Aetna Therapists in California

Accessing therapy covered by Aetna insurance can simplify and reduce the cost of therapy, helping you find therapist that fits your budget. With 1307 verified therapists in California accepting Aetna, you can choose from therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy to address concerns like anxiety, depression, or major life changes. Each Grow Therapy-verified provider listed below is open to new clients and has upcoming availability, making it easier to connect with a therapist who meets your needs within the scope of your Aetna plan.

Availability updated: 8/22/2026

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+3
Seeking therapy is a courageous step, and I strive to create a warm, supportive space where you feel heard. I specialize in helping individuals facing anxiety, depression, ADHD, and past trauma. My goal is to help you develop insight, resilience, and confidence in navigating life’s challenges. Whether you're dealing with stress, life transitions, or healing from past wounds, I’m here to support you with a compassionate and client-centered approach. At this time, I do not provide couples or family therapy. I primarily offer appointments in the evening and weekends and some Fridays.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
We all experience life's challenges, feel alone, stuck and unsure what to do sometimes. I understand, it can be scary, seeking professional help for personal issues. I also know, therapy can be deeply healing, when one can open up and take the first step towards mental well-being and self-love! My name is Janaelyn Mitchell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that provides individual therapy and coaching.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Life Transitions
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience, I specialize in helping couples strengthen their connection, improve communication, rebuild trust, and navigate relationship challenges with greater understanding and intimacy. Using a holistic, mindfulness-centered approach, I support partners in identifying negative relationship patterns, fostering emotional safety, and developing healthier ways of connecting with one another. In addition to my work with couples, I draw on my extensive background in family services to support individuals and families through emotional, relational, and life transitions. My experience as a therapist and entrepreneur, including multiple women’s empowerment ventures, allows me to bring both clinical expertise and real-world perspective to the therapeutic process. My goal is to help clients create meaningful, lasting change and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+10
Hey there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California. I received my Masters from USC and have been practicing for 12 years and counting. I work with adults who are struggling with stress management, anxiety, depression and major life transitions. I empower my clients to be the best version of themselves while finding balance in their life.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+7
Hello, I’m Dr. Crystal Bender-Hester, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. I specialize in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, self-esteem issues, and major life transitions while creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for healing and growth. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and practical. I use evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT-informed strategies, and solution-focused techniques to help clients better understand themselves, strengthen coping skills, improve communication, and create healthier patterns in their daily lives and relationships. I believe therapy should feel empowering, culturally sensitive, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. For clients who desire it, I can also incorporate a spiritual or faith-based perspective into the therapeutic process as part of a holistic approach to healing and emotional wellness. My goal is to help clients feel heard, supported, and equipped with tools that promote long-term emotional wellness and personal growth.
Available
Solution oriented
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+10
Hi, I’m Brittany, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I help adults and adolescents who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, life transitions, or relationship challenges. Many of my clients are high-functioning but stuck in patterns of overthinking, self-criticism, or burnout. I take a collaborative, practical approach using evidence-based tools to help you feel calmer, more grounded, and better able to manage daily stress and life changes over time.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+2
Hello! Are you feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, grief, adjustment concerns, or relationship challenges? I'm here to help. My approach is collaborative and supportive. I'm focused on helping you build and practice new skills, deepen your understanding of yourself, and regain confidence as you navigate life's challenges. Together, we can work toward a meaningful change and well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
+6
Whether you are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or a life transition, I am here to offer support and help you make meaningful change. Using cognitive behavioral techniques, as well as strength-based and solution-focused models, my goal is to help my clients develop coping skills to manage day-to-day stress, strengthen their relationships and gain an improved quality of life. I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience working with adults, couples, families, and children. I utilize my professional and personal experience, humor, and warmth to create a strong, collaborative relationship with my clients.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+7
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my profile. I hold a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Seminary’s Graduate School of Psychology and a Doctorate in Leadership from Evangel University. Since 1994, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside women as they navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Specializing in women’s issues has been a deeply meaningful focus of my work, and I consider it an honor to be entrusted with my clients’ stories. Rooted in my Christian faith, my approach is grounded in both compassion and clinical excellence. I strive to provide care that is evidence-based, ethical, spiritually sensitive, and tailored to the unique needs of each client. In addition to my private practice, I serve as a university professor, where I have the joy of teaching, training, and supervising graduate students on their path to becoming licensed therapists.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm
Specialties
Domestic Violence
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+3
