Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 791 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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Warm
Authentic
Empowering
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.
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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
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Women's Issues
Career Counseling
+5
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from the University of Southern California (USC) and have been practicing for 10 years. I help adults struggling with life stressors and burnout and guide them toward becoming the best versions of themselves. I take pride in the method in which I organically bond with my clients, no matter their age or gender. I will remain transparent, always be a human before a therapist, and will provide my best clinical insight, guidance, and genuine care.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Spirituality
Women's Issues
+3
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), licensed in California. I received my Masters from California State University Los Angeles and have been practicing for 5 years. I help adult women (18-60) struggling with anxiety, life transitions, depression, and overall who are wanting to explore their inner world and go on a healing journey. I have found that women need support in reconnecting with their bodies and I am passionate with providing mindfulness based practices in helping women remember and reconnect with the power they have.
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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.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Dissociative Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Knoxville, TN and am licensed in California. I received my masters degree from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for the past five years in community mental health. I feel it is important to create a safe, judgement free environment where clients can openly share experiences and address intimate details of life.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+7
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to providing a safe, empathetic, and supportive space for healing and growth. I believe in offering culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental care tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Whether you are seeking guidance through personal challenges or working toward specific goals, I am here to help you navigate the journey with compassion and understanding.
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+9
I am a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker with approximately 16 years of experience working with adults and youth. I am compassionate, and curious therapist and in my practice, I create a safe and trusting environment, providing my clients with the emotional support needed to overcome challenging issues and make positive adjustments to be and feel your best. My approach helps clients find their own way through reflection, self care and self compassion.
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Empowering
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+9
Hello there! My name is Adriana Soriano a bilingual (Spanish-English) LCSW born and raised in Southern California. Contemplating therapy? Let’s take this journey together towards emotional and spiritual wellness, a commitment to positive change. I believe as the client increases self-awareness, they then can begin to see growth and experience self-actualization, the ability to become the best version of one self. This progression forward, can be transformative in mind, body and spirt. It is also my belief that someone’s present reality may be influenced by memories of past experience, including early adversities, in turn affecting a person’s current perceptions of the world and others, as well as expectations for the future and interpersonal interactions.
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Coping Skills
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Hi, I'm Abby. Do you find it difficult to gain peace in your daily life? Do your past experiences impact how you can function in your present moment? Or does fear about past or future events keep you from living your life the way you want to today? I help people from all walks of life learn to manage and process these feelings, emotions and events. Empowering them to move forward with skills to be successful in their daily lives. Together we can heal mind, body and spirit to build the healthiest version of you moving forward. Confident in your ability to manage what life brings your way. Wellness is more than the absence of disease; it is a state of optimal well-being. It goes beyond the curing of illness to achieving health. Through the ongoing integration of your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self, you have the opportunity to create and preserve a whole and happy life. I strive to create services that are designed to provide you with an integrated solution for your mind, body, spirit, and life to enhance your life and resolve issues. I provide counseling designed to address many of the issues people are dealing with and I am excited to start this journey with you. I know the first step can be scary but I will walk alongside you to achieve the goal you have set out for yourself.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Authentic
Holistic
Specialties
Coping Skills
LGBTQ
Women's Issues
+9
Life's pressures can leave you feeling like you're constantly running on a treadmill—anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the person you want to be. If you're a young adult trying to navigate career, relationships, and your own sense of self, it’s easy to feel like you're falling short, even when you're doing your best. My name is Devin, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My own story as a mixed-race, genderqueer femme of Mexican and Laos ancestry isn't just a biography line—it's the lens through which I understand the world. It’s taught me how our identities, families, and communities shape our lives, often in complicated ways. I offer virtual therapy to young adults in California who are ready to explore these layers and find a more grounded, resilient path forward.
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Family Conflict
Grief
+3
Hello, my name is Jeri. Do you feel like you have always been the responsible one who gets things done but lately are starting to feel resentful or just plain exhausted? Are you dealing with emotionally immature family members/co-workers/friends? Do you find it difficult to put yourself first? I help high-functioning individuals manage their relationships, emotions, and stress in their lives. We will work together to understand the root of your struggles, help you explore your options and become a better communicator so you can meet your own needs. You just need to show up for your appointments, be interested in your growth and do any homework assignments that are assigned to you (they are easy, don't worry).
