Optum Therapists in Tennessee

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 111 verified therapists in Tennessee 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: 6/23/2025

Remington Vandergriff

Remington Vandergriff, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am Remington Vandergriff, LCSW, BCD, CCTP, a medically retired US Army Major. My virtual-only practice is called Bonafide Therapeutic Alliance, LLC. I have 12+ years of experience, and I specialize in men's mental health, Veteran issues, and LCSW supervision. My approach integrates evidence-based treatments, including REBT, CBT, CPT, PE, EMDR, SFT, MI, Hypnotherapy, and CBTi. I do not offer couples or family therapy. That said, I believe true healing comes from a strong therapeutic alliance, not just the modality used or letters behind one's name. My clients consistently describe feeling at ease, heard, and genuinely understood.

Kelly Franklin

(she/her)

Kelly Franklin, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LPC/MHSP
10 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Kelly Franklin and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP) in Tennessee. I specialize in helping individuals who are experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and navigating significant life changes. I am passionate about providing a safe non judgmental space where you are seen and heard. Together we can outline the steps to reach your goals of healing and well being. It is such a wonderful journey!

Edward Korn

Edward Korn, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
22 years of experience
Virtual
With over 20 years of experience, Edward Korn is a seasoned therapist committed to guiding individuals from all walks of life towards emotional well-being and resilience. He is a graduate of the top-ranked University of Michigan School of Social Work and has worked with all populations by telehealth for the past few years. Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, he crafts personalized treatment plans to empower his clients to face life's challenges head-on. Choose Edward for a therapeutic journey designed to inspire growth, self-awareness, and lasting change.

Julie Phillips

(she/her)

Julie Phillips, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Julie Phillips and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I believe in supporting each other and one way I can support you is through therapy. Whether you need to process a stressful event or need to vent I am here to support you. I strive to tailor your session to meet your needs. Some sessions may need to be more strictly focused with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while other sessions are spent on learning a new coping skill such as mindfulness. Your session is about you and what may help you the most to resolve what issues you may have and to help you find your strength and empower you to keep moving forward. My aim is to make you, the client, feel comfortable in a judgement free zone. I want you to feel like you came to the right place, a warm inviting, calm, and empowering space where you can share what you feel you need to share.

Joseph Dabbs

(he/him)

Joseph Dabbs, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am an experienced Licensed Therapist in 3 states (Tennessee, Kentucky, and Massachussetts) and I am passionate about wellness and providing a non-judgmental and safe space for all individuals. Having compassion and knowledge to help people going through life’s challenges and transitions is truly a privilege for me. Through a strengths-based, trauma informed, and person-centered therapeutic approach a trusting relationship is created to help individuals establish and attain their treatment goals. Watching someone empower themselves to have a better quality of life is the end goal, no matter the situation. Over the years I have held several different positions in the clinical services arena. I have been a Director of Clinical Operations and therapist for residential facilities (120 beds and 66 beds). I oversaw five outpatient clinics as a Clinical Services Supervisor and provided therapy at the clinics. I’ve worked as a therapist and director in Mental Health Courts, Drug Courts, and Veterans Courts. In the end, my true love has always been doing individual and group therapy. I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee. I left to play college basketball at 18. After graduating from Missouri State University with a teaching degree, I moved to Florida to be close to my handicapped older brother. During this time, I feel in love with helping others even more. I went back to school and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Tennessee. I have specialized in trauma work, substance use, and co-occurring mental health concerns. My goal is to support a person find the best version of who they want to be in life. I love watching someone find their best version of themselves and begin living life to the fullest.

Katherine Combs

Katherine Combs, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LPC/MHSP
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am licensed to work with those in the state of Tennessee, USA. I have over 20 years experience working in the mental health field, 12 of those years specifically working as a therapist. My experience consists of helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, mood disorders, anxiety, & depression. I also have taught parenting classes, which allowed me to help parents in their relationship with their children. I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). While I have been trained in various therapy techniques, I have found most relation in the Solution Focused umbrella utilizing Narrative therapy. Solution Focused therapy helps people recognize how to work towards what they want- including how Narrative therapy sees each person’s storyline from their past, separating themselves from their problem (instead of living stuck), and recognizing how they want their story to continue. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths to overcome your challenges. Different situations can take place without our ability to feel prepared. You can take time for yourself and begin processing, in a safe and secure manner, through teletherapy services.

Aleana Young

(she/her)

Aleana Young, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, thank you for considering me to help you on your healing journey. I am an LCSW and I have been a mental health professional for the past 14 years. My style is eclectic and I incorporate relevant techniques from evidenced based practices, based on the individual needs of my clients. I am a holistic practitioner and focus on mind, body, and spiritual wellness. I provide transformational psychotherapy through my virtual office. In addition, I am a reiki master and have been practicing natural healing for 30 years. I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Based Therapies, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are my main evidenced based tools.