Welcome—I'm so glad you're here and taking this step toward caring for your mental health. For over 16 years, I've helped women heal from emotionally unhealthy relationships, recover from emotional abuse and domestic violence, and find their way back to themselves. I also support high-achieving women who appear to have it all together on the outside but are struggling with stress, burnout, people-pleasing, or feeling emotionally exhausted. Through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, we'll work together to strengthen boundaries, rebuild self-worth, navigate relationship and family challenges, and create healthier patterns that support the life you deserve. You don't have to carry it all alone—I would be honored to support you on your healing journey.
Available
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+12
Do you suffer from constant anxiety and or panic attacks? Do you have a history of loss, difficult relationships and other traumatic experiences that hurt when you think about them today? Well, you are not alone. Seeking counseling can be an anxious time for many people, yet I believe it can be the start of a positive and productive experience. I believe joining with my clients to create a therapy experience tailored to their individual needs is important. The therapy sessions will be a safe place to gain new skills to help you live a more prosperous and fulfilling life. I offer online therapy which provides convenience, privacy and affordability all in one place. There are so many different types of situations or experiences that can create a need for therapy. I have experience successfully helping people feel less depressed or anxious, build their parenting skills with strong-willed children, get through difficult life changes, improve their relationship with their partner or friends, and create a less stressful environment for themselves. I am trained in a few research-based treatments for trauma and parenting. I am a Faith Based Christian Therapist. I received my Bachelor's in Social Work from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland and my Master's in Social Work from Stanislaus State in Turlock, California where I served 5 years as a Professor in the MSW Department teaching on The Effects of Childhood Trauma.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Perinatal Mental Health
+8
As a dedicated therapist, my name is Charmayne, and I specialize in providing compassionate support to women aged 18 and above who are navigating the complexities of anxiety, grief, and trauma. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing space where individuals can explore their emotions, heal from past experiences, and develop coping strategies to lead fulfilling lives. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges women face, I am committed to empowering my clients on their journey towards mental well-being and self-discovery. Together, we can cultivate resilience and foster growth in the face of adversity. I invite you to take the courageous step towards healing and reach out to embark on this transformative journey with me.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm
Specialties
ADHD
Mood Disorders
Women's Issues
+4
I’m Alana, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Los Angeles. I work with young adults and women who are navigating major life transitions and feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. Together, we identify and clear the patterns that get in the way of you showing up as the most grounded, confident version of yourself. I earned my undergraduate degree from Simmons University and my master’s degree from the University of Southern California. Over the past decade, I’ve worked across a wide range of settings—including school-based mental health programs within LAUSD and SMMUSD, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, intensive outpatient and residential programs and most recently private practice. These experiences shaped a treatment approach that is thoughtful, flexible, and deeply attuned to the whole person. I believe meaningful therapy goes beyond symptom management and focuses on understanding the root causes of distress. My style is warm yet direct, grounded, and collaborative. Clients often share that they feel relief early on—because they finally feel understood. My role isn’t to “fix” you, but to help you reconnect with your strengths, build clarity and confidence, and feel more in control of your life again.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+5
Hello and welcome, My name is Mayra, and I am currently accepting new clients for therapy. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker, fluent in English and Spanish, with over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I provide a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore your thoughts, emotions, and life challenges. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, communication struggles, divorce, life transitions, stress, and grief. Together, we will identify patterns, build effective coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you. I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and discover strategies that promote healing, resilience, and emotional well-being. My approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I deeply value each person’s unique story and tailor therapy to meet your specific needs, strengths, and goals. Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming or intimidating, but you do not have to face it alone. Taking the first step is often the hardest, yet it can also be the start of meaningful transformation. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey toward healing and growth. — Mayra
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
Welcome! I am a licensed therapist providing compassionate and supportive therapy to adults and couples. I work with individuals who may be experiencing depression, low motivation, anxiety, excessive worry, stress, past trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, and other challenges that may impact their emotional well-being. Therapy can provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space to talk openly about your experiences and concerns. My approach is collaborative and focused on helping you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing practical tools to navigate life's challenges. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or simply looking for support during a difficult time, you do not have to work through it alone. Together, we can identify your strengths, develop healthy coping strategies, improve communication and relationships, and work toward goals that are meaningful to you. I believe that therapy is a process of growth and that each person's journey is unique. My goal is to meet you where you are, provide support and guidance, and help you build greater confidence, self-awareness, and emotional well-being.
Available
Authentic
Humorous
Solution oriented
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+9
CJ Medina, here. I am a trauma-informed Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with at-risk youth, veterans, and people with disabilities. Though, I primarily work with children, I have worked with adults in many capacities. I would like to have a balance of adults and children in my practice so I am not taking children right now. Adults need to access their inner child, too. I have 15 years experience with kindergarten through higher education and beyond. Special Education is my specialty, and I am old and wise in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process, disability law, and targeted counseling services. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is my original specialty for children and adults and I have extensive knowledge, psychoeducation, and coping skills/tools to share. I also am a trauma-informed counselor. A sexual assault trained counselor. And super funny to talk to.
