UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid Therapists in Texas
Finding mental health support with UnitedHealthcare/Optum Medicaid can sometimes be challenging, as provider availability and access can feel limiting. With 484 verified therapists in Texas who accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum Medicaid, you have access to compassionate professionals who understand the unique needs of Medicaid clients. Therapeutic options include cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive counseling, and solution-focused therapy, tailored to address concerns such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently open to new clients and has upcoming availability, making it easier to connect with quality care within your UnitedHealthcare/Optum Medicaid plan, without the usual hurdles Medicaid members often face.
Availability updated: 7/5/2025
Dinesh Shrestha
(he/him)
Frequently rebooked
LPC
4 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licenced Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor(LCDC-I). I have been working with clients from different settings; hospitals, school and clinical, and with clients dealing with a wide range of mental health issues. As someone with roots in South Asia, therapy is not just a profession for me; it is a true passion. I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of therapy and the potential it holds for individuals to become the best versions of themselves.
Robert Moreno
LPC
1 year of experience
Virtual
My personal background gave me life learned lessons to help understand others. My personal struggles along with my education has given me the strength I feel I need to work in this field. Counseling is an absolute passion I live with every day as this is what gives me purpose. The feeling of being able to help those in need motivates me like nothing else ever could.
Find therapists experienced in these areas
Melissa Switzer
(she/her)
LCSW
17 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Melissa. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based near Austin, Texas. I work with clients state-wide utilizing telehealth. I have always had an interest in helping others. I have practiced therapy for 17 years. My approach to therapy depends on the needs of my clients. I believe in meeting clients where they are as everyone is an individual with their own indvidual needs.
Donyell Davis
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Donyell Davis and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Texas. I earned my Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Services to Children and Families from Our Lady of the Lakes University. I have 14 years of experience in the social work field working with diverse populations. My clients often describe me as empathetic, compassionate, and attentive. I pride myself on being an open-minded lifelong learner with a keen interest in evidence-based practice interventions.
I chose to become a therapist because I discovered that blending the heart of a social worker with the professional skill set of an effective therapist profoundly enhances individuals’ quality of life. What sets me apart is my collaborative approach: we embark on this journey together to develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, without rushing the process.
I enjoy working through issues that I have personally experienced like being a single parent, losing a spouse and the affects it has on the family system, raising a child with a disability, work-life balance, unhealthy relationships, lack of a support system, absence of a positive role model early in life, navigating life challenges, obtaining personal growth, and communication skills.
Jennifer Smith
(she/her)
LPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am an LPC licensed in Texas. I have been working as a school counselor for 5 years and have had experience in the following areas: school, career, trauma, anxiety, military, special needs children, and suicidal ideations. I have worked with clients from 6 years old all the way up to 19 years old and have been able to see them blossom and I am looking forward to working with you! By the way. . .I am also bilingual (Spanish and English)!
April Nenjerama
LMFT
9 years of experience
Virtual
I’m April Nenjerama, a licensed counselor and the owner of Restore Family Counseling. I have 9 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship issues. My approach is compassionate and solution-focused, aiming to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your concerns and develop effective coping strategies. I believe in empowering my clients to heal, grow, and build stronger, healthier connections in all aspects of their lives. Together, we will work toward restoring balance and peace, focusing on practical solutions tailored to your unique needs.
Shari Wofford
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Shari Wofford. I am an LCSW with 15 years of experience working with individuals from all walks of life. I really enjoy listening to people. I know and enjoy getting down to the nitty-gritty and tackling the issues you want to address.
I strive to create a safe and accepting environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, boundaries, life changes, and medical stressors. My goal is to help you find healing solutions and work to develop assertive communication & boundaries. I want to help you improve your quality of life with yourself and relationships with those around you.
Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.
Sandra Bravo
(she/her)
LPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
Sandra Bravo is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, in Austin, Texas. She offers individual counseling services to adults and specializes in working with women and their cancer-related issues. Sandra honors the intersectionality experience of individuals and attempts to meet clients where they are on their life journey. Through the exploration of the relationship between thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, she guides clients to find answers to their questions and the best approach to make changes in their life. She offers a variety of therapy techniques to include: traditional talk therapy, mindful breathing, guided imagery, sandtray, spiritual exploration, and more.
