EAP:United Healthcare Optum Therapists in California

Welcome to my practice. I am a seasoned therapist and have worked in many different settings over many years. All I ever wanted to do is help people have their best lives. I practiced social work with a Bachelors degree in prisons, community agencies for the disabled, a state hospital, a state facility for people with cognitive challenges, child and family welfare work and working with folks in community care homes. I also developed and led a community program for Guardians ad Litem in child abuse and neglect cases. Then I went back to school and earned my Masters in Social Work and then my therapy credentials after many hours of supervision. I truly enjoy listening and encouraging clients to embrace strategies for wellness and self-compassion using mindfulness and compassion and strength based materials. I am actively engaged in consult groups with other therapists focusing on trans and queer issues. For several years I taught at the graduate school level in South Carolina and then Utah, teaching social work students skills for working ethically and compassionately.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience supporting individuals navigating depression, anxiety, and life’s everyday challenges. I take a compassionate, client-centered approach and primarily use Mindfulness-Based Therapy to help you build awareness, reduce stress, and develop healthier coping skills. In our work together, you can expect a safe, supportive space where you’ll learn to manage difficult thoughts and emotions, stay grounded in the present moment, and reconnect with what matters most to you. Whether you're seeking relief from overwhelming feelings or looking to strengthen your emotional resilience, I'm here to walk alongside you on that journey.

Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Robert Nwanganga, a licensed therapist. I have been a Social Worker since 2003. I also need to let you know that I am more interested in finding out why a certain behavior is occurring than I am in demonizing you for exhibiting the behavior. I have worked with a diverse populations and I have learned that therapy has to be personal if it is to be effective. I am committed to working with you in finding what modality works with your personality and focus on your strength in dealing with the situation that brought you to us.

Hello, I’m Giovanna. Whether you have been struggling with mental health problems most of your life or are experiencing some personal hardships and are looking for help, you have come to the right place. Be proud of yourself for reaching out for support. The journey might not be easy but the goal is to help you have a life that you find meaningful and fulfilling. I have experience working with adolescents, transitional age youth, adults and older adults dealing with mood disorders, anxiety, psychosis, trauma, personality disorders, developmental disorders, and substance use as well as with those going through life transitions and struggling finding their way.

Hi, my name is Michael (Mike) Chavez, LCSW, and I provide individual therapy to adults facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll explore what’s not working in your life and develop practical tools and strategies to create positive, lasting change. Sometimes that means identifying and replacing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with ones that better align with your values and goals. My goal is to help you feel more empowered, balanced, and resilient.

As a dedicated Licensed Trauma-Focused Clinician, I am committed to creating a safe and supportive space where individuals and couples can explore emotions, process difficult feelings, and discover their underlying strengths to manage life stressors. My work in guiding people towards improving their lives is my passion. My therapeutic approach is very authentic, warm, with a touch of humor, ensuring that you feel comfortable and understood throughout our journey together. Many of my therapeutic techniques are backed by scientifically proven mental health theories or statistical research, and I am continuously learning new modalities through ongoing trainings. Imagine a therapy session that is not only effective but also feels like a genuine conversation with a trusted friend. My approach is direct, open-minded, and solution-focused, tailored to meet your unique needs as you reflect on your life. I believe in the power of concise communication, making each session impactful and focused on your progress. I am passionate about empowering my clients to face life’s challenges by tapping into their natural capabilities. In my practice, you'll find a non-judgmental and welcoming environment, where your concerns are met with compassion and understanding. My goal is to provide a safe and judgment-free space for you to explore life's unique challenges we all face. I'll walk alongside you to guide and assist in managing life stressors impacting your journey. With my support, we will develop solutions, coping skills, and an understanding of emotions to improve your quality of life. It is essential to me you leave each session with more insight, self-awareness, and self-acceptance than before. I am experienced in working with individuals, couples, children of all ages, diversity of ethnicities, genders, and different cultural frameworks, which I embrace with warm understanding and appreciation. Let's devote time to your personal growth and healing together.

Hi, my name is Idania Arellano, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received a master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University in 2019. I have worked in human services for since 2010 in various capacities including drug and alcohol and case management in group homes. I enjoy working as a therapist and feel privileged to help others work on themselves.

The therapeutic relationship is one that I hold close to my heart, as it is a piece of the puzzle that allowed me to flourish into my true self. I know firsthand what it is like to struggle and feel as though the obstacles ahead appear to be near impossible, whether big or small. While in the moment they may seem insurmountable, truly these experiences become the seeds of transformation and the foundation for stepping into our greatest possibilities in life. I invite you to explore your struggles collaboratively in a non-judgmental and safe space to cultivate greater self-acceptance, empowerment, and strength as you reclaim your inner knowing. I’m looking forward to supporting you as you step into new possibilities in this healing and transformative journey.

My name is Emilie Crist and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science in Special Studies Pre-Public Health and attained my Master’s of Art in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide. I have worked in community health and private practice and have a broad range of knowledge and experience that I am able to apply to my work as a clinician. I look forward to helping you on your healing journey to find deeper meaning and a better understanding of yourself to reach your full potential.

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.

I am a bilingual Latinx therapist with over 18 years of experience, offering culturally grounded mental health support through my private practice, Luna Nueva Holistic Therapy. My approach integrates evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, and interpersonal therapy with holistic healing and ancestral practices to support mind-body-spirit wellness. I specialize in working with BIPOC and first-generation individuals navigating life transitions, grief, cultural identity, and generational trauma, offering a compassionate and affirming space for healing, self-discovery, and radical self-love.

