Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 902 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: 8/24/2026

Often rebooked

Authentic
Intelligent
Direct
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+4
My name is Mark, and I have dedicated more than 15 years to working with families and youth in the foster care system. Before entering the field of foster care, I served as a combat medic in the military. This experience shaped my commitment to helping others and laid the foundation for my career. I have always been drawn to roles where I can make a positive impact on others’ lives. Helping people has become my true passion. In all my work, I strive to share joy and compassion, centering my approach on the unique needs of each individual I support.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Peer Relationships
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hello, I am an Asian-American female, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and Nevada with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families providing mental health services in a community-based setting, intensive mental health setting, and private practice setting. I am here to provide support for whatever your needs may be and overcome any challenges in your life. I am licensed in California and Nevada. I DO NOT PROVIDE COUPLES THERAPY WORK ON GROW PLATFORM. Website: www.healingheartsmentalhealth.com Instagram: Ilovetherapy661
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+4
I’m a licensed therapist who helps people reconnect with their emotions when they’ve spent years pushing them aside just to get through life. Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, capable, and deeply caring, but feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or hard on themselves without fully understanding why. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in Emotion-Focused work, helping you slow down, understand what’s happening inside, and build a more compassionate relationship with yourself. Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you, it’s about helping you feel more like you again.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+1
Saundre has over 15 years of professional counseling experience working in shelters, schools, and mental health clinics. She received a master’s degree in social work from Howard University with a focus on Black mental health and community healing. Growing up in East Oakland, in a single-parent household quickly taught Saundre about the importance of her own mental health care. Personally experiencing the effects of misogyny, classism and racism pushed her to create safe and humanizing spaces for Black Women to begin their healing journey. During the pandemic she courageously opened her private practice Queens N' Therapy®, which is specifically tailored to meet the mental health needs of Black Women.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Perinatal Mental Health
+10
Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. Seeking support is a courageous step, and I’m honored to be part of your journey. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, my approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in compassion. I offer a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore your story, build on your strengths, and move at a pace that feels right for you. I work with teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, trauma, life transitions, identity, and more—especially BIPOC clients, moms, and transitional age youth. I draw from evidence-based, strength-based, and person-centered practices tailored to your unique needs. Therapy is a space for healing and growth, and I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you reconnect with yourself, your goals, and your resilience.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Mood Disorders
Hello, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) currently practicing in California. I received my Masters Degree from the National University in Sacramento and have over 25 years experience working with every walk of life from young foster children, to at-risk adolescents, to adult inmate patients. My specialties include crisis intervention, moderate-to-high acuity, mood disorders, and other mental illnesses.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
+6
Whether you are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or a life transition, I am here to offer support and help you make meaningful change. Using cognitive behavioral techniques, as well as strength-based and solution-focused models, my goal is to help my clients develop coping skills to manage day-to-day stress, strengthen their relationships and gain an improved quality of life. I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience working with adults, couples, families, and children. I utilize my professional and personal experience, humor, and warmth to create a strong, collaborative relationship with my clients.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Addiction
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi my name is Jazmin. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people who need guidance coping with stress, trauma, substance abuse, and troubling thoughts. My therapeutic style is working collaboratively with you and empowering you to change your unwanted feelings and behaviors. Let's work together to uncover what is holding you back from being your best self.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+8
Welcome! I'm Patricia Soto, a compassionate Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist committed to guiding individuals towards mental well-being and empowerment though all seasons in life. With a focus on addressing depression, self-esteem, anxiety, grief, life transitions, work-related stress, and challenges within relationships and families, I'm dedicated to helping you harness your innate strengths and work on your journey to healing and happiness.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 9 years of experience. My clinical experience is working with individuals who are dealing with cancer and chronic illness, both from a personal and clinical perspective. I have successfully helped clients navigate through challenges such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I enjoy the creative collaborative process of utilizing Exposures and Response Prevention with my clients. Clients learn somatic techniques to help with anxiety and OCD. I am also trained in EMDR which helps reprocess triggering or traumatic thoughts. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and ultimately find healing and growth.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+10
