Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 898 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.

Availability updated: 9/16/2025

Rated 4.1 stars out of 5, 14 ratings

Marina Tonkonogy

LMFT, 17 years of experience

Intelligent
Direct
Solution oriented

Specialties

Self Esteem
I’m a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals who feel emotionally disconnected, culturally displaced, or quietly out of step with the world around them. I hold an MA in Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute in Los Angeles and am certified in psychoanalytic psychotherapy through the New Center for Psychoanalysis. This foundation in depth psychology informs my approach to work and the therapeutic relationship.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 5 ratings

Noah De La Cruz

LCSW, 10 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Open-minded
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Self Esteem
Serious Mental Illness
Being a therapist is a lifelong passion for me and is rooted in my dedication to supporting adults, children, families, and communities in building safety, resilience, and hope. My journey has taken me from my home county of Santa Cruz where I advocated and ran groups for youth living in situations including domestic violence to working in Oakland shelters for youth 13-21. I have worked in serving famillies with San Francisco Child and Family Services, where I partnered with families navigating reunification with their children while providing psychoeducation and crisis counseling during critical moments. I have focused my professional development around harm reduction and culturally focused treatment, aligning with my commitment to social justice and culturally responsive care.
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Teresa Jewelinski

LMFT, 10 years of experience

New to Grow

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Hi! I’m a licensed therapist who believes therapy should feel like a real conversation—not a performance. I bring warmth, honesty, and a sense of humor into the room, and I work best with people who are ready to get curious about themselves—even if they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start. Before becoming a therapist, I earned a BFA in Film & Television Production, and I especially enjoy working with creatives and folks in non-traditional careers—but ultimately, I love supporting people from all walks of life. Before shifting to telehealth, I worked in residential treatment with individuals recovering from drug and alcohol addiction—an experience that deeply shaped my compassionate, non-judgmental approach. My style is collaborative and flexible, drawing from CBT, solution-focused therapy, ACT, and person-centered methods to meet you where you are. Outside of therapy, you can usually find me hanging out with my husband and our dogs, listening to and discovering new music, making playlists, going to shows, making jewelry, passionately cheering on my favorite sports teams, or catching a movie on the big screen. I know life can feel like a lot sometimes—and I’m here to help you sort through it, at your pace, with no judgment and a little humor when it helps.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 3 ratings

Liz Allieu

LCSW, 4 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

Career Counseling
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+1
I’m Liz Allieu, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Alafia Wellness. I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, and depression so they can heal, thrive, and live authentically. I provide a compassionate, action-oriented space where you can reconnect with your truth and begin to flourish. My style is warm, collaborative, and honest. I believe therapy should feel like both a sanctuary and a strategy session.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 39 ratings

Edith Contreras

LPCC, 8 years of experience

Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters from the California State University of Los Angeles and have been practicing for 8 years. I have experience treating a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relational problems, and career and/or academic stress and burnout. Together we can discover and find meaning in your unique life experiences.
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Rated 4.0 stars out of 5, 2 ratings

Donny Youssef

LMFT, 6 years of experience

Authentic
Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
+2
As a compassionate and affirming therapist, I strive to create a warm, accepting space where clients feel seen, valued, and empowered in their unique identities. My practice is deeply rooted in trans-affirming and LGBT-inclusive care, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life are met with respect, validation, and understanding. Grounded in anti-oppressive principles and a strong commitment to social justice, I work collaboratively with clients to navigate life’s challenges while honoring their lived experiences. I believe that healing is not only personal but also deeply connected to the broader systems in which we live. My approach fosters self-compassion, resilience, and empowerment, helping clients cultivate meaningful change in both their inner worlds and their communities. Whether you are exploring your identity, seeking support for life’s transitions, or working through personal struggles, I am here to walk alongside you with warmth, authenticity, and unwavering support.
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Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 26 ratings

Jeff Yoo

LMFT, 6 years of experience

Solution oriented
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+2
As a certified ADHD therapist, I specialize in improving your focus, organization, and time management, and support you in building healthier routines. Also as an RLT trained therapist, I can provide support in resolving difficulties in relationships, emotional distress, and feelings of disconnect and isolation. I understand the importance of connecting with you. Your thoughts, emotions, and experiences are essential to the therapeutic process. I will help you identify and bring insight into core issues in your life and relationships. We will work together to foster personal growth and empowerment.
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Genevieve Tang

