EAP:United Healthcare Optum Therapists in Washington DC

Utilizing mental health support through UnitedHealthcare/Optum’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide you with convenient and affordable access to care. With 37 verified therapists in Washington DC who accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum EAP, you have options across therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and supportive counseling to help address work-related stress, personal challenges, or life transitions. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently open to new clients and has availability in the coming weeks, ensuring timely access to quality, EAP-covered care tailored to your needs.

Availability updated: 7/2/2025

Miraf Kebede

(she/her)

Miraf Kebede, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
I'm bilingual independent Clinical social worker with background public health. Working in physical and mental health sector for about 17 years. I specifically working on mental health therapy for the last 6 years. I work collaboratively with my clients to help them increase self-awareness, understand the interpersonal and emotional aspects of change and growth, and identify patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that impact their day-to-day activities. I will help you in building better coping skills to overcome difficulties that have impacted your life. I speak Amharic language.

Ismail Ali

(he/him)

Ismail Ali, LPC - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
1 year of experience
Virtual
I have been practicing as a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the District of Columbia for the last 10 years. I obtained a Masters in Clinical Counseling from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. My expertise involves working with teenagers and adults , especially at risk youth. My mantra is to ''keep the hope alive'' by encouraging young people to explore meaning in their lives. I have also worked with the immigrant population in addressing issues of adjustment , assimilation and conflict.

Dr. Nya (Disability Rights ADVOCATE)

(she/her)

Dr. Nya (Disability Rights ADVOCATE), LPC - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
21 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings! My name is Dr. Nya and I use a holistic, eclectic, strengths based approach when working with clients. This entails embracing the "whole person" and making efforts to understand how all aspects of each person's life impacts their daily functioning. It is important to identify strengths and interest in order to draw upon these components, enabling the development of a comprehensive approach to treatment, which is custom and unique for each individual. I have worked with diverse populations to include; military members and their families via Military OneSource EAP, survivors of sexual assault/domestic violence, addiction (SAP) and various life transitions. Individuals should feel empowered to live their best lives, while continuing to build skills to help them overcome life's challenges with confidence. It would be my honor to assist you in further defining your goals as well as supporting you as you work towards achieving your best life! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington, DC and VA. ✅ I am also an Internationally Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), Certified Case Manager (CCM) and DOT SAP. ✅ I am able to provide consultation to assist with; FMLA, ADA accommodations, STD/LTD and EEOC claims. ✅ I am a disability advocate as well as employee rights advocate✅

Ellis McComb

(he/him)

Ellis McComb, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in Maryland. I received my Masters from the Howard University and have been practicing for 5 years. I specialize in helping individuals and couples manage anxiety, anger, grief, and life stressors. My approach is straightforward and supportive—offering a non-judgmental space where you can explore challenges, gain new perspectives, and build healthier ways of coping.

Mary Durso

(she/her)

Mary Durso, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
23 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I am a Licensed Individual Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I received my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology in 1985 and my Master's degree in Social Work in 1999. I earned my LICSW in 2002. I like talking with people--but more importantly, listening to people. To me, therapy is a block of time. It is an opportunity for people to talk to someone who is not a parent, brother, sister, spouse or even best friend. My goal is to listen to you and to help you consider options in your life.

Sara Mackey

(she/her)

Sara Mackey, LPC - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
9 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed professional counselor in DC and a counselling psychologist in the UK. I have master's degrees in mental health counseling, social anthropology, and the psychology of mental health, as well as a doctorate in counselling psychology. I help couples struggling in their relationships. I also help individuals struggling with trauma and general difficulties thriving in their lives.

Charlene Mahan

(she/her)

Charlene Mahan, LPC - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I am a license mental health counselor licensed in Florida, Georgia, New York and DC. I obtained my degree from Troy University in Orlando, Florida. I have 14 years of experience working with clients. I have experience helping teens (13-17 years) and adults (18 years and older) manage their feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, career exploration/change, increase their self-esteem and others.

Emily Simonian

Emily Simonian, LMFT - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
11 years of experience
Virtual
Whether you’re looking to improve your emotional wellbeing or find help for specific life challenges, therapy is a great place to start. I have 11 years of direct training and experience working with anxiety and depression as well as relationships, self-esteem issues and general self-improvement goals. My approach is compassionate and interactive, tailoring therapy to each individual while providing support and feedback to reach goals. I consider it a privilege to work in this field and to have worked with diverse populations across California, the Hawaiian Islands and most recently, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. ​ *Please note that as of January 2024 I am only providing individual counseling. Reach out if you'd like a couples counseling referral* Licenses & Credentials: ​ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Certified Guided Meditation Instructor

Safia Omar

Safia Omar, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
9 years of experience
Virtual
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Supervisor, I have over 9 years of experience treating mental health issues. My background includes inpatient, outpatient, and individual therapy. Also, I have worked in the medical field as a BSN RN and feel comfortable treating individuals with physical conditions. I am based in Texas and have licenses in Washington and DC. I have worked with children to geriatrics.