Teenagers often arrive in therapy carrying things that no one at home or school knows how to name yet. I've spent years working alongside adolescents and their families in schools and community settings—and I bring that same depth to my work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and major life transitions. I also specialize in early psychosis: working with teens and young adults experiencing their first break with reality, and the families trying to understand what's happening. My approach centers on building clear goals, strengthening hope, and learning to move through the uncertainty that real change requires. If you'd like to learn more about me & my approach, please visit: www.benjaminclover.com/about
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Warm
Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Addiction
Anxiety
+8
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (TX LPC #88209, CO LPC#0024066) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA LPCC #16170) based in Dallas, TX with over 15 years experience in mental health and recovery-oriented work. I dedicate my practice to helping individuals navigate life's complexities and find their own path to well-being. My approach is warm, collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I believe that counseling is a partnership, and I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and create a life that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). In 1991, I obtained a B.H. in Social Psychology from The Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (Mexico). In 2008, I graduated from University of Phoenix with an M.A. in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. I have more than 22 years of experience working with patients—including adolescents, parents, adults, and couples. My focus is on improving relationships and addressing mental or emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, psychosocial stressors, life challenges, and personal goals.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
+1
Hello, I am Julie. We often are doing the best we can with what we are given, and I am here to help improve daily practices, routines, and maintain a life worth living. I help clients who struggle with Acute and Chronic Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety disorders, and Depressive disorders. I am trained in utilizing Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR) therapy. Although, I have training in specific therapy modalities I take time to incorporate client goals and address the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and art to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. I am excited to begin working with individuals in their journey to self-exploration and healing. "What we don't need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human." -Brene Brown
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
Great to meet you! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I’m really glad you’re here. Reaching out for support isn’t always easy, so taking this step already says a lot about your willingness to grow. I work with clients navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and patterns that can feel hard to break. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same cycles or unsure why certain things keep coming up, you’re not alone — and that’s exactly the kind of work we can explore together.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Life Transitions
+3
You're the one everyone calls first; composed outside, exhausted inside. I'm Dr. Dezetta Burnett, DSW, LCSW. My virtual California practice helps women and professionals work through anxiety, burnout, boundaries, and the waiting and grief of IVF. Sessions are direct and practical: you'll leave with a clear next step, not just insight. Midday weekday telehealth, built to fit inside your workday. If you are a new or current client who is preparing for IVF or IUI, currently undergoing treatment, or have recently completed treatment, and you do not see an available appointment within the timeframe you need, please schedule my next available appointment and send me a message. I will make every effort to accommodate you sooner if an opening becomes available.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
Professional with over thirty experience collectively in mental health/clinic-based care and in an educational capacity. Bilingual fluency in both English and Spanish. Extensive work experience with culturally diverse populations throughout San Diego County and Ventura County. Knowledgeable in working with co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and a variety of mental health disorders. Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor since an intern in 2006.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Life Transitions
Serious Mental Illness
Trauma and PTSD
+3
I enjoy working collaboratively to develop goals that are realistic, meaningful, and lead to positive change. I view therapy as a journey—one that helps you find steadier footing and supports you as you move along your unique path. Although much of my background has been in public service settings working with severe mental illness, acute crises, and trauma, I welcome concerns of any size. No problem is too small or too overwhelming to bring into therapy. I invite you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you! I have been in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years and have been licensed since 2012. I have a practical, down-to-Earth style with an open-minded, solution focused approach. There is likely no issue too complicated or difficult for me to work with. I like to establish a clear treatment path with attainable goals, making it easier for you. I encourage you to give the therapy process a chance to work for you. My goal is to offer steady support and thoughtful guidance as you discover a healing path that truly fits your life. While life can be challenging, you don’t have to navigate it alone—therapy can provide a safe space to find clarity, resilience, and hope.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Warm