Available
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Hi, and welcome. I’m a licensed psychologist who is passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence, self-understanding, and resilience. I believe that therapy works best when you feel truly seen, heard, and supported, so I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, I work collaboratively with you to understand your experiences and identify practical tools for change. My goal is to help you build on your strengths, gain insight, and create a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and authentic.
Available
Solution oriented
Warm
Solution oriented
Specialties
Eating Disorders
Health/Medical Issues
Mood Disorders
+10
Hello! My name is Lori Sanderson, I am a licensed clinical therapist with a master's degree in clinical social work and a doctoral degree in health education and promotion. I enjoy looking at your thoughts and assumptions and how they contribute to uncomfortable emotions or feelings. How you think contributes to how you feel and how you behave. How you behave also contributes to how you feel. I will meet you where you are, but I will also help you develop a stronger and healthier version of you. We will do this together by helping you to explore the potential roots of your struggles and by giving you the tools to manage your emotional responses to life stressors, including tragedies, medical conditions, losses, criticism, etc. You deserve somewhere that you can share what is on your mind, be emotionally supported and validated, without fear of being judged. You deserve someone who can support you in becoming the best and most fulfilled version of you.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Humorous
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m James Gonzales, LMFT. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with individuals navigating anxiety, stress, trauma, and life transitions. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being open and honest. My approach is collaborative and grounded in evidence-based practices, focusing on building insight, strengthening coping skills, and helping clients create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m Patricia Samantha Bitar, a holistic EMDR therapist devoted to helping you feel more grounded, clear, and connected to yourself again. With a warm, grounded approach, I create nurturing spaces where healing becomes possible through insight, empathy, and clarity. I specialize in supporting people navigate burnout and emotional overwhelm. I combine practical tools with deep presence, offering more than just talk therapy. My work integrates trauma-informed care, somatic therapy, EMDR, CBT/DBT, mindfulness, and energy healing –helping you not just cope—but thrive. Whether you're working through grief, identity shifts, relationship wounds, or simply seeking a softer way of living—I’m here to walk beside you with empathy, insight, and care.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Life Transitions
Serious Mental Illness
Trauma and PTSD
+3
I enjoy working collaboratively to develop goals that are realistic, meaningful, and lead to positive change. I view therapy as a journey—one that helps you find steadier footing and supports you as you move along your unique path. Although much of my background has been in public service settings working with severe mental illness, acute crises, and trauma, I welcome concerns of any size. No problem is too small or too overwhelming to bring into therapy. I invite you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you! I have been in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years and have been licensed since 2012. I have a practical, down-to-Earth style with an open-minded, solution focused approach. There is likely no issue too complicated or difficult for me to work with. I like to establish a clear treatment path with attainable goals, making it easier for you. I encourage you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you. My goal is to offer steady support and thoughtful guidance as you discover a healing path that truly fits your life. While life can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone—therapy can provide a safe space to find clarity, resilience, and hope.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+10
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps adults ages 18 to 65+ navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive, culturally sensitive space where you can feel understood and empowered. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, heal past wounds, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Autism
Self Esteem
Spirituality
+7
Hi there! This human experience is quite the journey, isn’t it? The fact that you are struggling does NOT make you weak, it means you are human! Nobody was given a manual for how to live life and we all have our own challenges. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, not good enough, angry, depressed, anxious, or all the above. Perhaps you feel stuck in the past or like you can’t get out of your own way. Whatever you’re struggling with, we can use these challenges to learn from and grow into who we truly are. My intention is always to lead with compassion to create a safe space for you to freely look within and create the life you want.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I take a client-centered approach to treatment, ensuring that each session is tailored to the unique needs and goals of my clients. In my sessions, I would like to hear from you. Think of me as an observer in your art gallery, not as a critic, but as someone who appreciates your vision and the story you tell. You are the artist, and as such, you will explain to me your pieces, your vision, and your creations. I will take these all in and reflect back to you your work, and if appropriate, draw parallels from your earlier creations.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m Jessica Castro, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I’m also a mom of two and have been married for 15 years, so I understand firsthand how complex relationships and family life can be. I have 9 years of experience in the mental health field and work with individuals who want clarity, healing, and more fulfilling connections. Clients often tell me they feel heard, supported, and more confident navigating life’s challenges after working together. I strive to create a safe, down-to-earth space where real conversations happen and meaningful change can grow.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in California. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across California from San Francisco to San Diego! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in California.

Yes! If you use Aetna you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Aetna you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

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.

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.

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.