Tiffany Williams

Tiffany Williams, LPC - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
16 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in the District of Columbia. I have been practicing for 18 years. I am a trained perinatal mental health worker, supporting women as they navigate everyday woman issues with relationships, parenting and the overall nuances of the perinatal and post-partum periods and restore and/or journey to becoming the best versions of themselves.

Nakia Watson

Nakia Watson, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Maryland but currently serving clients in multiple states. I received my Bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University and Masters at Hunter College School of Social Work. I have been practicing for over 10 years. I help women and young adults work through stress, anxiety, depression, conflict, goal setting, and life transitions.

Yolanda Frederick

(she/her)

Yolanda Frederick, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
17 years of experience
Virtual
Do you feel out of sorts? Not sure whether you are coming, or going? Are you in, what you might feel to be, a “maze of life"? Well, I’m here to listen, support, and serve as an agent and advocate for change in our new partnership! I am a believer that “what makes you stronger, makes you beautiful” – author unknown. This quote encompasses my view on transformation, resulting from life’s trials, setbacks, disappointments, and pain. We are all evolving. Allow me to usher you into healing and recovery from life’s curve balls. I’ve provided therapy and community-based treatment and services to adolescents, adults, and families for over 16 years. I have experience working with individuals from all walks of life, various age groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds. I am a great listener, committed to fostering hope, warm, accepting, trustworthy, and empathetic. I would be honored to work alongside you as a coach and guide to aid and address your grief and loss, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, and communication barriers. I am a Certified Grief Informed Professional. I work from a person-centered, compassionate, integrative therapy approach delivering therapeutic interventions to aid and support with healing and navigating life transitions. Additionally, I offer cognitive behavioral techniques geared towards adapting healthier thought processes and behavioral responses, as well as trauma-informed interventions to assist in the development of adaptive strategies as you embark on your healing journey. It is my hope you allow me the opportunity and privilege to usher you into your fullest potential in becoming the best version of yourself.

Rashid Jalloh

(he/him)

Rashid Jalloh, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hi!, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Maryland. I received my Masters from Howard University in Washington DC and have been practicing for the last 13 years. I help people struggling with life issues cope and overcome their struggles and continue to function as best as they can.

Janet Muta

Janet Muta, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Janet Muta and I am a Licensed Clinician with over 15 years of experience in mental health, behavioral issues and relationships. I treat individuals from diverse backgrounds. My approach is treating the whole person because most of the time our problems are the outcome of more than just one thing and when I get to know you I am able to address different issues that could be contributing to that one specific problem. We all experience some difficulties in our lives sometimes and we all cope differently. What works for one person/couple who are experiencing a similar situation may not work for another and so I personalize your treatment to fit you. Being in therapy is like being on a journey, I make sure you are in the driver’s seat and I become your great working GPS, guiding you to your desired destination. I also hold a degree in finance which sometimes comes handy when helping those who are stressed due to financial needs. Among the treatment modalities I use are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Positive Parenting, Contingency Management...

Veronica Dillard

(she/her)

Veronica Dillard, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am Veronica Dillard. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving DC, Maryland, and Virginia, I bring a wealth of experience and passion to helping individuals navigate life's challenges. With a background solely in social work, my focus has always been on empowering and supporting my clients throughout their journey. My clinical practice is centered around youth and young adults, where I aim to provide comprehensive support in managing various stressors. Whether it's peer relationships, family dynamics, academic pressures, life transitions or mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and anger, I work alongside clients to develop coping strategies and foster resilience. I believe in the power of joy even amidst challenges, and I strive to infuse positivity and laughter into our sessions. By adopting a strengths-based approach, I help clients tap into their internal resources to effectively manage stressors and find moments of joy.

Veronica Logan

Veronica Logan, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I am Logan. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW-C) with over 10 years of experience providing therapy. Many of us yearn for a sense of peace, connection, and well-being in our lives. However, life circumstances and internal struggles can often hinder our ability to experience these deeply fulfilling states. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your challenges and emotional pain. My goal is to support your growth and healing journey, empowering you to cultivate greater self-awareness, develop effective coping mechanisms, and live a more fulfilling life. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with my family (two teenagers and three dogs), practicing Pilates, and cheering on the Celtics. I am licensed in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Minnesota and Ohio.