Solution oriented
Specialties
Eating Disorders
Health/Medical Issues
Mood Disorders
+10
Hello! My name is Lori Sanderson, I am a licensed clinical therapist with a master's degree in clinical social work and a doctoral degree in health education and promotion. I enjoy looking at your thoughts and assumptions and how they contribute to uncomfortable emotions or feelings. How you think contributes to how you feel and how you behave. How you behave also contributes to how you feel. I will meet you where you are, but I will also help you develop a stronger and healthier version of you. We will do this together by helping you to explore the potential roots of your struggles and by giving you the tools to manage your emotional responses to life stressors, including tragedies, medical conditions, losses, criticism, etc. You deserve somewhere that you can share what is on your mind, be emotionally supported and validated, without fear of being judged. You deserve someone who can support you in becoming the best and most fulfilled version of you.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Empowering
Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Welcome! ¡Bienvenido! My name is Silvia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of California. My mission is to create a positive, supportive space where you feel truly empowered. Therapy should feel like a meaningful conversation—one that helps you breathe a little easier and feel a little lighter each time we meet. I strive to offer an environment where you feel heard, supported, guided, and safe. Through a humanistic approach, I focus on making our time together feel valuable, collaborative, and deeply meaningful.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Direct
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Domestic Violence
Perinatal Mental Health
+7
If you feel stuck in a cycle of overthinking, self-doubt, or pressure to hold everything together, you are not alone. Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed by their own thoughts, and together, we work on creating a clearer path forward. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel truly seen and supported while also gaining the skills to create lasting change. Outside of the office, you can usually find me working on a home reno project or cooking up a new recipe. As an LMFT, I specialize in working with individuals to navigate anxiety, burnout, or life transitions. My approach is collaborative and open-minded. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help you identify and reshape unhelpful thought patterns that keep you stuck, providing you with practical, evidence-based tools to feel more in control of your daily life.
Available
Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+9
Hello, I am an older adult who came to this career after a long career in the non-profit sector. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of clients with a wide variety of issues and circumstances. The bulk of my previous experience in the nonprofit world was in substance use disorder treatment programs. My training as a therapist includes specialized training for a wide variety of disorders. I am known for being empathic, honest and insightful and a relentless cheerleader for my clients. I am very interactive and I will offer liberal doses of feedback and suggestions. I will provide psycho-education and will look to you for feedback about how you are feeling about the therapy. We will address the therapy as a team. My ideal client is someone motivated to improve their life. I work with clients who can benefit from 1 month to 1 year of therapy.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Direct
Specialties
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Self Esteem
+4
Through connection, empathy and a non-judgmental approach, I offer ways to help you discover what may be blocking you from finding your true path in life. By not seeing an individual for what symptoms they have or what is affecting them, I am more interested in helping you find what is the cause of symptoms and how to process them. I work with adults from all backgrounds. I am also open to any culture, belief, identification or orientation. All are welcome. I base all individual therapy on a client-focused approach and adapt sessions to the needs of each person.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Foster Care/Adoption
My approach is the culmination of over 20 years of personal experience, study and work in the fields of social worker and therapies . Deeply listening and living in life’s fullness has been my touchstone and a guiding light that continues to inform and teach me. I look forward to talking with you and learning more about how I can help.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
+10
I run Unscripted Therapy, a practice focused on helping people break out of stuck patters. I work with individuals who are tired of having the same conversations and somehow ending up right back where they started. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or relationship patterns that keep repeating, something isn’t working—and at this point, that’s pretty clear. My approach is direct, collaborative, and focused on actually changing what’s not working. I’m not going to just sit there nodding while you vent and then ask how that made you feel for the tenth time. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck and start doing something different about it. Therapy with me is honest, practical, and yes—sometimes a little blunt. But it’s also real. If you’re looking for something that actually helps you move forward (not just talk about why you’re stuck), we’ll probably be a good fit.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

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

Yes! If you use 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.