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 1152 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.

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Los AngelesSan DiegoSacramentoOaklandSan Francisco

Availability updated: 3/29/2026

Often rebooked

Authentic
Open-minded
Humorous
Direct
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
I'm a graduate of Smith School of Social Work, and a licensed psychotherapist. Over the past 15 years I've worked in clinical and educational settings. I am flexible in my approach. I trust clients’ innate capacity to heal and emphasize their ability to notice, regulate, and build on their own bodily wisdom. At the same time, I take an active, attuned role—offering moment-to-moment guidance to help organize experience and support nervous system regulation.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Open-minded
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Direct
Challenging
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+9
For the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside children, teens, young adults, and adults as they navigate life’s many challenges. I use an eclectic approach, which simply means I pull from different types of therapy models depending on what fits each person best. No two people are the same, so together we’ll find tools and approaches that work for your life and goals. Sometimes that looks like building new coping skills, sometimes it’s unpacking trauma, and sometimes it’s just having a space where you can fully be yourself. My goal is to create a safe and collaborative space where clients feel truly heard, seen and understood. Together, we can explore patterns, uncover strengths, and build strategies for lasting change. I believe therapy is not just about addressing struggles, it’s about cultivating growth, resilience, and self-discovery. If you’re ready to take that step, I’d be honored to walk with you on your journey.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Open-minded
Authentic
Open-Minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
+6
Are you new to therapy or on the lookout for the right guide? Greetings, I'm Jennifer, a client-centered therapist with a passion for assisting clients in navigating their habits, work environments, relationships, and emotions. Our collaboration will involve uncovering and establishing goals while working to better understand the challenges that get in our way and how to build skills to overcome them. With a total of 11 years in the mental health field and 6 years of dedicated therapeutic practice, I've developed a specialty in assisting clients confront challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Within our therapy sessions, I also integrate humor to create a warm and comfortable environment. If you appreciate a dose of laughter then feel free to book a session and let's see if we are a good fit!
VirtualAvailable
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New to Grow

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Chronic Illness
Coping Skills
+5
Hi, I’m Lacee Musgrove, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing virtual therapy for children and teens ages 10–17. I specialize in supporting children and teens living with diabetes, as well as anxiety, depression, chronic suicidal ideation, and self-harm behaviors. I help youth build coping skills to manage stress and develop the emotional resilience needed to navigate both mental health and medical challenges. I also work closely with parents to support compassionate, effective responses at home.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Direct
Empowering
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Holistic

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+8
Hi — I’m Zach Rehbein-Jones, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Wisconsin and California. I specialize in helping adultsnavigate anxiety, depression, and substance-use challenges. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, I draw on both professional training and personal experience — I’ve been in recovery for over seven years — to create a warm, strength-based space. My goal is to walk alongside you, helping you tap into your resilience and build meaningful, lasting change.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Authentic
Direct
Empowering
Solution oriented
Humorous
Intelligent

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+8
Hello. my name is Diane Gibbs and i have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2008. I am Rogerian(carl rogers) focused. I am clt centered, start where the client is, creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment where a client feels safe to explore. any one of us can experience disturbance of mood, thought, or emotion; simply because we are human. I like to use a strengths based approach, empowering the clt to use their strengths in overcoming obstacles. I have used various modality interventions including CBT DBT Exposure Therapy, IFS, Strengths based, trauma focused, guided imagery, meditation, narrative, and visualization. I have worked with 5 yo to 80+ yr old. I feel blessed when clients open their life up to me and honor the oath to privacy and client needs. Let’s have a 15 minute meeting and see if we are a fit :)
VirtualAvailable
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Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who appear “fine” on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck underneath. Many of my clients are successful, self-aware, and driven - but struggle with burnout, relationship patterns, or a constant sense of pressure they can’t turn off. I’m a more direct and engaged therapist than traditional talk therapy. I don’t just listen, I help you identify the deeper patterns driving your anxiety and work with you to actually change them.
VirtualAvailable
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New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Parenting
+10
I’m Dr. John Biroc. I’ve been a professional baseball player, professional actor on stage and screen, professor of both theater and psychology at major universities in Southern California. I’ve been involved with working with rock bands, as well as being Clinical Director and Therapist Supervisor in mental health and addiction centers throughout Southern California. I lean quite heavily on the creative process and it’s reliance on others.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm
Empowering
Humorous
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Life Transitions
+5
Hi, I’m Natalie! I’m a Northern California-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works individually with adults. I believes therapy is most effective when it feels like a genuine, supportive relationship. Real progress happens when you feel comfortable, understood, and connected—and that’s always where I begin. My clinical background includes school-based mental health, hospice, community-mental health and private practice, which allows me to meet a wide range of experiences. My style is warm, relaxed, and non-judgmental. I focus on building authentic connections and letting you take the lead at a pace that feels right. At the same time, I’m not afraid to ask thoughtful questions, offer supportive challenges, and use humor to lighten the process when it fits. I view you as the expert of your own life, and my role is to help you recognize and build on your strengths. While I prefer an unstructured, conversational approach, I also draw on evidence-based practices for skill-building and support when helpful. Together, we’ll work to identify tools and strategies that support your well-being and help you feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Open-minded
Authentic
Humorous
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Family Conflict
Self Esteem
+2
Hi, I’m Fabiola Serrano, a first-generation Latina and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I help people who are navigating anxiety, depression, low self-worth, and relationship struggles especially those who often feel overwhelmed by strong emotions. My approach blends evidence-based tools like CBT, ACT and DBT with compassion and cultural sensitivity. Together, we’ll work on building emotional balance, confidence, and more meaningful connections in your life.
VirtualAvailable
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Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Postpartum
Women's Issues
Anxiety
+3
I specialize in helping expectant and new parents adapt and thrive in their new roles. The transition into parenthood is one of the most profound life changes, and it can come with emotional and psychological challenges. I believe that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Whether you're dealing with overwhelming emotions, struggling to adjust to postpartum life, you don’t have to face it alone. I am here for you. Therapy is different for every person and I work to tailor my treatment specifically to your needs and personality in order to help you in the best possible way. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience working with people to enhance their lives through developing new skills and tools to tackle life's challenges.
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Warm
Direct
Authentic
Empowering
Open-minded
Intelligent
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Self Esteem
+5
Hey Everyone, I’m Jennel — a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, validated, and understood. I draw from a range of approaches including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, etc. to tailor each session to meet your unique needs. My goal is to make therapy feel accessible and collaborative. I aim to keep our conversations down-to-earth, supportive, and meaningful.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm
Intelligent
Humorous
Solution oriented
Direct
Open-minded
Holistic
Open-Minded
Challenging