LMFT, 5 years of experience

New to Grow

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
My work is rooted in warmth, directness, and genuine relational connection, guided by a psychodynamic and attachment-focused lens. I walk alongside individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds, drawing on thousands of hours of clinical experience. I work extensively with the lived experience of marginalization—of feeling outcast or never quite belonging—and the internal pressures of a relentless drive to improve or achieve. These are distinct yet often intertwined realities. Clients come to me sensing their struggles run deeper than surface symptoms. No matter how hard they strive, they're met with the same feelings of inadequacy, emptiness, and a deep sense of isolation – Something invisible guides these patterns. My practice focuses on navigating depression, general anxiety, ADHD/neurodivergence, and the lingering effects of childhood adversity and past trauma. What defines our work together isn't just the challenge itself, but how we address it. By attending to attachment wounds and relational trauma—those invisible forces that shape so much of our experiences—we don’t just manage symptoms; we heal the roots. This might look like untangling how early relational experiences fuel your depression or anxiety today; helping ADHD brains thrive by tending to the shame or self-doubt that often accompanies neurodivergence, while building strategies that honor your unique wiring; and transforming childhood adversity and past trauma from a weight you carry into a story you now own. What moves me most profoundly is witnessing clients rediscover the integrity of their selves—not through "fixing," but through coming home to the internal freedom that lets them envision more for their lives. Together, we’ll create space for you to believe in possibility again: to breathe easier, trust yourself, and reclaim those simple joys and wild dreams you inherently held as a child—before the world taught you that you were too much, yet not enough.
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Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 59 ratings

Robert Nwanganga

LCSW, 13 years of experience

Authentic
Direct
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
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.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 22 ratings

Kona M Gleitsman

LMFT, 7 years of experience

Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
After earning my undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, I spent a number of years traveling the world and then went on to earn two Master’s degrees, the second in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have been working as a therapist for close to seven years, but have worked as a counselor with children, adolescents, and families for over 15 years. I built my own academic counseling business after my first graduate school, in which I fostered relationships with families and the community. This experience working closely with hundreds of local families gave me great insight into the power of supportive, goal oriented, client centered, positive relationships as catalysts for change in individuals and relational systems. I approach my clients with the belief that they are capable and valuable, and that with my support in identifying their strengths and resources, both internal and external, they can gain skills and achieve goals that can instill a sense of hope which enables them to move forward successfully. I have spent a great deal of time traveling, living, and working in diverse parts of the world, and I believe my own experiences coupled with my genuine positive regard for people has cultivated a broad perspective of understanding that contributes to my success as a therapist.
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Rated 4.5 stars out of 5, 11 ratings

Vanessa Richardson

LCSW, 3 years of experience

Empowering
Direct
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Career Counseling
Coping Skills
+7
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I have experience working with adults and geriatrics.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 11 ratings

Samantha Keiser

LCSW, 3 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+6
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with clients California wide via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults while specializing in stress, life transitions, anxiety, and depression. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, while tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. I welcome you to reach out whenever you feel ready to begin. I’m here to provide a safe and supportive environment, where you can thrive and be yourself.
Virtual
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 25 ratings

Jacqueline Hazel

LMFT, 5 years of experience

Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+6
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing for 4 years. My experience is in helping children, teens and adults navigate and understand their feelings and emotions to lead to a happier fulfilled life. In addition, I approach therapy from a trauma informed lens working to help clients increase happiness, confidence, and overall self esteem.
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Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 32 ratings

Ozzie Lomeli

LCSW, 15 years of experience

Authentic
Open-minded
Humorous

Specialties

Addiction
Anger Management
Career Counseling
+8
Hi. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and received my Masters from USC. I've provided therapy since 2010. I've spend 14 years working with adolescents but i also having experience working with veterans and people with addiction. I've worked with people that have PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, anger issues, drug and alcohol addictions; I've also facilitated various groups in schools and in psychiatric facilities
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Rated 4.9 stars out of 5, 23 ratings

Daljeet Singh

LMFT, 25 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Solution oriented
Intelligent
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+10
I am a licensed mental health professional (LMFT, LPCC) with an MD in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Mumbai University), a Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice (University of Arizona), and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis on Professional Clinical Counseling from Touro University. With over 20 years of experience across clinical care, mental health, healthcare management, research, program development, education, and training, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to advancing healthcare delivery.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 42 ratings

Kristi Miedecke

LMFT, 4 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Solution oriented
Intelligent

Specialties

Coping Skills
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California. I received my Master's Degree from Capella University and have been practicing for 4 years. I am certified in Equine Assisted-Psychotherapy through Eagala, and love to implement the presence of horses in sessions when possible for clients in Riverside county and surrounding areas. I help families and individuals navigate life's challenges by providing a supportive space to explore experiences, build resilience, and create meaningful change.
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Rated 4.6 stars out of 5, 21 ratings