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Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Eating Disorders
LGBTQ
Women's Issues
+1
I'm a queer, feminist therapist who creates a warm, affirming space for clients navigating body image concerns and eating disorders. My approach is rooted in Health at Every Size (HAES) and LGBTQ+ affirming care, with a deep belief that therapy should feel both supportive and empowering. I’m here to help you not just get through the hard weeks, but to feel seen, heard, and equipped with tools to move through life with more ease. I know how vulnerable it can be to seek help—especially around food and body image—and I strive to offer a space where you can be your full self without judgment. In addition to talk therapy, I also offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps process and heal from trauma, distressing memories, and deeply rooted beliefs that may be holding you back.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
LGBTQ
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Hi, I'm Jason Markel, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 9 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, and struggles with self-worth. Many of the people I work with have spent years taking care of others, second-guessing themselves, or trying to meet expectations that don't truly fit who they are. They often feel exhausted, disconnected, or stuck repeating patterns that no longer serve them. Therapy can be a place to reconnect with yourself, understand what's holding you back, and begin creating a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in genuine human connection. I believe lasting change happens when people feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences without judgment. Together, we'll work to build self-trust, strengthen boundaries, improve relationships, and help you move toward the life you want rather than the life you feel obligated to live. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, identity questions, or major life transitions, my goal is to help you feel more confident, connected, and empowered in your daily life.
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Warm
Authentic
Humorous
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+10
I am licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and clarity. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, transitional life phases and grief. My goals is to create a safe, non judgmental space where the client can explore their feelings, gain insight, and develop strategies for change. Together we work toward a greater self-understanding, healthier relationships, and a life that aligns with your values, goals, and to be a better version of yourself.
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Authentic
Direct
Solution oriented
Specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Parenting
+7
Hi! I'm Lynette Alarcon I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Southern California. I graduated from Brandman University in 2018. I have been in the field since 2017 treating Individuals with depression, anxiety, interpersonal issues, trauma, and addiction. I have training in trauma informed care, DBT, CBT, motivational interviewing, PC Care and am familiar with the 12 step programs.
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Authentic
Intelligent
Warm
Specialties
Crisis Intervention
Serious Mental Illness
Suicidal Ideation
+7
Therapy for anxiety, depression, psychosis, and self-doubt. For the curious, the sensitive, and the ones who've been told they're “too much.” If you’re here, maybe you’re carrying a lot. And maybe you’re finally ready to understand why. I work best with clients who are curious, self-aware, and ready to get into the real stuff — not just the “I’m fine” script. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or the aftershocks of a mental health diagnosis like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder — you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I work with adults (mostly 26–46) who are insightful, emotionally intelligent, and ready to explore the patterns beneath their symptoms. My clients often identify as women, queer, gay, or somewhere in between. I also love working with family members of folks with serious mental illness (SMI) — and with people living with SMI themselves. You might be a student juggling survival and identity, or a person who’s held it together for too long. Maybe you've been misunderstood by providers in the past — labeled “too much” or “treatment resistant.” I see you differently. I’m pro-medicine, pro-choose-if-you-want-medicine, and pro-you-get-to-decide-what-healing-looks-like. (And honestly? Medication saved my life.) We’ll work together to figure out what works for you — whether that’s weekly therapy, biweekly check-ins, or monthly deep dives. This is a space for unlearning shame, untangling patterns, and giving yourself permission to take up space — even when it feels hard. Let’s get into the layers. Let’s do the work.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
+10
The pressures of the modern world seem never ending, particularly when you deal with an untreated or difficult to treat mental health or substance use issue. I specialize in certain mental health diagnoses including personality disorders, postpartum issues, depression/anxiety, self harm/suicidal ideation. I am prepared to assist you in offering helpful coping strategies, understanding the psychology behind your experiences/symptoms, processing feelings and thoughts, and gaining better traction on your life. My specialty is in mental health and substance use (dual diagnosis). I am DBT certified. I have worked with individuals impacted by cycles of trauma, violence, and substances in various settings including psychiatric hospitals, county jail, intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient clinics. My mission? Help people THRIVE and be SEEN/HEARD despite these circumstances. I understand that both making sense of the issue(s) at hand and reaching out is incredibly anxiety producing. What I provide is a safe and warm space where you can explore your needs, current feelings, history, and goals. You have the power to stop fighting what is out of your control, and harness your power to control what is just within your grasp.
