Optum Therapists in Utah

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 10 verified therapists in Utah 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: 7/6/2025

Tobias Wilde

(he/him)

Tobias Wilde, LCSW - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Tobias (He/Him/His). I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/LICSW) with 13 years of professional work experience. I recieved my Masters from the University of Utah. I have many roles in life, in addition to being a therapist, I was born in the United States. I am a son and a brother in a blended family. I am also an advocate, a father, a friend, a mentor, a student of life, as well as a teacher by heart. I am also a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA) and fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

Peter Vernezze

Peter Vernezze, LCSW - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Life is difficult. We labor at often unsatisfying occupations and manage only to keep our heads above water. Romantic relationships deliver as much heartbreak as happiness. We suffer setbacks, as do those we love. The few pleasures we encounter offer only temporary respite. Ultimately, as the Buddha reminds us, we are all overtaken by old age, sickness, and death. Amidst these realities, the modern psychopharmaceutical attempt to address natural reactions to the human condition such as anxiety and depression by dispensing medication seems like the proverbial band aid solution. What is needed is surgery for the soul. World wisdom traditions such as Stoicism and Buddhism and philosophies such as Existentialism offer an alternative (and complementary) healing pathway, and many of their insights have been integrated into modern psychotherapeutic interventions. As a philosopher and psychotherapist, I combine ancient insight with evidenced-based practices such as ACT and CBT.

Micheal Chad Franklin

(he/him)

Micheal Chad Franklin, LCSW - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
I’m Micheal Franklin, and my journey into therapy began in a blue-collar family where my relatives worked in textile mills, battery plants, and furniture factories. Growing up, I aspired to carve a different path, aiming to be the first in my family to earn a college degree. I graduated from Western Piedmont Community College in Drug and Alcohol Technology and earned an Associate in Arts in 1996. I then continued my education at Gardner-Webb University, obtaining my Bachelor’s in Science in Human Services. Recognizing that the job market wouldn’t provide enough financial stability, I joined the Marines in 1998. During my service, I got married and welcomed a baby boy, which motivated me to seek part-time work with troubled adolescents and teens facing addiction issues. After leaving the Marines in 2003, I worked in a group home for adolescents and later became a Prevention Supervisor for adolescent substance use treatment. I also served as the lead treatment therapist for a Men's Intensive Outpatient Program at the Cognitive Connection in Hickory, NC. My passion for helping others led me to teach parenting classes and collaborate with Child Protective Services. I pursued my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of West Florida while gaining experience in Community Mental Health. I also worked in a drug court program for two years. Since becoming licensed in 2014, I have dedicated my career to supporting clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, personality disorders, and life transitions.

Michael Cooksie

Michael Cooksie, LCSW - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Indiana and Utah. I help my clients overcome challenges that stand in the way of living a happier and healthier life congruent with their values and aspirations. I have clinical experience working with those suffering from relationship problems, low-self esteem, addiction and anxiety and depression. I am also a career development facilitator. I guide my clients through interviewing techniques, job search and resume building techniques. I previously worked as career development facilitator for the US Army in Germany and at West Point, NY.

Matt Loveland

Matt Loveland, LCSW - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I love the outdoors and most anything to do with water. I have 25+ years of experience helping people as a clinical social worker. My practice has been primarily geared toward adults, but I also have extensive experience with youth ages 12-17. In recent years, my clientele has gravitated to men's issues.

Tommy Saathoff

Tommy Saathoff, LCMHC - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCMHC
32 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and reside in Texas, I am also licensed in Colorado, Florida, Utah, South Carolina, and Vermont. I specialize in helping you identify and overcome issues that hinder your day-to-day enjoyment of life and/or interfere with progress towards goals you have set. In over thirty years of private practice counseling I have learned to meet clients’ needs not only with continued education and research but also through a multitude of life experiences. I enjoy working with a diverse range of clients and have found that humor when utilized in an appropriate way and time can be very beneficial. I believe trust is a fundamental element in any relationship. This trust has to be developed and nurtured to remain genuine. Through trust other aspects important to the relationship can prosper such as comfort in being open, sincerity, and a willingness to change. I find that humor when utilized in an appropriate way and time can be very beneficial. I am a life-long Texan, however, I have traveled extensively and embraced many different cultures and location specific issues. Through all of life’s changes I have learned that, even with the best of plans, things still do not always work out the way we would like. I have experienced many of the same issues as my clients so can relate to them on a personal basis. This has also allowed me to acquire an understanding of what clients may be going through even if I have not experienced the exact situation. Through any adversity there is no reason to feel alone.

