United Healthcare Optum Medicare Therapists in Washington DC

Finding a therapist through UnitedHealthcare/Optum Medicare can provide accessible and cost-effective mental health care tailored to your needs. With 10 verified therapists in Washington DC who accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum Medicare, you can choose from therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive counseling, and mindfulness-based therapy to help address concerns like anxiety, depression, or coping with health changes. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently accepting new clients and has availability in the coming weeks, ensuring timely, compassionate care covered by your UnitedHealthcare/Optum Medicare plan.

Availability updated: 5/11/2026

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+9
I’m a therapist who believes healing starts with feeling safe and understood. I provide a calm space where you can talk freely and begin to unpack what’s been weighing on you. I have extensive experience helping clients manage stress, anxiety, and the effects of past experiences. In our sessions, I’ll teach simple, effective ways to handle emotions and life challenges. Together, we’ll work on building confidence, gaining clarity, and making choices that move you toward peace, balance, and a better quality of life.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Grief
Spirituality
Anxiety
+2
My name is Rica Avery, I am a licensed professional counselor. I graduated from Trinity Washington University where I received a Master's of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; in addition to receiving a Bachelor's of Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Sciences from The Catholic University of America. My mission is to educate, empower and elevate individuals within my community to develop the necessary skills required to effectively promote community development, mental health awareness and spiritual growth.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m a bilingual (English and Spanish) social worker from Puerto Rico. I work with children, teens, and young adults, and I’m passionate about creating a safe and supportive space where my clients can feel seen, heard, and valued. I’ve had the privilege of working in both school and clinical settings, supporting clients facing challenges such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, self-harm, and suicidality. I know that reaching out for help can be difficult, especially when life feels overwhelming. My goal is to walk alongside you through those tough moments and help you build the tools to heal, grow, and reconnect with your strengths. I believe that everyone has the capacity for change, and therapy can be a powerful space to rediscover hope and confidence. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally sensitive. Being bilingual allows me to connect deeply with clients in both English and Spanish, helping you express yourself in the language that feels most natural to you. I draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, recovering from trauma, or simply trying to find your place in the world, I’m here to offer support, understanding, and guidance. Together, we’ll work toward healing and building the life you want — one step at a time.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+2
It sounds like you're describing feelings that can be incredibly tough to deal with. Experiencing sadness, low energy, negative thoughts, and isolation can be overwhelming. When physical symptoms like shaking, increased heart rate, or tightness in the chest appear, they can amplify feelings of embarrassment and shame, making it even harder to cope. I want you to know that you're not alone in feeling this way, and it's okay to seek help. Together, we can explore the underlying causes of these emotions and work towards finding ways to regain your interest in the activities you once enjoyed.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+10
It’s not uncommon to think that the challenges you carry and the problems you face are too complicated and overwhelming for anyone else to possibly understand. While your experiences are unique to you, your hearts response to them are very common to all human beings. I have the experience and passion to help you right where you are. I will help you begin to reconnect what feels disconnected. My goal is to help you experience the healing and support you are worth to restore your hope in leading the life you crave. I am committed to providing the highest quality of care to help clients achieve greater mental, physical and spiritual balance, wellness, fulfillment and purpose. Whether in your personal, school or professional life, you can learn to navigate through challenging periods and find the path to greater happiness
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and families find strength and resilience in the face of life's difficulties. With a background in clinical social work, I have worked extensively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, addressing an array of concerns such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disturbances. I understand that no two individuals are the same, and I am committed to tailoring my approach to meet your unique needs.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Mood Disorders
+10
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker in the District of Columbia and a licensed certified clinical social worker in the states of Virginia. I have over 15 years of independent clinical experience providing, private practice services, counseling services for the federal government and counseling individuals and families in non-profit and medical settings, military members and their families.   I have provided psycho-education groups, professional development consultations/presentations, psychosocial assessments and multi-therapeutic counseling to clients with a variety of mental health and substance abuse disorders.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Depression
Family Conflict
LGBTQ
+18
Welcome, I am Feven! Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help individuals manage anxiety, depression and burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach; addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the different challenges they face and build coping skills to create more fulfilling and holistic life experiences. From my journey, I can personally attest to the power of support, in its many forms. This support goes beyond clients I service but also to their families and communities. I believe that mental wellness isn’t just individualistic; but includes the ecosystem surrounding the person. My praxis acknowledges and aims to support the village needed by all.  I’m also passionate about the transformative impact of safe and brave spaces for those who often experience exclusion. My career has afforded me opportunities to build trust with LGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Refugee communities across the nation. It is a personal privilege to center wellness and holistic care for all as ‘self-care is a radical form of resistance.’ Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, trauma, PTSD, self-acceptance, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion, empathy and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
+6
Hi, I’m Darlene Alexia Gardner, LCSW-C, LICSW, and founder of Destined for Healing. I’m a licensed therapist with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples through life transitions, emotional pain, trauma recovery, and relational struggles. My work is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and rooted in clinical best practices. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, identity concerns, faith-related pain, childhood trauma, and emotionally unavailable relationships. While I welcome clients of all backgrounds, I also offer Christian-integrated therapy for those who wish to include their faith. I specialize in trauma informed, faith-sensitive therapy that honors your story and makes space for healing at your pace. Together, we'll explore how early family dynamics, spiritual wounds, or unhealed relational patterns may be shaping your present struggles and help you break free from cycles of silence, performance, or self-neglect. I believe healing is sacred work and I see therapy as a safe and collaborative space to process grief, anxiety, complex family ties, and major life transitions without shame. If you're looking for a therapist who honors both your clinical needs and your spiritual journey, I invite you to connect. Let's build something rooted in truth, safety and restoration.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
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.
VirtualAvailable
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 District of Columbia. 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 UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare?

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

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 happens during the first therapy 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.