Tina Gibson

(she/her)

Tina Gibson, LMFT - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LMFT
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, graduating from Liberty University in VA. I have been practicing for 10 years. I have served all individuals from veterans coming home with PTSD, family's dealing with family member loss and or addiction, to individuals with mood disorders, and finally, I have served the younger population from pre-k to adolescents with various trauma and diagnosis.

Lee Owen

(he/him)

Lee Owen, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Lee Owen, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing virtual therapy in Tennessee. My focus is serving young adults and adults navigating life transitions. I believe that the emotions we are most tempted to run away from– fear, grief, anger– exist to tell us about the kind of life we want. I help clients learn to identify and listen to their emotions rather than being overwhelmed or shut down. I use evidence-based approaches to treat depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, and eating disorders. We will also work together to increase mindfulness and self-compassion and strengthen the relationships in your life.

Tyler Clemmons

Tyler Clemmons, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I work with adults who are struggling with effects of trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger, and other issues. I want to provide a safe and supportive space for you to grow as you work toward your goals. Whatever situation you find yourself facing, you have value and worth. As a therapist, I have practiced in medical, in-home, and outpatient settings. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Jeremy Pitzer

Jeremy Pitzer, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in a variety of settings for 20 years. I enjoy working with clients and families to build upon skills and resilience that will serve them in their treatment journey. I have extensive experience treating trauma, mood disorders, self harm / suicidal thinking, anxiety and addiction. I believe clients can and should thrive in the therapeutic experience.

Lorie Bialobreski

Lorie Bialobreski, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
17 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! If you are looking for a therapist that is easy to talk to, makes you feel at ease, and has over 15 years of experience and expertise.... you found one! Seeking out a therapist is not a sign of weakness, it indicates that you have been dealing with stressors and/or losses, that have become too much for you to manage on your own. I love what I do because I am able to see my clients transform and grow through the therapy process. Whatever you are going through, I can help you regain your emotional and mental well-being. I specialize in treating anxiety and panic attacks. I know how painful and scary severe anxiety can be, as I have experienced it myself. Allow me to help you with my expertise and experience to recover and regain your emotional well-being!

Ben Smith

Ben Smith, LP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LP
12 years of experience
Virtual
Are you feeling stuck and unsure of how to get past symptoms of anxiety, depression or past trauma? It's common to experience mental health-related challenges in life and to get stuck at times. We're not born with a built-in understanding of how to be psychologically healthy, so sometimes it's a good idea to get a little guidance from an unbiased professional. My ideal client is motivated to understand themselves better and to make the necessary adjustments to improve their quality of life.

Rebecca DeLong

(she/her)

Rebecca DeLong, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
16 years of experience
Virtual
Compassion, trust and balance are at the heart of the work that we do. We approach challenges with curiosity and collaboration. We strive to provide a supportive and therapeutic environment where you can navigate your concerns and align yourself with your goals. Treatment is customized and unique, as each person who we work with is special and has distinct strengths, needs and preferences. We value diversity and foster inclusivity as an ally and as a partner on your individual path. We are direct and thoughtful, supportive and empathic. We work with clients to develop strengths and achieve life goals.

Emily Trahan

(she/her)

Emily Trahan, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LPC/MHSP
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am Emily and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and Tennessee. I am passionate about helping others and seek to provide a safe place for exploration, healing, and empowerment. I am relational, compassionate, and strengths focused. I offer a space free of judgement to explore self, process experiences, and gain confidence. I specialize in identity work. This includes finding who you are when you go to college and are out on your own for the first time, exploring sexuality and gender, reconsidering values and beliefs, finding self after loss, and figuring out who you are in and outside relationships. I would be happy to offer a free consult to see if we would be a good fit! You can contact me through Grow or HealingEmpoweredCounseling.com. *I may have availability outside of hours shown on Grow

Sheila Stoner

(she/her)

Sheila Stoner, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LPC/MHSP
11 years of experience
Virtual
I am licensed in Tennessee with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in assessing clients with coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, anger management, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients 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 them in that process.

Sheri Dowdy

(she/her)

Sheri Dowdy, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LPC/MHSP
14 years of experience
Virtual
As a therapist, I understand that seeking help can be a difficult and courageous decision; but it is also the first step towards change and growth. With a compassionate and collaborative approach, I am committed to helping my clients navigate through their challenges and reach their full potential. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression ,or any other mental health issue, I am here to provide a safe and supportive space for you to heal and thrive.

Madison Davis

(she/her)

Madison Davis, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Madison is a seasoned therapist with over 10 years of experience dedicated to empowering women and mothers through their mental health journeys. Specializing in body image issues and serious mental illness, Madison creates a safe and supportive environment where her clients can explore their feelings and build resilience. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a foundational approach, Madison focuses on helping clients challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies. She is also Health at Every Size® (HAES) trained, promoting a holistic understanding of health that celebrates body diversity and encourages self-acceptance. Madison’s compassionate and client-centered approach has made her a trusted ally for many women navigating the complexities of motherhood, self-image, and mental health. She believes in the power of connection and is committed to helping her clients find their strength and voice in their healing journeys.