Johneshia Riley

Johneshia Riley, LPC - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) in DC. I have been counseling for 9 years. I help empower individuals to cultivate better relationships with themselves and others through teaching tangible coping skills, I offer support for spirituality concerns. I primarily work with anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, stress-related issues, burnout, digital nomads, along with spirituality concerns. I use an integrative therapeutic approach including person-centered, solution-focused, and CBT modalities. I work with clients are ready to do the work and committed to their process of reaching their goals.

Dr. Katrice Hollins

(she/her)

Dr. Katrice Hollins, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! My name is Katrice Hollins and I am excited to support you in your journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia and the District of Columbia who has been in the helping profession for 20 years. I have worked in a variety of fields including social services, inpatient mental health, foster care, special education, and school mental health. I am passionate about helping people to reach their goals and develop life-long wellness. As a therapist, it is not my role or desire to give you advice or make decisions for you. What I offer is a place for you to feel valued for who you are, exactly as you are. I will ask questions and help you process the answers. I will reflect on your values and feelings that allow you to make the best choices for your life. *Please feel free to message for additional appointment availability.

Jonathan Lam

(he/him)

Jonathan Lam, LP - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a psychotherapist and life coach with over 25 years of experience practicing in the Washington, DC, area. I specialize in human potential, relationship health, life transitions, and coping with stressful situations. I have trained extensively with professional and master coaches and I work with a diverse clientele that include young professionals at the beginning of their careers as well as executives and corporate leaders in the financial industry. I believe that clarity enables us to take a stand for what we want in life. It allows us to make a commitment to take action to create a meaningful and purposeful life.

Sharon Hardy

(she/her)

Sharon Hardy, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
19 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker who received my Bachelor 's degree from South Carolina State University and graduate degree from Howard University. My field of concentration is in mental health. I have experience working in the following settings ( child welfare, domestic violence, psychiatric hospital setting, and schools). I have been providing therapy to adolescents, adults, couples, and families for over 15 years.

Kassandra Barry

Kassandra Barry, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings, I'm Kassandra Barry, a licensed clinical social worker available in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Specializing in trauma, I help individuals navigate life's challenges, addressing concerns like mood, anxiety, relationships, and self-care. While many clients face PTSD, my support extends to anyone seeking understanding, seeking to enhance their lives, and fostering a sense of value and respect. I prioritize creating a space where you can be heard and supported. Your journey to improved well-being begins here.

Shae Travis

(she/her)

Shae Travis, LPC - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPC
12 years of experience
Virtual
I spent many years as an educator in public schools and as a counselor. Now I have the privilege to devote my full time to mental health counseling. My focus is to help families and individuals navigate through life's challenges. I'd love to be your counselor - whether you would like to do pre-marital/couples counseling, to consciously uncouple/improve co-parenting dynamic, or focus on self-work.

Gary Gregory

(he/him)

Gary Gregory, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
27 years of experience
Virtual
I work with clients to help restore balance, wellness by identifying troublesome patterns, dynamics, issues and work in a wholistic manner addressing cognitive, emotional and behavioral and historical/cultural factors. I also find body/somatic work as a necessary component of managing stress, quality of life and explore how lifestyles impact one's wellness. I have a long history of work with addictions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, identity issues, health and aging issues.

Crystal Soto

(she/her)

Crystal Soto, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
I am a bi-lingual and bi-cultural Licensed Certified Social Worker who received her Masters in Social Work from Boston College. I provide effective, transformative, and lasting life changes in children, adults, and families. I've worked with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress disorders, adjustment, relationship challenges, trauma, and mood disorders. I am passionate about providing a counseling environment that encourages respect, safety, trust, and honesty while tailoring each session to the clients' need.

Danielle Williams

Danielle Williams, LICSW - District of Columbia Therapist at Grow Therapy
LICSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C), (LICSW) based in Maryland and DC. I have spent 8 years developing my skill set, with the goal of providing quality care services to every person I encounter. My compassion and love for people is what has driven me to pursue an Associates Degree in Human Services, a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work at Coppin State University and a Master's Degree in Social Work at Morgan State University with a concentration on Urban Youth and families.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by District of Columbia rather than a neighborhood like Adams Morgan?

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 District of Columbia from The Navy Yard to Georgetown! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in District of Columbia.

Will my therapist take EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum?

Yes! If you use EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have EAP:UnitedHealthcare/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.