Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 831 verified therapists in California who accept Optum insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and solution-focused therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you have access to quality care that fits within your Optum insurance coverage.

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Los AngelesSan DiegoSan FranciscoSacramentoOaklandSan JoseLong BeachFresnoRiversideBakersfieldIrvinePasadenaStocktonAnaheimTorranceRosevilleBeverly HillsCoronaPiedmontSanta Clarita

Availability updated: 10/28/2026

Has intro video

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
My focus is to provide support and guidance. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy (ages 5+) using a client-centered approach. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), etc. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I provide a client-centered approach with motivational interviewing. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches.
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Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Spirituality
+5
Welcome to my professional practice focused on providing emotional support. Navigating the complexities of life can be challenging, and seeking assistance is a testament to personal strength. As a licensed therapist, I specialize in working with couples, families, and individuals, addressing psychological issues such as emotional distress and relational dynamics. I offer both Christian counseling and secular therapeutic modalities, creating a secure environment for clients to express their emotions and foster healthier interpersonal connections. My methodology is rooted in evidence-based practices aimed at managing anxiety, facilitating life transitions, and processing past traumas. Together, we will work on enhancing self-awareness and implementing strategies for positive behavioral change, ultimately paving the way for a more satisfying and enriched life experience. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!
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Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to help adults navigate life's complexities. With expertise in mental health and a commitment to fostering positive change, I specialize in addressing issues such as stress, relationships, and self-discovery. My therapeutic toolkit includes evidence-based modalities tailored to your unique needs. In my practice, I incorporate animal-assisted therapy as a unique and supportive element of the healing process. Whether it’s the calming presence of a therapy dog during sessions or structured therapeutic activities involving animals, I’ve found that the bond between humans and animals can open up powerful pathways for trust, regulation, and emotional connection. Animals can offer a grounding presence for clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I love seeing the ways they help people feel more comfortable, understood, and at ease.
VirtualAvailable
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Solution oriented
Direct
Warm
Specialties
Addiction
Anger Management
Child or Adolescent
+2
Hello I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in the field of Social Work for over 30 years. I have worked with many different people from a variety of cultures. I have helped both children, adolescents and adults with various concerns from criminal behaviors, addiction, and serious mental illness. I have helped people change their behavior and thinking so they can reach their potential, achieve their goals and heal emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
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Authentic
Humorous
Warm
Specialties
Child or Adolescent
Men's Issues
Women's Issues
+10
My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Hi, I’m Maureshia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I work with young professionals and diverse populations, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, navigating anxiety, depression, career transitions, work-life balance, and identity exploration. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented, focused on creating a safe space where you can gain insight, build practical skills, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
My name means “Light,” and my goal is to help you rediscover yours. As a BIPOC therapist, I bring a culturally sensitive, holistic approach to healing. Together, we’ll shed light on your challenges and explore compassionate, practical solutions to help you move forward. My work is rooted in the transformative power of mindfulness, spirituality, and self-awareness. I integrate psychoanalysis, faith-based counseling, and holistic healing to create a space where you can reconnect with your authentic self and cultivate resilience. I specialize in supporting adults facing anxiety, trauma, depression, and men’s issues. My approach blends psychotherapy with spiritual exploration and self-discovery — helping you realign with your purpose and inner peace. I believe every person holds untapped potential and innate wisdom. My role is to hold a nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen, supported, and understood. Through our work together, we’ll turn over the stones of your experience to reveal clarity, healing, and a renewed sense of direction. I’ve personally walked through profound loss and transformation — including a near-death experience and the passing of my beloved mother to cancer. These experiences deepened my faith in the human spirit and in our collective ability to heal and shine again. Wherever you are on your journey, I’m here to help you grow and remember who you truly are — a light meant to shine.
VirtualAvailable
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Intelligent
Direct
Solution oriented
Specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Starting therapy can feel empowering, confusing, or even intimidating—and it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the courage it takes to take this first step toward caring for your mental health. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where you can explore challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-care, and more. My goal is to help you strengthen communication and boundaries with yourself and others so that you can improve your quality of life and move toward the future you envision. Therapy is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s also about personal growth. Together, we’ll clarify your goals and identify strategies to help you move toward them, whether that means change over the next month, six months, or a year. You’ll leave our sessions with practical insights and “next steps” you can put into action right away. I believe life’s purpose isn’t simply to be happy, but to find meaning—and within that meaning, joy emerges. While the journey isn’t always easy, it can be transformative. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addictions Professional, Internationally Certified Drug Counselor, and Behavior Analyst. I take a strength-based approach, helping you use your unique abilities to address challenges. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to empower you in creating lasting change. Most importantly, I bring a relaxed, compassionate, and trustworthy presence, fostering a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe and supported.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Humorous
Empowering
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
+10
Hey there friend, I’m Dr. Ryan Terao. I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in supporting those doing their best to navigate this experience we call life. I partner with my clients to discover, observe, and reconnect them with their values and find more effective ways to achieve their goals. In each session, I aim to provide my clients with new perspectives and tangible skills to adjust their mindsets to help them be more intentional in living out their values in their life. *Unfortunately I am not currently taking insurance for coupes therapy and am only accepting cash payments for couples therapy*
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Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Burnout
Depression
+10
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults (18+) experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. With 20 years of experience working with at-risk populations, I have supported individuals navigating complex personal, family, educational, and occupational challenges. My experience includes working with military-affiliated individuals adjusting to civilian life, as well as civilians facing a variety of life circumstances.