Hello. I am a psychotherapist who values not only the creative attributes of the mind but also the wisdom of the body and soul. My presence-oriented, client-centered approach, helps me connect in a way that empowers the change and growth you desire. I offer practical tools and guidance that support you to achieve wellness and balance. My areas of specialty include trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, relationships, cross-cultural, and creativity. I am well-versed in teaching coping skills, self-regulation, and mindfulness practices. Somatic, psychodynamic, depth, art, energy psychology, guided imagery, and CBT are some of the therapeutic modalities I apply. I also have extensive experience working with energy therapies and the active imagination. Because I care deeply about supporting my clients through times of need, the relational guidance and support I maintain helps clients achieve their goals and overcome challenges. I especially connect with those who are struggling to find their way through life transitions and the difficulties encountered along the way. My own life experience informs and gives insight into these struggles, and my open, authentic, and non-judgmental personality helps clients to feel safe and at ease. Building trust and openness is key to my work, and I value each and everyone’s unique story and journey. I also have a background in the creative and professional arts and this experience gives me a unique insight into supporting those who are creatives. Additionally, I have an insider's perspective on cross-cultural issues and understand some of the challenges one meets when living in a country different from where they were born. Currently, I am a PhD candidate in East-West psychology with a focus on imaginal practices and their transformative potential.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Artist based in Southern California. I studied art therapy at Loyola Marymount University and have been a practicing therapist for almost 7 years. I would like to facilitate art-making during telehealth sessions whenever a client is willing to do so. I am excited and hopeful to get to be a part of your journey

I have enjoyed practicing therapy to help individuals navigate challenging times and achieve meaningful life improvements since 2013. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor licensed in California, Texas, Colorado and Nebraska. I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and received a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling. Throughout my career, I’ve supported adults, from college-age through the span of professional working life, and across diverse environments, including universities, hospitals, the military community (active duty and dependents), and Veterans. My approach is compassionate and empathetic, and tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, with an emphasis on resilience, growth, and lasting change.

Hi my name is Hilary Matthews and I am a therapist specializing in mood disorders, substance use treatment and trauma. People often report fears and sadness as life changes affect them. I beleive that change is something to embrace and I will show you how. In my client centered practice I use Cognitive behavior, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, trauma informed care to assist clients with their challenges.

My name is Laurissa Miller. I am an LCSW that lives in Ventura County, California. I have 13 years of experience with kids, trauma, PTSD, and foster care. I have also worked with children with Autism and ADHD. My goal is always to meet my clients where they are at and work as a team to help them accomplish their goals. I look forward to working with you.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical counselor located in California. I received my Masters Degrees from Brandman University in Victorville, California and have been practicing in for just under 5 years. I help those with distressing thoughts and feelings manage symptoms better and improve their sense of self. I find joy supporting and empowering those that are searching for healing and solutions to current struggles in daily life, and believe that finding purpose and meaning are monumental in becoming the best version of ourselves and a catalyst for positive change.

Hi, I am a Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been working as a therapist for 10 years. My goal is to provide guidance, support, and feedback in a safe therapeutic space to ultimately help you heal and strengthen your resilience. I help my clients identify areas they would like to develop and learn new coping skills in order to enhance strengths and abilities which can help them achieve a greater degree of happiness and contentment in their lives.

I am a seasoned and dedicated therapist, holding a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and I am based in California. With 13 years of experience in this field, my practice is driven by a profound commitment to assisting individuals in their journey toward self-discovery and personal growth. My therapeutic approach centers around meeting my clients right where they are in their lives, offering them a safe and non-judgmental space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I am deeply passionate about nurturing self-understanding, self-compassion, and self-love, guiding individuals to embrace these qualities as they navigate life's challenges. In my practice, I emphasize the importance of moving away from self-criticism and self-blame, recognizing these patterns as hindrances to personal well-being. Instead, I work collaboratively with my clients to foster self-acceptance and self-compassion, empowering them to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to help individuals discover their inner strengths, enhance their self-awareness, and develop the tools they need to lead more fulfilling and contented lives. It's a privilege and a passion of mine to assist others on their journey towards greater self-acceptance and emotional well-being.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master Degree from California State University and I've been practicing therapy for over 12 years. I grew up in Italy and moved to the US 42 years ago. I work with adult men and women struggling with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationships. I'm passionate about helping them live more fulfilling relationships and peaceful life.

Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience providing therapy and support to individuals from all walks of life. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from San José State University. Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating a safe, affirming space—especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups. I believe in meeting clients where they are, honoring their lived experiences, and working collaboratively to foster healing, growth, and resilience.

I am an LPCC in California and an LPC in Texas. My educational background consists of earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master's in clinical counseling, and a Master's in Addictions. I am a National Certified Counselor and am a certified addictions counselor. My past clinical experience includes working for a crisis center where the majority of clients experienced issues related to suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and child and elder abuse. These issues impact people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. I have also worked for a county-based permanent assisted housing development where all of the clients have experienced episodes of homelessness, and have been significantly impacted by issues of trauma, depression, addictions, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. With a passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families to navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth, I've dedicated my career to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where my clients can explore challenges, heal, and thrive. My approach is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique dynamics and strengths. Whether addressing communication issues, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, or personal development, I aim to empower my clients to achieve greater harmony, understanding, and fulfillment in their lives and relationships.

Hello there and thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 17 years of combined experience working in the field of mental health and substance use. As a therapist, I like to provide a safe and nonjudgemental safe space for Clients to work on their concerns and achieve their goals. Most of my Clients feel that even if they have struggled to connect with other therapists in the past, they are able to connect with me and feel supported.

I offer strength-based, trauma-informed care, grounded in the belief that you are the expert of your own life. With 15+ years of experience in this field, I draw from a range of approaches—including CBT, DBT, and EMDR—to help you achieve your goals. Reach out for a free phone consultation to discuss your unique needs and begin creating a personalized plan for healing.