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Do you ever feel stuck and don't know what to do? Does the thought of getting out of bed or completing a task feel so overwhelming that you'd rather just go back to bed and not think about it? It can be hard to carry on with the day to day activities that life brings us when we struggle with the stress, anxiety and overwhelming feelings around it. I enjoy working with clients to find the joy in life. I will listen to you, understand where you are coming from, and gently encourage you to move toward your goals. I will call you out on repetitive patterns that are getting you no where, and help brainstorm some ways of getting you out of that funk. You've done it your way, now let's work together to find a new way!
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Intelligent
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+10
My therapeutic style is grounded in a holistic and integrative framework, which empowers me to provide personalized care that aligns with each client's distinct situation and clinical needs. I am committed to cultivating a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. As I walk alongside clients on their path to healing, I remain flexible and responsive, adjusting my approach to support their growth and development at every stage.
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Addiction / Substance Use
Anxiety
Depression
+7
Hi there! Do you ever feel pulled in a million directions? Maybe you're struggling to finish tasks, navigate relationships, manage work or challenges related to unhealthy coping habits. Perhaps being kind to yourself feels like the hardest thing to do. Whatever you're facing, you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out on your own. I'm here to support you with compassion, understanding, and without judgment. Over 14-year of therapy, my goal is to walk alongside you as you face life's challenges, discover your strengths, and move toward real change, healing, and a greater sense of well-being. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 14 years of experience, and I help people with depression, anxiety, and issues with addiction. I'm speak three languages, English, Farsi, and Pashto. Traveling throughout Europe and living in Asia and South America have enriched my understanding of the many ways our backgrounds, experiences, and life stories shape who we are. These experiences have taught me to approach each person with an open heart, genuine curiosity, and compassion for their unique journey. I bring this understanding into every session, honoring each person’s story and meeting them where they are. Clients often describe me as thoughtful, caring, creative, and reliable, with a calm and steady presence. I take a relaxed approach to therapy, and you lead the way. In our first session, we'll start with a quick hello and get to know each other. Then we'll talk about a few of the challenges you're facing. I'll ask open questions and listen closely so I can understand what matters most to you. There is no pressure to have everything figured out. Sometimes it takes a few sessions to understand what is really going on, which is usual and perfectly okay.
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Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Self Esteem
+7
I am a licensed clinical social worker, and I meet my clients where they are. I use a strength-based eclectic approach and am empathetic to my clients. I work with individual clients who are dealing with life transitions, depression, anxiety, and stress etc. I use a nonjudgmental approach and work with clients to build rapport. I have over ten years of experience and I have worked with, teens, adults and the elderly, and neurodivergent clients. I provide support to my client in every step of their journey.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Solution oriented
Empowering
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+10
I am not only a therapist but a real person. Everyone struggles with mood and thoughts and sometimes we all need help navigating the intensity of these experiences. I hope to be a guide for you as you walk through whatever challenges are keeping you from moving forward. This process will be challenging and will take work, however if you take away one thing from reading this, it is that you are not alone and there are people out there waiting to offer help.
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Empowering
Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+6
Bienvenidos! Soy Norma. Welcome! I am Norma, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specialized in depression, anxiety and life transitions. Culturally sensitive therapist, committed to help older adults (60+) overcome life challenges utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thought patterns and replace them with more objective and realistic thoughts. As a Latina woman, I have had the privilege of serving the Spanish-speaking community, and my goal is to create a compassionate, supportive space where older adults could feel safe, understood and empowered.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+2
I offer virtual therapy, focusing on helping people set healthy boundaries, speak up for themselves, and make positive changes in their lives. For over 20 years, I’ve helped adults overcome anxiety and codependency by empowering them to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. My goal is to help clients move through life with greater confidence, clarity, and self love.
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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.