VirtualAvailable
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Empowering
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+5
I have been working in the area of mental wellness for over 25 years developing programs, creating partnerships, and working directly with clients. I have a passion for supporting clients to feel better and reach their goals. I work with clients to understand the states of their own nervous systems and work with skills to find more peace and balance in their bodies. I believe that a body, spirit, mind approach is the direction of healing and becoming our best. Our body holds so much wisdom for healing and wellbeing. Our spirits help us connect with the best parts of ourselves that can help us move from dark places to letting the light shine from within. We can learn to change the messages in our minds that are more reflective of who we are as a whole being.
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Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Substance Misuse
Trauma and PTSD
+6
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and self-compassion. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, self-doubt, or feeling stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can provide an opportunity to better understand yourself and create meaningful change. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs and goals. Drawing from evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, attachment-focused work, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), I help clients develop practical skills while also exploring the deeper experiences and patterns that influence their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. EMDR can be particularly effective for processing trauma, reducing emotional distress, and helping clients move forward from experiences that continue to impact their lives. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to explore difficult experiences, build self-awareness, and strengthen your ability to cope with life's challenges. My goal is not only to help you feel better, but to help you create a life that feels more authentic, fulfilling, and aligned with your values.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Empowering
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+9
You’re doing your best to hold everything together—but you’re exhausted. Maybe everyone turns to you, yet your mind won’t shut off. If you're navigating anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, or past trauma, therapy can be a place to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and create space for the person you are beneath all that pressure.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Intelligent
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Older Adults
+12
Choosing a therapist can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to understand what therapy actually involves. At its core, therapy is a unique relationship built on trust, safety, and genuine human connection. My first priority is creating a non‑shaming, supportive environment where you feel understood and comfortable sharing your story. I primarily work with individuals at this time and accept a limited number of couples when appropriate. My approach is experiential and attachment‑based, meaning we explore emotions, patterns, and relationships in a way that helps you make sense of what you’re feeling and move toward meaningful change. You can expect empathy, authenticity, and a collaborative process where your goals guide our work. I’m especially effective with adolescents, young adults, people navigating high‑stress careers in tech or business, active-duty service members, veterans, and anyone seeking clarity, emotional grounding, or healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Clients often describe me as caring, steady, and deeply invested in their wellbeing. If what you’ve read resonates, I’d be glad to connect and explore whether we’re a good fit. Sincerely, Michael Durrigan, LMFT (131635)
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Intelligent
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Women's Issues
Coping Skills
+4
If you're in your 40s or 50s and feel like you no longer recognize yourself, you're not imagining it. Anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere, a shorter fuse, brain fog, poor sleep, low mood, and feeling like you've lost your spark are all common in perimenopause and menopause. Too often, women are told it's "just stress" or that they should push through. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience and a Certified Menopause Coach. I specialize in working with women in midlife who are navigating the emotional and mental health side of this transition, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms that often surface or intensify during these years. In our work together, you'll have a space where your experience is taken seriously. I'll help you understand what's happening, build practical tools for managing mood, stress, and focus, and reconnect with who you are and what you want from this next chapter. I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches and tailor them to you. Midlife can be more than something to get through. With the right support, it can be a time of clarity, confidence, and renewal. I'd be honored to help you thrive in it.
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Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hello! I am Dawniel (don Yell) and I’ve been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2006 and have been working in private practice since 2020. Recently I became an EMDR certified therapist. Alongside that, I draw on cognitive-behavioral, dialectical, and mindfulness approaches, always centered on your strengths, not just your struggles. I am passionate about working with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress or who have been dealing with the effects of trauma or grief.
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Empowering
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
+3
I am originally from South Africa and have an innate ability to connect with people from different cultures. I am committed to providing a safe and trusting environment, which is the core foundation of my work with clients. ​I work with adults and teenagers who are dealing with depression anxiety, grief, hopelessness and other mental illnesses. I help clients experiencing panic attacks/anxiety using the application of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ​As a cancer survivor, I understand all aspects of being a patient. I am passionate about helping clients cope with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. In addition to working at Grow Therapy, I run a private practice in Encino. I have also worked as the Clinical Director at A Home Within, an organization that connects foster children with therapists in private practice. Their motto: "One child, one therapist, for as long as it takes." My work at Safe Harbor, an Intensive Outpatient and Dual Diagnosis Facility was where I saw families and individuals and guided weekly teenage groups for self-harm. I completed my traineeship at Hillview Mental Health, an outpatient facility for clients representing a full spectrum of mental illnesses. I ran groups and worked with clients individually. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge and a Masters in Psychology from Phillips Graduate University.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+3
Hello, I am Coralia Valdez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been working in the mental health field for over 25 years. Throughout my work as therapist, I believe that real change happens when you feel truly heard and supported. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore your challenges, discover your strengths, and move toward the life you want.