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
+10
You have chosen to take this step because you know that life is more than surviving—it’s about thriving. You know deep down that you can get there with the right support. My role is to assist you in living your best life, grounded in purpose. I want to help you meet your goals by offering a safe, reliable space for you to work out the barriers currently in your way to this best life. Whether you feel depressed, anxious, alone, angry, or afraid—you can manage the difficulties you face with strength and confidence. As a LMFT with over two decades of experience I will do my best to draw out of you strength and resilience. I live out my Christian beliefs and welcome those who want professional support and a partner in faith. I welcome all who want to partner with me to achieve your goals and to fully thrive!
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Intelligent
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+3
I’m a licensed therapist who works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship challenges. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and insight-oriented, blending practical tools with deeper exploration of patterns. I create a grounded, supportive space where clients can gain clarity, better understand their emotional responses, and move toward meaningful, sustainable change. I value building strong therapeutic relationships and meeting clients where they are while helping them move forward at a pace that feels steady and manageable.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Open-minded
Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent
Direct
Solution oriented
Open-Minded
Solution oriented
Holistic
Humorous
Challenging

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has been working with individuals, couples and families for twenty three years. I use interventions based on cognitive behavioral techniques to help you reach your goals and overcome patterns of behavior that are not working well for you. I believe you are the expert in your own life and strive to work with you to understand and move forward toward your goals.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Authentic
Direct
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
I empower my clients to become more confident, achieve the goals they set for themselves, and to better communicate with the people around them. I aid my clients in gaining a better understanding of themselves and help them explore how to solve problems while staying aligned with their core values. I approach my work from a person-centered lens, while also utilizing CBT and solution focused practices with a dash of narrative therapy and humor. This allows my clients to feel both seen and heard, while also enabling the creation of lasting changes in their lives.
VirtualAvailable
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New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
Hello and welcome! Thank you for taking the time to read a little about me. I've been in the field of working with people for 15 years. I've worked with children, adolescents and adults in multiple settings including in-home, school, telehealth, and crisis response. The main goal of my work is ensuring client integrity, safety, and an honest working relationship. I like to tell my clients that it's like going on a road trip; you're driving the bus and I'm in the passenger seat helping with directions. If we miss a turn or take a detour, I'm here to help you get back on track. Ultimately you have control of where you want to go and how you get there. If this is your first time considering therapy, or you are having to look for a new provider, I understand it can be overwhelming. I want to assure you, I'm here to make the experience as easy as possible. If we meet and you find that we're not a good fit, please continue your search. It's so important to feel comfortable with the person you choose. A therapeutic relationship is vital in helping you reach your goals. You want to be able to "vibe" with your provider, whoever it may be.
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Open-minded
Direct
Holistic
Intelligent

Specialties

Addiction
Grief
LGBTQ
+10
Whatever it is you’re facing in life, you don’t have to face it alone. I will be your expert guide and partner both in tackling practical concerns and in delving into the depths of the issues you’re confronting. Whether you're dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, identity or relationship issues, I can help you get to the heart of the issue and move past the places where you feel stuck. You have strength and resources within yourself that you may not fully recognize. Together we can tap into those to support your healing and growth.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Open-minded
Warm
Direct
Holistic