Dr. Andre Wielemaker

Dr. Andre Wielemaker, LP - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
6 years of experience
Virtual
* Taking weekly clients only * Hey! I'm Dr. Andre, a licensed clinical psychologist. I provide therapy for a range of concerns. No matter what you are facing, I strive to understand your situation and help you find relief and clarity. I aim to provide a genuine and trusting relationship and a judgement free atmosphere to explore the concerns you are facing! I completed a BA in Psychology, an MA in Clinical Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, a 12 month internship followed by a 12 month post-doctoral fellowship, and multiple state and national board exams.

Damon Neely

Damon Neely, LCMHC - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCMHC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Life is tough. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or out of rhythm by the complexity and challenges life may present; I can and will help you. My name is Damon Neely. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and U.S Marine Corps veteran with 18 years’ of health care experience. I specialize in working with both young-adult and middle-aged men experiencing anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. If you are struggling with any of the following issues: mid-life anxiety, perfectionism, unrealistic expectations, feelings of failure, low self-worth, self-acceptance, upcoming lifestyle decisions, relational issues with spouse/partner/family, social skills, anger management, emotional regulation, fatherhood, as well as meaning/purpose; I believe I can provide you the space to explore these issues and help you find a pathway towards resolution. Languages that I speak include English. In my free time, I enjoy exercising, sports, reading, and watching epic movies or tv shows. What brings me the most fulfillment these days is being a father to my three beautiful daughters and husband to my incredible wife. I want to hear your story and gain insight into who you are, what you believe, and what you value. I genuinely believe that you have the power to re-author your story if it got off-track. You have the ability to reinvent yourself and engage in your own existential makeover. I will be your guide on your quest to make changes and I walk next to you as you take on whatever challenges you must face. Answer the call. Let’s take the next step on your hero’s journey.

Jason Duenas

Jason Duenas, LCMHC - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCMHC
11 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a licensed counselor in Florida (LMHC), Texas (LPC-Supervisor), and Utah (LCMHC). With over a decade of experience, my journey in mental health began with a passion for helping individuals overcome life's challenges and achieve their fullest potential. Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to continuous learning and professional development. I have specialized training in trauma-informed therapies, which allows me to provide compassionate and effective support to clients who have experienced trauma. Understanding the profound impact trauma can have on an individual's life, I am committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their experiences and find healing. In addition to my work with individuals, I have a deep commitment to helping couples strengthen their relationships. I am trained in the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to couples therapy that focuses on building strong, healthy relationships. Using this method, I assist couples in navigating and healing from betrayals, enhancing their communication, and fostering a deeper connection. Witnessing couples transform their relationships and rediscover trust and intimacy is incredibly rewarding. Outside of my professional life, I am passionate about self-care and mindfulness. I often incorporate these practices into my therapy sessions, empowering clients to develop their own self-care routines. I believe that a holistic approach to mental health, which includes attention to physical, emotional, and mental well-being, is essential for achieving lasting positive change. Whether working with individuals or couples, my goal is to help my clients build resilience, find balance, and lead fulfilling lives. By providing a supportive and empathetic space, I strive to guide my clients on their journey towards healing and personal growth.

Joni Carrasco, Ph.D.

(she/her)

Joni Carrasco, Ph.D., LMFT - Utah Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
21 years of experience
Virtual
Building self-awareness is often a hard place to start. I meet my patients where they are in their journey and support the process. Sometimes taking the first step to explore psychotherapy is confusing. Ask questions so you can find a therapist who is the right fit for you. My approach meets people where they are presently, to determine where they want to be in the future. I like to get to know my new patients to determine their needs in treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Utah rather than a city like Salt Lake City?

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 Utah from St. George to Provo! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Utah.

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 Men's Issues?

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, Men's Issues, is filtering therapists in Utah 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.