VirtualAvailable
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Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Sexual Abuse
+1
Authentic Empowering Encouraging I am an experienced Bilingual/Bi Cultural Spanish fluent, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, raised in Los Angeles, CA. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). I've been in practice 14 years. My passion is helping people facing depression, anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, and life changes. My goal and purpose are to help clients develop into the best version of themselves and to gain the skills to manage their daily lives with hope, happiness, purpose and determination. I utilize empathy, compassion and active listening skills to meet clients where they are at in their mental health journey.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
+9
I'm a licensed professional counselor who comes to therapy as a second career and brings lived experiences into every session. If you find yourself (individually or as a couple) in a time of transition - maybe you are at the start or end of a career or relationship - and feel stuck or tired of life happening to you, I can help you focus on the kind of life you want to create for yourself and the people around you. Through exploration, reflection and analysis, I can help you imagine and create the life you want for yourself and your future.
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Solution oriented
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Addiction
Anger Management
Anxiety
+11
Hi, I’m Lucila Bravo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 14 years of experience. I take a humanistic, culturally responsive approach and work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and self-esteem. My background includes working with youth, foster care systems, and correctional mental health, which has shaped me into a grounded, solution-focused therapist. I offer a balance of compassion and honest feedback, supporting you while also helping you identify patterns that may be holding you back so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Clients often experience me as warm, dependable, and adaptable. I’m here to support you while helping you set meaningful goals, find your voice, and build the confidence to advocate for yourself. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full, authentic self. Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone.
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Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
+7
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my master's degree in Marriage in Family Therapy from USC (University of Southern California). I help adults navigate conflicts that may arise from cultural differences, such as generational gaps, cultural identity, family/relationship issues, and cultural/societal pressures by helping you utilize your values and goals to reconcile dilemmas and maintaining healthy relationships with yourself and others. I also help adults experiencing depression and anxiety by helping you challenge unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, behaviors as well as develop and utilize tools to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress that impact your day to day life.
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Empowering
Holistic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) currently eligible to see Telehealth clients in California and Florida. I have been practicing Holistic Psychotherapy in my private practice for 7 years specializing in Hypnotherapy and trauma resolution. I assist adults to navigate life transitions such as grief, heartbreak, career changes, healing from trauma or outdated versions of themselves, so they can feel more free and present in everyday life.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
Are you feeling stuck, disconnected in your relationships, or noticing patterns that you don’t fully understand? You may be wanting to explore deeper—unpacking core beliefs or unresolved experiences that are impacting how you relate to others and to yourself. This process of gaining insight and gently challenging those patterns can be a meaningful step toward healing and growth. I have experience working with BIPOC individuals, women navigating anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, and individuals experiencing challenges with emotion regulation. I also support clients who are working toward feeling more like themselves again—reconnecting with a sense of balance, clarity, and emotional grounding. Finding a therapist who feels like the right fit is an important part of the process. If what you’re reading resonates with you, I would be honored to support you in this work. Our sessions—whether weekly or biweekly—are a dedicated space for you to slow down, reflect, and focus on your needs. My current availability is during daytime hours, between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and I am not offering evening appointments at this time. I look forward to walking alongside you in your healing journey.
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Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
LGBTQ
Life Transitions
Personality Disorders
+9
Rebecca McWhorter, LCSW #87376 I believe therapy starts with meeting you where you are. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and individualized, focusing on what you want to work on rather than simply focusing on just a diagnosis. I have experience working with individuals across the lifespan and from diverse backgrounds. My clinical experience includes more than eight years in an Enhanced Outpatient Program, where I worked with individuals experiencing complex and severe mental health concerns across a wide range of diagnoses. This experience taught me that every person is different and that therapy should be flexible and tailored to the individual. I draw from different therapeutic approaches and adapt them to your needs, strengths, and goals. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, develop practical coping skills, better understand yourself, and work toward meaningful change. I have experience with most mental health concerns and diagnoses, though eating disorders are outside my primary area of specialty. Through Telehealth, I am able to connect with clients in a variety of settings and continue doing work that I find deeply meaningful. One of my guiding principles in therapy is that my advice is a direction to explore, not a fact that you have to follow. We will work together to determine what actually works for you. What helps one person may not help another, and I believe therapy should allow room to try different approaches, learn from the experience, and adjust along the way.
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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 Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Optum 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.