Madison Habet
(she/her)
LPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
We often feel like we’re lost with no map or compass as if we’re going down a path with no end. Let me be your guide who can help navigate and direct you through the winding, rocky, and sometimes very rough terrain we call life. Bringing healing to those struggling through a stressful or traumatic time in life is a passion and driving force behind my motivation. I believe fostering a therapeutic relationship and providing a safe and trusting environment for my clients is paramount. I am here to walk alongside you through your wellness journey.
My educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Trinity University in San Antonio and a Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with knowledge and experience working in grief and trauma with children, adults, and couples. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and am currently working toward certification in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
Sally Tixier
(she/her)
LPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Sally Tixier and I have been in practice for six years. I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology. I have a Masters in Forensic psychology. I am a licensed professional counselor. I am a certified anger resolution therapist, a certified trauma professional, and a certified anxiety treatment provider. I have worked with a diverse population of adults and adolescents. I have experience working with couples and crisis counseling. I have worked in both group and individual therapy. My goal is to help the client to define and achieve their short-term and long-term goals. I want to help clients develop effective coping skills that work best for them.
Kasie Sauceda
(she/her)
LPC
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! I would like to first commend you on taking the first step towards living a life that includes your most authentic self. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I am afforded the opportunity to help guide you on that journey. My goal is to help you achieve your best self through a way that is comfortable for you. Through meaningful conversations, that goal can certainly be achieved!
Maddie Thomas
(She/Her)
LCSW
3 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) offering eclectic therapeutic services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. By incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities, I provide a flexible and personalized approach to help individuals achieve emotional well-being, overcome challenges, and reach their personal goals in a safe and supportive environment.
David Oyedele
(he/him)
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Texas. I received my Masters from the Howard University and have been practicing for 5 years. I help people realize the underlying reasons to their stressful factors and lay out a personalized plan towards the goals they would like achieve. Therapy itself can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I am fully engaged with you through your journey.
Carrie Jane Kirkham
LPC
5 years of experience
Virtual
I'm an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). I practice in Texas and received my master's degree at Texas A&M University - Commerce in 2020. I have 4 years of culminative experience working with clients who are survivors of domestic violence, people who are recovering from substance use, and individuals with serious mental illnesses. I help people understand themselves better, and make positive changes in their lives.
Lisa Wittpenn
(she/her)
Frequently rebooked
LPC
7 years of experience
Virtual
I am a LPC licensed in the state of Texas. Born and raised here I graduated with my masters from Tarleton State University in 2017. I have been within the mental health field since 2013 in various positions while licensed for 7 years. I love working on helping individuals overcome the stress and strain of life and the torment that a mental health struggle can cause. My goal is to help people become the best versions of themselves and find satisfaction in their life.
Keriomi Timpson-Bey
LCSW
35 years of experience
Virtual
I am a dedicated Licensed Therapist with over 30 years of mental health experience. My seasoned expertise lies in helping adults and couples navigate through complex emotional life challenges while creating a safe space to develop coping strategies in stress management, depression, anxiety, intimate relationship challenges, emotional regulation, and grief. I use an integrative approach to therapy by utilizing various holistic and traditional therapy methods to address the whole person.
Nancia King
LPC
1 year of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Middle School Counselor. I am currently in training to become a Registered Play Therapist. I received my Masters Degree from the University of St. Thomas and I have 10 plus years of experience working with children, adolescents, teenagers, and their families. I enjoy helping children, adolescents, teenagers, and adults become the best versions of themselves despite dealing with life's obstacles and daily challenges.
Jinan Amra
(she/her)
LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the States of Florida and Texas. I graduated in 2009 from Nova Southeastern University in Florida with a Masters of Science. I speak English, Spanish and Arabic.
I maintain a general practice working mainly with adults. I identify myself as a brief systemic solution oriented therapist.
As a professional, I am intensely interested in a lifelong learning and continuing to master the healing arts of therapy. I am curious about people and their stories, their strengths , their struggles and their resources.
