraño, pero es el camino a una vida más plena, lo cual requiere valentía. With the application of cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy methods as well as other individual techniques that match your individual needs, we can work towards alleviating how you feel and create insights into your unique situation. Con la aplicación de la terapia cognitiva conductual, centrada en el cliente, técnicas de motivación y con métodos de solventación de problemas, además de estrategias que pueden ser adaptadas a tus necesidades individuales, podemos colaborar para aliviar tus sentimientos y desarrollar diferentes perspectivas hacia tu situación, la cual es única e individual.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Addiction
Anger Management
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a counselor with experience supporting people facing challenges with mental health, addiction, and dual-diagnosis concerns. I believe that everyone’s journey is unique, so I use a mix of proven therapy approaches to help each person find what works best for them. Whether someone is looking for support with life changes, managing symptoms, or building new skills, I am here to listen and offer guidance in a safe, accepting space. My goal is to help clients discover their strengths and work together toward achieving their personal goals and objectives.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Empowering
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
Veterans, men facing difficult life circumstances, and adults dealing with significant personal struggles—you’re here to find solutions. You’re here because something in your life feels heavy, confusing, or out of control, and you’re ready for things to change. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, difficulty managing anger, stress, overthinking, low confidence, or several of these at once, you don’t have to keep carrying the burden alone. These struggles are common, and with the right support and a clear plan forward, change is possible. I’ve worked with thousands of clients who felt stuck in self-defeating beliefs, guilt, shame, or old patterns that drained the joy out of life. What I’ve learned is simple: when people reconnect with hope, purpose, and strengths they may have forgotten they possess, they often begin seeing themselves and their circumstances differently. I also welcome men who feel overwhelmed, unheard, criticized, or uncertain of themselves within important relationships. Counseling can help you better understand what is happening, rebuild confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and make decisions based on your own values rather than fear, guilt, or pressure. I’m here to listen without judgment, help you make sense of what you’re facing, and help you develop healthier perspectives that actually work in real life. I’m Christian-friendly for clients who want faith incorporated into counseling and fully comfortable with secular therapy for those who don’t. My job is to meet you where you are, not push you into a box. I’m also a huge Ohio State Buckeyes fan. I’ll gladly work with Michigan fans too…but I can’t promise the same level of nonjudgmental neutrality I offer everyone else. :) Therapy doesn’t have to feel stiff. We can be real humans in the room together.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Specialties
Grief
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I believe healing begins with intention, presence, and a good dose of courage. When I’m not working with clients, you’ll likely find me hiking through the woods with my two rescue dogs or throwing elbows in a Muay Thai gym. Nature, movement, and mindfulness are my anchors, and I bring that same grounded energy into a therapy session. Inspired by Viktor Frankl, “A man with a why can endure any how,” I aim to help individuals reconnect with their “why” in a world that often pulls us in every direction but inward. Life is messy, fast, and full of distractions. It’s easy to lose sight of who we are and what we need. As your therapist, I can do nothing to take away your pain; however, I vow to sit with you to endure it. I promise to do my best to assist you forthrightly, uncovering and fostering lasting resilience. I’ll offer a safe, compassionate space where we can work collaboratively to explore your story, uncover your strengths, and chart a course forward. The hardest part is getting started, so why not give it a shot? Come sit down, talk with me, and see if we can't get somewhere better than where we started.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Mood Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Women's Issues
Hello, I’m Brittany. Are you looking for a better understanding of yourself and your reactions? Maybe you want better relationships or better balance in your life to reduce stress. I work with those ready to challenge themselves to achieve a better quality of life. I specialize in identifying your unique issue and applying solutions so sessions feel productive and worthwhile.
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
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
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
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+9
Hi there, I'm glad you're here! As a Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist, I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where my clients can explore life's challenges at their own pace, and maybe try processing in a new way. My approach combines evidence-based counseling approaches with creativity when it fits your goals, helping you better understand yourself and move toward meaningful change.
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

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
Humorous
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
I am a licensed independent social worker that has been practicing 10 years. I have experience in the schools, community, and on-line environments. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families from ages 4-88. I practice in a nonjudgmental manner and offer a warm and safe environment for all. I work from where the client is at and it is my passion to assist others in becoming the best version of themselves.
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.