Elizabeth Botts

(she/her)

Elizabeth Botts, LP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LP
25 years of experience
Virtual
I love helping people heal from the past and learn to thrive in the present; by resolving past trauma, creating adaptive belief patterns, fostering healthy habits and sleep, and establishing life with meaning and purpose. I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in TN and serving individual adults in Tennessee, Colorado, and Alabama. I have been in the mental health field since 1999 and in practice as a psychologist since 2010.

Tonya Shanks

(she/her)

Tonya Shanks, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received my Masters from Aurora University. I have specialized training in EMDR and TF-CBT and have spent the last 19 years of my career as a social worker and therapist working with all age groups. I provide a safe, supportive space for children, adolescents, and adults to process their experiences and develop healthy coping strategies.

Kimberly Barrett

Kimberly Barrett, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
It takes courage to surrender and reach out for help. I help people who are in Transition in their lives, whether it is loss of a person, a pet, a job, a relationship, or the secondary losses experienced through chronic illness, chronic pain and terminal diagnosis. I am a Transition Specialist helping people to be able to cope through the changes with dignity and grace. Lowering anxiety levels, frustration levels and assisting people in being able to manage the big emotions, difficult decisions and sometimes challenging relationships while going through the changes and transitions in life.

Danielle Mattingly

Danielle Mattingly, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social working serving both Kentucky and Tennessee. I received my Masters from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for 10 years. My therapy approach is dedicated to empowering individuals of all ages who are navigating significant shifts in mood and self-esteem. My goal is to help you explore underlying challenges, transforming them into opportunities to become a stronger and more resilient person.

Chris Campbell

Chris Campbell, LMFT - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LMFT
33 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the states of Texas and Tennessee with 30 years of counseling and ministry experience. I began as a minister of the Gospel in the Southern Baptist tradition in 1993 working with the homeless to overcome the struggles of addiction and hopelessness in North Carolina and Tennessee. From there, I became a case manager in a rural oupatient behavioral health clinic helping the chronically mentally ill live independently outside of the institutional settings. As my family of five children grew, my wife encouraged me to join the military in 2007 and for the next 13 years we served alongside our Soldiers and their Families as a chaplain. There, I learned through experience how to work through the stress of multiple transitions, the unyeilding demands for time and energy, and the unjust nature of toxic environments. I learned how to support those who wanted to strengthen themselves and their relationships in these environments and to ultimately be at peace with who they are and who they want to be. As I have matured in my training and become licensed in marriage and family therapy, I have found that I now specialize in using Solution Focused therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals identify their strengths and the beliefs that are guiding their behavior. With this knowledge, people can begin to choose who they want to be.

Melissa Taylor

(she/her)

Melissa Taylor, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Optum
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm Melissa. Welcome! Do you feel anxious or unhappy most days? Do you simply want someone to listen, understand, and help? I'm in recovery for alcohol use disorder and am a combat veteran. I've had to learn coping skills or lose everything. I understand anxiety and depression, which helps me provide a compassionate, collaborative, and grounded approach. I specialize in helping individuals develop coping skills that can be used in real-time to alleviate negative moods and improve daily functioning. Whether you're facing a major life transition or seeking to learn coping skills, I'm here to walk with you through the process. Healing isn't linear, and therapy should be tailored to your unique goals and strengths. I can help you better understand the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors: "What makes you tick?" Together, we can identify negative thinking and reshape it in a way that changes how you feel. I can help you challenge negative thoughts and identify more helpful/realistic thoughts. This will help you better enjoy your life because you will view it more positively. We'll create long-term change with tools such as quick and easy mental exercises. I also integrate journaling, mindfulness exercises, and stress-reduction techniques to support positive outcomes. Together, we can identify healthy coping skills that actually work. You deserve a life that brings you contentment and joy. Let's work together on this journey of healing.

Lisa Sullivan-Jason

(she/her)

Lisa Sullivan-Jason, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

Optum
LPC/MHSP
7 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, with a Specialization in Dance Movement Therapy, and also hold a certification in Laughter Yoga. I utilize an integrative therapeutic approach and theory, as well as draw from the Expressive Arts Therapies, mindfulness and somatic based practices. I have been told I am an open, grounded and empathetic listener, who helps others feel safe and comfortable, but also, when appropriate, has a good sense of humor. No matter what your unique story or circumstance, let’s work together to write your next life chapter. To live a healthy and balanced life, inside and out, with more joy, self-awareness, self- love, possibilities, and inner peace. I look forward to meeting you.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Tennessee rather than a city like Nashville?

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

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.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

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 to expect during your first 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.