Optum Therapists in Tennessee

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 176 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: 7/9/2025

Norman Shaffer

(he/him)

Norman Shaffer, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
11 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings, My name is Norman Shaffer and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Tennessee. I have been practicing as a social worker for over a decade now. I like working with adults who are actively seeking a positive change in their life. I like to partner with clients and guide them towards better outcomes and a healthier balance in life.

Pam Nuchols

(she/her)

Pam Nuchols, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
24 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Tennessee. The past 23 years I have worked in a variety of therapeutic roles in a variety of populations. I specialize in treating trauma and women's issues, but I don't exclusively see women. My job is to make you feel safe and comfortable when doing the work, and I am pretty good at it. Looking forward to getting to know you and walk along your recovery path together.

Lindsey McAllister

(she/her)

Lindsey McAllister, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
I help individuals navigate life’s challenges, heal from past experiences, and create meaningful change and empowerment. I specialize in working with addictions, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions, using a blend of evidence-based and humanistic approaches. My goal is to create a supportive, collaborative space where you can explore your experiences, build resilience, and move toward the life you want to live.

Kelly Franklin

(she/her)

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

Frequently rebooked

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!

Liz Sakatos

Liz Sakatos, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
15 years of experience
Virtual
I specialize in helping women navigate the mental and emotional impact of perimenopause and menopause because it’s about a lot more than hot flashes. This chapter of life often brings heightened anxiety, mood swings, self-doubt, and relationship strain, all while society tells you to “just push through it.” I help women take back control by examining the impact of hormonal changes, internal pressures (like relentless, negative self-talk), and external stressors (like toxic relationships and unrealistic expectations). Together, we replace what’s no longer working with strategies that empower you to feel grounded, capable, and more like yourself again. I firmly believe that the way you speak to yourself shapes how you handle the pressures of midlife — and let’s be honest, women are often their own harshest critics. It’s time to rewrite that inner narrative.

Virginia Addison

(she/her)

Virginia Addison, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! My name is Virginia and I am an LPC-MHSP in TN and LPC in VA. I have been working as a therapist for 7 years with 5 of those years focused on children and adolescents and the most recent 2 focused on crisis interventions. I help children and adolescents work through life events and transitions. Recently I have started working with moms as they adjust to motherhood and help them recenter themselves.

Jeffrey Freiden

(he/him)

Jeffrey Freiden, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPC/MHSP
23 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings: I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I am also licensed in Tennessee, my home state. I received my Doctorate in Counseling from the University of Memphis. I have been in practice for 20 years. Currently, I work with adult males with men's issues. The pressure of employment and maintaining healthy relationships impact men in unique ways. I help to help you become happier with your life choices.

Edward Korn

Edward Korn, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Katherine Combs

Katherine Combs, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Patricia Bishop

(she/her)

Patricia Bishop, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm Patricia. Thanks for checking out my profile. Grief enters our lives uninvited and its impact can continue to effect us for years. It may have been the death of a loved one, either recent or long ago. It may have been a divorce or the break up of a romantic relationship. It may have been the loss of a treasured pet, or any of the more than forty other losses that a person can encounter in a lifetime. Regardless of the cause of your broken heart, you know that life is not as happy or fulfilling as you want it to be. Often, well-meaning people say to "be strong" or "just give it time" which can leave us feeling like we are doing something wrong or should feel differently. Sometimes, we simply tuck our feelings away, hoping that they will eventually disappear. In our sessions, we will uncover the misinformation and beliefs keeping you stuck and unhappy. Unresolved grief stems from the things we wish we'd said or done differently, better or more. You will learn how to discover and communicate those unsaid things, so that they no longer limit you or affect your capacity for happiness.

Julisa Holmes

(she/her)

Julisa Holmes, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
2 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Julisa. I am a masters level Licensed Professional Counselor, practicing remotely in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. As a Philadelphia native and person of color, I am driven by my desire to provide healthy representation of breaking generational trauma. I aim to get rid of stigmas related to seeking professional help. I am passionate about using my 11 years of experience to help clients feel genuinely seen, without judgement. I work with adult individuals and couples on various issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bi-polar disorders, relationship concerns, body positivity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, women's issues, and life transitions.