Specialties

ADHD
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+10
Hello, I am an LMFT for over 20 years, and my life experiences (growing up bicultural , traveling the world, working with military mental health, researching life and death) and drive for educating myself in many areas has given me a unique view and ability to assist those on a similar path of self knowledge. I enjoy the excitement of others achieving goals and making successful transitions in life. Life is an adventure that you create with your thoughts and desires. I am honored to help you get to the next place you want to be.
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Empowering
Warm
Authentic
Intelligent
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+4
Hi my name is Maria Mercedes Giol, I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, California, Utah and Washington. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and completed my Master's in Mental Health Counseling in Miami, Florida. I have lived in sunny (sometimes Florida, lol ) for 28 years and I am a devoted mother and girlfriend to a 16-year-old son and two small dogs. I enjoy boating with my family, watching sunsets, hiking, bicycling, singing, and making homemade soaps.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Perinatal Mental Health
+5
Hi, I’m Helen. I’m a Filipina-American therapist, and I work with Asian and immigrant women, postpartum moms, and Christian couples who are used to holding a lot—quietly, responsibly, and often without much space for themselves. On the outside, you’re capable and dependable. But internally, it can feel like anxiety, pressure, and a kind of exhaustion that doesn’t always get named. Therapy with me is a space where you don’t have to carry all of that alone. You set the pace. I’ll gently guide you, offer tools, and help you make sense of what you’re feeling—so things start to feel a little lighter, a little more grounded, and a lot more sustainable. I support you through postpartum anxiety, cultural expectations, perfectionism, and that deep sense of over-responsibility—so you can reconnect with yourself in a way that feels calm, steady, and true. For couples, we slow things down together. We look at the patterns, create more understanding, and strengthen your connection—while honoring your faith and the values that matter most to you. Because at the end of the day, this is your life. And my role is to support you in living it in a way that actually feels aligned, meaningful, and like your own.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+5
I believe therapy works best when you feel truly seen, safe, and understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens through connection. I work with adults navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, and the emotional weight of caregiving, relationships, and work stress. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward — and together we create space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and build tools that actually fit your life. Therapy with me is not about “fixing” you. It’s about helping you reconnect with your strengths, deepen self-compassion, and move toward a life that feels more balanced and authentic. I strive to create a space that is nonjudgmental, affirming, and supportive of your unique story
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm
Intelligent
Direct
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Empowering
Humorous
Open-Minded
Holistic

Specialties

Anger Management
Coping Skills
Depression
+6
I have over 20 years experience working in a forensic setting addressing a range of mental health issues that include anger management, psychosis, general anxiety, depression, and trauma related symptoms. I offer therapy using cognitive based interventions along with mindfulness strategies to manage mood symptoms and control negative thinking patterns. I also offer assertive communication techniques to help improve communication style between partners, family, friends, and workplace.
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New to Grow

Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
+10
Hello! I’m glad you’re here. Reaching out for support can take courage, and my hope is to offer a space where you feel seen, understood, and empowered to move toward the life you want. From school-aged youth to aging adults, in both underserved areas and affluent communities, I have supported clients navigating complex personal, social, and political landscapes. I’ve been an advocate and resource for clients through moments of profound uncertainty—including ICE raids, community crises, and the isolation of the COVID‑19 stay‑at‑home period. Across every setting, I strive to meet people with respect, curiosity, and a deep belief in their capacity for growth. I am a queer identified, cisgender, white male who's deeply proud of the LGBTQ+ community I'm part of and our diverse range of identities, abilities, and ways of life. Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy staying physically active and creative. Listening to music, going to concerts, and personally performing help me to recharge and find joy.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Intelligent
Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm
Open-minded
Direct
Humorous
Holistic
Open-Minded
Challenging

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
LGBTQ
+7
Hi there, I’m Douglas. When anxiety, uncertainty, or burnout take over, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of your next step. It doesn’t have to stay that way. I work primarily with gay men and LGBTQ+ adults who appear confident on the outside but feel anxious, scattered, or self-critical underneath. Many are high-achieving professionals navigating ADHD, rumination, identity stress, or relationship challenges while trying to meet strong internal and external expectations. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, and ADHD Clinical Services Provider, I bring both structure and depth to our work. Together, we’ll identify patterns that keep you stuck, regulate emotional reactivity, and build practical systems that support clarity and follow-through. Therapy with me blends insight with action—so change feels steady, grounded, and sustainable. If you’re ready to feel more centered, confident, and aligned in your life and relationships, I’d be honored to support you.
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Frequently asked questions

Why filter by California rather than a city like LA?

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.

Will my therapist take Aetna?

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.

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.