Optum Therapists in Tennessee

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 64 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: 7/10/2025

Karin Booher

(she/her)

Karin Booher, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Are you feeling stressed out, zoned out, or off-balance? Do you feel like you're drowning under the weight of responsibilities, while others seem to be thriving? Have you been using social media, toxic relationships, or substances to numb or distract yourself from the discomfort? I'd love to try and help you find your footing and feel more like yourself again. Most of the clients I work with have a lot more in common than they realize. They are struggling...but they believe they SHOULD be able to manage everything! They believe they are somehow flawed or weaker than others. I want you to know it’s okay to be struggling. Prolonged stress and trauma from things like the Covid pandemic, social and political unrest, racism, homophobia, and bullying can greatly impact our mental and physical health. Anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms may be showing up as a way to say, “Hey, I’m not okay right now. I need to talk about this.” I am here to listen and help you navigate tough situations like these. I have a background in both mental health and medical social work. I have worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, community agencies, and addiction centers. My specialties are grief and loss, mood disorders, and issues facing the LGBTQ+ community. I have worked in this field for over twenty years, and I am more passionate than ever about helping others. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Lee Owen

(he/him)

Lee Owen, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nathan Hunzicker

Nathan Hunzicker, LMFT - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
4 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapy (LMFT) providing virtual sessions in the state of Tennessee. I have been married to my wife for 10 years we have 3 amazing kids. My specialties are: Helping clients overcome Depression, Relationship Issues & Parenting. In each of these treatment areas are years of personal experience. My parents divorced when I was 10 years old and I struggled with depression from ages 15-25. I know the joy that comes from overcoming struggles and I would like to help you win battles in your life.

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.

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.

Melissa Fowler

(she/her)

Melissa Fowler, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
21 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Tennessee (LCSW) and Massachusetts (LICSW) with over 20 years of experience guiding individuals through life's challenges. I understand that life's path isn't always straight; transitions, trauma, grief, depression, and relationship struggles are real. I believe in the transformative power of collaboration and growth. With a MA in Social Work from Georgia State University and dual BAs from UMBC, my diverse background equips me to provide tailored therapy and counseling. My compassionate, non-judgmental, honest, and down-to-earth approach creates a safe space where I walk beside you on your journey to healing and growth. NOT CURRENTLY OPEN TO COUPLES.

Deandra Calvin

Deandra Calvin, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
3 years of experience
Virtual
I am a native Memphian who enjoys spending time with my husband and two daughters. My career as a counselor began in the school setting where I served as a middle school counselor. I earned the nickname of "adolescent whisperer" from making deep and meaningful connections with teens and their families. I wanted to extend my services beyond the school setting, thus I earned the mental health license that allows me to practice outside of the school setting as well. I counsel from the belief that we are all imperfect beings working to navigate life’s challenges. I love to motivate clients to become the best version of themselves while attentively acknowledging their current situation without judgment.

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.

Derrick Smith

Derrick Smith, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
7 years of experience
Virtual
It's often difficult to know what you want and to pursue what you want. Especially, if broken patterns and negative family cycles are making you feel stagnant. There is an excitement that comes from building your own self-assurance and confidence as you stand securely in the story you want to live. Sometimes we wait to change our story because we don't feel ready. My hope is that we can all have the wisdom and courage to explore ourselves with compassion so that we can better love ourselves and love others. Let's create a foundation that allows us to live balanced personally, professionally, and relationally.

Melissa Whelpley

(she/her)

Melissa Whelpley, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
"We don't have to do it all alone; we were never meant to." – Brené Brown This belief is at the heart of my work as a therapist. I am passionate about walking alongside my clients as a team, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their goals. Many people share things with me that they have never shared with anyone else, which is why I believe that trust and the therapeutic relationship are the most important foundations of therapy. I work with individuals ages 10 to 55 and have experience supporting both individuals and families. I am trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Attachment, Self-Regulation and Competency (ARC), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). My specialty is working with teens and young adults, as I believe this transitional period is critical for personal growth and reaching one’s full potential. Before becoming a therapist, I served as a firefighter and first responder for over a decade, including combat firefighting tours in Iraq. This background has shaped my deep commitment to resilience, healing, and supporting others through life’s most challenging moments.

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

Julisa Holmes

(she/her)

Julisa Holmes, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
Has intro video
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.

Elizabeth Botts

(she/her)

Elizabeth Botts, LP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

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.