Robyn Chaffee

(she/her)

Robyn Chaffee, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
5 years of experience
Virtual
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes in a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where both therapist and client can show up authentically. I prioritize each client’s sense of safety and honor that trust is built over time. My approach is client-centered, relational, and trauma-informed. I love to laugh with my clients and also gently offer reflections, observations, and connections to support deeper insight. I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from multiple modalities to meet each client’s unique needs. I’ve been working in the mental health field since 2015, primarily in community-based settings, and I’m passionate about walking alongside clients as they reclaim their stories and build lives rooted in authenticity and self-trust.

Sheila Stoner

(she/her)

Sheila Stoner, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Jennifer Stanford

Jennifer Stanford, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Tennessee. I received my Masters from Simmons University from Boston, MA and have been practicing for over 8 years. I help adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I am also trauma informed and have experience working with those that have experienced trauma past and current. I am passionate about my work and helping others along their healing journey.

Natalie Battles

(she/her)

Natalie Battles, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed clinical social worker working in a private practice in Chattanooga, TN. I work with individuals who are struggling with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I also work with adolescents and adults coping with anxiety, depression, bipolar, addiction, communication skills, trauma, grief & loss, body image, self-esteem, self harm, suicidality, and severe mental illness. I have completed the 2 day PSI Certificate Course as well as the Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Course. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, and mindfulness skills, as I offer genuine care, support and empowerment to my clients.

Joan Popkin

(she/her)

Joan Popkin, LP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LP
21 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings! I am a Licensed Psychologist based in Tennessee and also have my PSYPACT authorization. I received my Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and have been practicing for over 20 years. I am a generalist treating a variety of conditions across the life span utilizing a holistic approach. I believe in the integration of diverse services to enhance optimal interventions for children, youth, and adults. I help clients at every stage of life struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, and trauma. I specialize in helping people achieve their own definition of a healthier life in a supportive environment.

Lea Hunter

Lea Hunter, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Mental Health Clinician in Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. I have been practicing for more than 20 years using an integrated style of theories in counseling (CBT, Mindfulness, Trauma Focused, Solution Focused, Narrative, and Family Systems Theory). I believe the intervention should match the client verses "one size fits all." I see adults, couples, and adolescents via Telehealth.

Drea Ross

(she/her)

Drea Ross, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Oquandryia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 7 years of experience. She specializes in providing compassionate and effective support to individuals navigating a variety of life challenges, including stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and personal growth. Her approach is client-centered, drawing on evidence-based practices to empower individuals to achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being. She is committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace.

Kimberly Barrett

Kimberly Barrett, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

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.

Chris Campbell

Chris Campbell, LMFT - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Jeremy Pitzer

Jeremy Pitzer, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Dr Robert m Cox

(he/they)

Dr Robert m Cox, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
24 years of experience
Virtual
Life can be tough, leaving us feeling helpless and tired. You don't have to be alone during those times. When you're struggling with grief, pain, anxiety, or depression from the effects of traumatic experiences, discrimination, toxic environments, or substance use (yours or another's), Cox Family Wellness can help. We will support your strength and resilience, help you problem-solve, and, most of all, help you live into a new future. We are trauma-informed and certified in Autism-informed treatment. Dr Robert Cox and Cox Family Wellness provide a safe, quiet, confidential, professional space for adults and couples to discuss whatever is on their minds. I work from a mindful, compassionate approach that allows people to feel seen and heard. My experience is in crisis services, substance use, anxiety, and depression. I am glad to chat about your concerns and your resilience. I want to help you remember your power. If you would like to talk about the power of attachment, the stress in your body, and the uses of self-compassion and mindfulness, please call or email. We can talk once or often. Same-day and single-session appointments are available. Be good to you!

Ben Smith

Ben Smith, LP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Sheri Dye

(she/her)

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

Frequently rebooked

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.

Emily Trahan

(she/her)

Emily Trahan, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
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

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.