Melody Stiles

LCSW, 27 years of experience

Direct
Authentic
Humorous

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Dissociative Disorders
+3
Do you wish someone understood your pain from trauma, whether it was something in the recent past or from long ago? I just might be the therapist you're looking for. I am a therapist specializing in working with those who’ve experienced trauma all along the trauma spectrum, which includes everything from PTSD to Dissociative Disorders. I am also a specialist in treating those struggling with substance use disorders. Sometimes we do both of these at the same time and occasionally throw a few other things in the mix as well. I am one to just roll with whatever you bring to the table. I am a Certified EMDR Therapist and also utilize other forms of treatment to help my clients meet their goals in treatment. When people see me, I consider it a partnership, and we work together to figure out what is going to be most helpful for you. I do not do one-size-fits-all therapy. Some common types of therapy I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, Strengths-based Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor in the states of California and Indiana. I also teach EMDR to other therapists seeking Certification in that specialty.
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Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 81 ratings

Angelica Limon

LMFT, 8 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Sexual Abuse
+3
Angelica has a passion for helping young children and adolescents, as well as couples and families. She works with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, adjustment, grief, family conflicts and sever medical diagnosis. Angelica has specialized experience working with those who have suffered extreme trauma or have unresolved feelings about past experiences. Angelica also specializes in support for children and adolescents with serious behavioral difficulties (including: cutting or other self-harming behaviors, anger outbursts, defiance, dis-respectfulness, etc) Angelica believes that understanding, respect, and honesty are at the heart of the therapeutic relationship. She works with clients to explore past experiences and practice real life challenges, providing clients with the tools to better manage themselves towards their goals.
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Herschel O'Brien

LPCC, 6 years of experience

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+8
I’m Herschel O’Brien, a clinical counselor with extensive experience in trauma-informed, client-centered care. I specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and collaborative, drawing from modalities like mindfulness, narrative therapy, and systems thinking. Whether you're facing trauma, mood instability, or life transitions, I offer a safe space where healing is possible and meaningful growth can take root. I believe in empowering clients to become the authors of their own lives, with clarity, confidence, and emotional insight.
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Rated 4.5 stars out of 5, 32 ratings

Sam Moglen

LMFT, 8 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Welcome—I’m Sam Moglen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) providing therapy for individuals and couples in Berkeley, CA, and throughout California via online sessions. Whether you’re struggling with grief, anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges, therapy can help you find clarity and feel more connected to yourself and those around you. I am trained in a range of modalities including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Rest and Restore Protocol, the Safe and Sound Protocol, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic therapy approaches in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.
Virtual
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Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 59 ratings

Patrick Fernaiz

LMFT, 5 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+7
I am a licensed professional in California with extensive experience in the mental health industry. With 5 years of dedicated work and an additional 9 years of complementary experience, I have worked in various settings including the criminal justice system, high-acuity psychiatric units, applied behavioral analysis, geriatrics, substance abuse facilities, and PHP/IOP/RTC levels of care. Thank you for considering me as your therapist.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 8 ratings

Priscilla Amezquita

LCSW, 13 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
+1
Greetings and congratulations on your decision toward cultivating a better you! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of clinical experience treating youth, adults, and their families. It has been a privilege of mine to help individuals heal from psychological wounds associated with painful life transitions and experiences. Witnessing my clients' progress toward a better version of themselves has always been profoundly rewarding and joyful
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 20 ratings

Kamron Poosti

LMFT, 10 years of experience

Solution oriented
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Career Counseling
Depression
+6
Hello, I’m Kamron Poosti, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Los Angeles. I specialize in addressing issues like anxiety, depression, dating, communication, relationships, burnout, and work-related stress. My client-centered approach offers tailored support to help you navigate your unique challenges and develop effective coping strategies. I’m dedicated to helping individuals from all walks of life achieve greater mental well-being and lead more fulfilling lives.
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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 9 ratings

Sarah Girling

LCSW, 5 years of experience

Authentic
Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Life Transitions
+7
Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I’ve worked in hospice, school settings, and private practice over the past several years. I help individuals who are feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed reconnect with themselves and build confidence from the inside out. Clients appreciate my grounded yet flexible approach—I guide each session while creating space for them to lead, which helps them feel truly seen and supported.
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Rated 4.8 stars out of 5, 10 ratings

Lauren N Horvath

LMFT, 15 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Personality Disorders
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
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.
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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 the state. 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 Optum?

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.

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.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

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 to expect during your first 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.