Rachel Baker

Rachel Baker, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and Welcome~ My name is Rachel Baker and I am a licensed clinical social worker and cancer survivor who focuses on helping others to prioritize their mental health. I started my private practice to help others realize that prioritizing their life is a necessity, and not an option. I continue the work because I know that it is transformative once a decision is made to prioritize self.

Amy Roberts

(she/her)

Amy Roberts, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a Licensed Clinical social worker and I have been in practice five years. I specialize in CBT, Mindfulness, EMDR, and couples counseling. I believe in meeting each individual where they are, and designing a treatment plan based on the specific needs of each patient. I am able to assist with a range of mental health issues and disorders. Such as, ADHD, anxiety, personality disorder, autism, life coaching/empowerment, couples counseling. trauma/abuse, interpersonal issues, women's issues, and LGBTQ+.

Kathy Hilbert

(she/her)

Kathy Hilbert, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPC/MHSP
5 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Tennessee who has been providing individual counseling for approximately four years. I had a background in social work prior to becoming a therapist, so I have always had a passion for helping people. I help people who are eager for change and growth but may be overwhelmed by challenging emotions or experiences that keep them stuck in seemingly endless cycles. As a therapist, I hope to cultivate a relationship that facilitates change, wholeness, and health wherever you are in your journey. I want to create a space where you feel free to bring your whole self: body, mind, and spirit. I look forward to walking alongside of you as you take your first steps toward deeper levels of health and wholeness.

Aleana Young

(she/her)

Aleana Young, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

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.

Briana Whitted

(she/her)

Briana Whitted, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, my name is Briana and I am here to support you through various challenges and transitions. We can oftentimes feeling frustrated, stuck, or anxious - whether this be as a spouse, parent, employee, or just feeling overwhelmed as a human in general. We can all experience getting to a place where we feel completely numb & just trying to survive. You might feel like a hamster running on its wheel, feeling completely stuck and going nowhere, unsure of what to do differently. Maybe you're trying to heal on your own from the things that you never talk about, and are in need of someone who can listen & validate your emotions.

Ken A

Ken A, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! Come on in, I’m glad you’re here. The challenges of life can be overwhelming; the past making the present feel like less of a gift. You may feel stuck, like it’s impossible to move forward. Life transitions have a way of stirring up emotions and throwing you off balance. This mounting weight can impact your relationships, work, social life, and everything around you. I want you to know that you don’t have to face all of this alone. Together we can create a plan to help you feel better and achieve the changes you are seeking. Here, you will have a safe place to learn and to grow to overcome the challenges you face. We will work together to establish a genuine connection. I believe this is the most important part of therapy. I value honesty and transparency in our work together, without which movement and authentic change cannot occur. For therapy to work, you have to feel understood and heard by your therapist. I will work with you to alleviate hesitancy about therapy and fear of vulnerability. I will frequently check in with you to ensure the therapy process is working for you and ask how our relationship can be improved. This collaboration will empower you to make the changes you need in your life. You will have more control over your decisions. Regardless of your “why,” whether trauma, marriage or relationship issues, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, or life transitions, I’m honored to be here for you. We will get through this together.

Dawn Jones-Wilson

Dawn Jones-Wilson, LPC/MHSP - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC/MHSP
16 years of experience
Virtual
Dawn Jones-Wilson is a licensed professional counselor who strongly believes that growth is crucial to her clients' success. Dawn earned a Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development with a focus on mental health counseling from Lindsey Wilson College. Over the past 15 years, she has provided counseling services to diverse populations in a variety of settings.  Dawn is passionate about helping people find the courage to pursue their goals and reach their full potential. In order to be the best therapist she can be, she is dedicated to continuously growing.

Mayme Siders

Mayme Siders, LCSW - Tennessee Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am an LCSW based in Evansville Indiana that serves Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky clients through telehealth. I have been a counselor for 10 years. I attended UTK in Knoxville Tennessee. I am an Integrative, Humanistic therapist that emphasizes positive psychology in my practice. I use a client centered, strengths based, solution focused approach. My goal is always to support you in moving toward your personal goals in ways that feel comfortable & accessible to you. Whether the issue is anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, poor coping skills, or phase of life issues, my approach is based in genuine support & kind, honest feedback.

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 Life Transitions?

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. For example, your selected specialty, Life Transitions, is filtering therapists in Tennessee that work with patients with similar concerns.

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.