Licensed to practice in California and accepts 73 insurances. Specializes in Domestic Violence, Trauma and PTSD, Women's Issues and 7 more.

Darese Winston

LMFT, 5 years of experience

Clients say this provider is

Warm
Empowering
Authentic
VirtualAvailable

About me

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters from William Jessup University and have been practicing for 5 years. I am passionate about helping you navigate life difficulties, overcome things that are holding you back from living your desired life. I offer you a caring, safe and non-judgmental space to help heal your hurts, build your strengths, and empower you to improve your quality of life.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, you can expect a caring, safe and non-judgmental space where you are able to share your story at your own pace. We will start with introductions, then explore what brought you to therapy, and identify goals for healing and growth.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I am a genuine encourager creating a safe and supportive space where you will feel seen, heard and empowered. I have a diverse set of professional knowledge, skills and lived experience, especially in working with trauma, life transitions, emotional pain, domestic violence, grief and loss. My ability to integrate faith (if desired), cultural awareness, and evidence-based practices allows me to connect deeply with you, help break generational cycles, and guide you toward lasting change. I lead with empathy, insight, and a strong belief in each person’s capacity to heal and grow resulting in measurable progress.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I love working with women who are who are navigating life difficulties and who are seeking mental and emotional healing. My clients often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected, yet deeply desire healing, insight, and life change. I support those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, unhealthy relationships, grief and loss. I also support mothers, faith-driven individuals, and those seeking a safe, encouraging space to explore their emotions, rebuild their identity, and move forward with purpose.

Specialties

Top specialties

Trauma and PTSD

Other specialties

Anxiety

Grief

Postpartum

Self Esteem

Identifies as

Black / African American

Christian

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Cash - $150 per session

Aetna

Aetna - Allied Benefits

Aetna - ASR Health Benefits

Aetna - Lucent Health

Aetna - Luminare

Aetna - Medicare

Aetna - Moda

Aetna - WebTPA

Aetna – HealthEZ

All Savers

Amerihealth Administrators

Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage

Anthem

Arlo

AvMed

Blue Cross

Blue Shield

Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal

Blue Shield of California - Medicare

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)

CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)

Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)

Centivo

Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)

Cigna

Cigna - HealthEZ

Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)

EAP:Cigna

EAP:Evernorth

EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum

Evernorth

Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)

Gold Coast Health Plan Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP)

Golden Rule

GTEB

Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare

Health Net (Commercial)

Health Net (Medi-Cal)

Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal

Humana - Medicare

Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)

IHSS Healthy Workers

Independence Administrators

Independence Blue Cross

Independence Keystone 65 HMO

Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO

L.A. Care Covered

L.A. Care Covered Direct

L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)

L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)

L.A. Care PASC-SEIU

Optum

OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions

Oscar

Oxford

Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)

San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)

Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal

Scripps Health Plan

SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)

Sharp Health Plan

Surest (formerly Bind)

Sutter Health Plan

Tufts Health/Cigna

United Medical Resources

UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)

UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)

UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance

UnitedHealthcare Shared Services

UnitedHealthcare StudentResources

UnitedHealthcare/Optum

UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Christian Counseling

For clients seeking faith based guidance, I integrate biblical principles and evidence-based practices that bring hope, healing and growth.

Trauma Informed Care

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have experience supporting and providing a safe space for those who have experienced emotional, physical, and relational traumas. I come a long side you to help you find understanding, healing and growth. I work with you to discover practical ways to help you move forward.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I often use CBT to support clients dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions. CBT is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps you understand how your thoughts impact your feelings and behaviors. Through our sessions, we’ll work on recognizing harmful patterns and replacing them with healthier, more supportive ways of thinking and living.

, 28 ratings

10 ratings with written reviews

May 7, 2026

Darese is so inspirational and uplifting. I am so grateful for her words of encouragement. She is always able to help me with clarity and awareness. Every week I look forward to hearing her words and being able to share whats on my heart with her.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 5 with Darese

April 30, 2026

I absolutely loved meeting with this wonderful lady

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Darese

April 22, 2026

Darese is amazing. I feel as if I’m talking to a close friend who has all the answers. I didn’t feel judge and I know that she cares about the people she’s helping. She’s definitely not here for the money. Shes like a therapy superhero and I’m excited for our journey.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Darese