My strength as a therapist is in being empathetic, authentic, challenging and intuitively sensitive to my client's needs. My treatment philosophy is that I find each person and each situation different. I believe that people have internal resources that are available to help bring about a successful resolution to life's challenges. I approach my clients with warmth and a non-judgmental style.
Charles Plafcan
(he/him)
LPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am 69 years "young" and a man with much experience in life's matters. My MA is in Professional Counseling and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) I am single and live alone.
I have over 20 years working with Active Aging Adults. I have a lot of experience in helping you with any of the issues that go with aging for yourself and how to help you out with aging parents and loved ones.
I am 1st a fitness professional and then followed my passion for counseling
I have embraced exercise and good nutrition into my life for years.
Here is my website if you need to check me out
www.agerciseme.com
Shawna Hedger
(she/her)
LPC
4 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Shawna and I have lived in Texas my whole life.I have been practicing as LPC since July 2020, before that I was and LPC intern for over 3 years. I am also a Licensed Social Worker in Texas, and worked in nursing homes for almost 5 years before beginning my masters program to be a counselor. I have worked in community mental health for almost 5 years, and started in special education serving students at school since November 2020. I also worked for Better Help for over a year by providing teletherapy to teens and adults. I believe that clients are their own experts, but we all need guidance in how to overcome our challenges and we can do that with therapy.
Alex Rakowitz
(she/her)
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
I know, the thought about starting therapy can be difficult, but also can be a tool for growth. I have 7 years of experience in the mental health field helping clients. I am bilingual (Spanish/English) and my current practice focus is with young and older adults looking for support. Throughout my career, I've supported both adults and children across diverse environments, including private practice and nonprofit organizations. I like helping individuals manage emotional challenges of any trauma, bipolar, schizophrenia, depression; anxiety; relationship issues; adult ADHD; work issues, self-esteem issues, chronic illness, and adjustment to change. I have worked with Individuals and families for more than 15 years (7 years specifically in mental health) .I am an empathetic clinician who believes in change through a therapeutic alliance between therapist and client.
LaDetra Woodson
(she/her)
LPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Texas. I received my Masters from Amberton University and I have been a counselor for six years. I help young adults struggling with career stress and burnout become the best versions of themselves. In addition, I’m here to support you through life’s most challenging transitions. Whether you're navigating a career change, personal growth, or relationship challenges, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore your journey
Kristin Danner
(she/her)
LCSW
11 years of experience
Virtual
I help individuals manage chronic mental health conditions, and work with those who are feeling stuck and overwhelmed in their current life situations. We will focus on managing your symptoms, and then dive deeper into addressing the root causes. We will work together on resolving these challenges to help you heal, feel more comfortable with yourself, and work towards a happier and more meaningful life.
Lori Pollard
LPC
29 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm Lori Pollard, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to guiding individuals on their path to restoration, healing, and self-discovery. I would like to help you navigate through life's challenges, including coping with anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices while creating a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I tailor sessions to meet the unique needs and goals of my clients. Whether you are seeking support for managing stress, healing from past trauma, improving relationships, or finding clarity and purpose in life, I'm here to help you on your journey. Together, we will work towards resiliency, promoting growth, restoring hope in the future, and empowering you to lead a more fulfilling life.
Elizabeth Green
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Therapy can feel like a scary thing, but it doesn't have to be. There isn't anything you have to be scared to tell me- I'll literally lose my license if I betray your trust! I have worked with all kinds of trauma, orientations, and lifestyles. I have worked with a wide range of people, and I believe in respecting everyone. This is a safe place for growth and healing to start. Life is too short to not give it a try.
My goal is always for you to feel safe and heard. Sometimes going through changes is a painful difficult thing, so it helps to have someone who you feel you can discuss frustrations with. If you ever feel that we are not a good fit, I will support you in finding someone who is. No one should have to feel alone when they are working to better their selves.
Frequently asked questions
Why filter by Texas rather than a city
like Dallas?
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 Texas from Houston to Austin! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Texas.
Will my therapist take UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid?
Yes! If you use UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid 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.
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.