Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 761 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: 4/30/2026

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+10
Hello, my name is Sang Wu and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from Alliant International University and have been practicing for nine years. I work with adults who feel stuck in their current lives, and individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression. I assist in helping them navigate crucial moments, difficult forks in the road of life, uncertain futures, and help them live their best lives.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Empowering

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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Spirituality
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Stan Speck LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA) About Me Hello, and welcome. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, currently licensed in California. Although I relocated to Washington three years ago, I continue to offer telehealth therapy exclusively for clients residing in California. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Westmont College and my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, both in Santa Barbara. With over 35 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families overcome life’s challenges with compassion, insight, and evidence-based care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and stress-related concerns. I also have extensive experience working with substance use issues and supporting the healing process for both individuals and families affected by addiction. My approach integrates proven therapeutic techniques to explore patterns, address past experiences, and develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. Whether you’re looking to improve communication, break free from unhelpful cycles, or gain deeper personal insight, our work together can support you in moving toward greater clarity, connection, and emotional well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi! CA and AZ licensed therapist (LMFT, LPCC) with an integrative approach. I received two Masters degrees in Psychology, and am working on a PhD. I've been working for 10 years in the mental health field, 8 years in clinical practice. I have supported clients in all areas such as: processing and understanding emotions, identity exploration, personal/soul growth, goal-setting, overcoming and understanding addictions, spiritual support, developing healthy boundaries, working through grief and loss, career challenges, religious trauma, cultural trauma, LGBTQ+ affirming care, dreamwork, etc.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Hello! It is truly a pleasure to have the possibility of working with you. Anxiety, trauma, and depression can make us feel lost and the road through is muddy and overwhelming. This is why having a guide that can understand you and meet you where you are, is incredibly important. It is my goal to help you navigate this voyage as well as hold and work through complex emotions as they fight with each other while at the same time cohabitating in the same space. I look forward to taking those first steps with you and take this journey together.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Intelligent
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

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

Specialties

Career Counseling
Chronic Illness
Crisis Intervention
+10
Having a hard time getting through the day? Struggling to cope in areas that others make look "Easy"? I have years of personal, professional and social experience in helping people who feel this way. As a clinician I focus on mindfulness and internal growth. My mission is to reach as many people as possible who may be suffering in silence and/or don't feel heard. I hope that through strong professional support my clients can make and achieve their goals. My desire is to assist those who work with me in living their best emotionally healthy lives.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+5
I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for helping clients explore new perspectives on mental health. I specialize in working with first responders and their families, offering a relaxed and inviting approach that creates a safe space for growth and healing. I particularly enjoy supporting individuals who are navigating everyday stress and looking to build healthier coping strategies. I often say, “Our toolboxes need to be big—because life requires a lot of tools.” My goal is to help clients expand their toolkits so they feel more equipped and empowered in their daily lives.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+10
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience working with adolescents and adults. My goal is to help provide tools and support for my clients so that they can improve their wellbeing and thrive. I have experience with working on a variety of life challenges including; racial and systemic issues, relationships, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self worth, self harm/SI, and more. . My hope is that, through a collaborative process, we can work together to help improve wellbeing, understand emotions, and improve behaviors. I begin with where the patient is at.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+6
Hello there my name is Blake and I look forward to getting to know and work with you. I've been fortunate enough to work with all age ranges for the past 8 years providing assistance to those struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidality, post-traumatic stress, as well as grief and loss. I enjoy working alongside my clients utilizing evidence-based techniques to improve the quality of life and reinstall a healthy and sustainable trajectory.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
+6
Hey there! I'm Sam! If you're feeling down, not yourself, anxious or just need to "get back on track" with life, you've come to right spot. A calm and approachable environment is something I take pride in, a place where you can be yourself in whatever form that may be. I'm here to help you find the courage and strength to overcome the obstacles you've been faced with. Some of us have been dealt a bad deck of cards in this life! I see you. I hear you. I will sit with you. I will challenge you. Most importantly, I will meet you where you are and allow you the space to vent and feel, without judgment. I'm excited to meet you and be apart of this journey of healing and discovery with you!
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Grief
+6
At a young age, I came to the United States from Pakistan through an arranged marriage. My experience as a young woman fresh to this country inspired my journey to making a difference in the community through activism and therapy. I went through my own therapeutic journey and now am excited to help my clients empower themselves in their narrative paths.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Self Esteem
+2
Hello. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I have been licensed since July of 2006. I have a passion for assisting people through challenges with the transformative power of therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Life Transitions
+6
Hi, I'm Ana, a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's transitions, heal from trauma, and build emotional resilience. I work with young adults who are seeking understanding, clarity, and meaningful change. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen their sense of self, and move toward a life that feels more balanced and authentic.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Trauma and PTSD
+9
My name is Dr. Isabella Vidriales, a Doctor of Counseling Psychology. I also practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, Arizona, and Nevada. My clinical approach is mainly trauma-informed as well as person centered, solution focused, and eclectic approaches customized to match the needs of my clients. Trauma is more prevalent than we think and its impact on an individual’s overall well-being can have devastating results. My holistic approach allows me the opportunity to explore and understand individuals as a whole. I work on empowering others so they can rebuild a strong foundation to fall back on when there are setbacks in life. I am passionate with helping clients on their journey of self exploration and personal growth. I am here to support you through this difficult process and to provide you with the beneficial tools to help you overcome this challenging moment. Life is a journey of our own and sometimes it leads us to a path of unfamiliar territory. Unexpected life events and circumstances often trigger our unresolved insecurities, fears, as well as relive past traumas. You don’t have to walk this path alone. I look forward to serving you. Together we got this!
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+6
Hello, I'm Amber Potter, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience. I work with people who are open to growth and curious about the patterns shaping their relationships and experiences. I’m especially drawn to clients who are learning to accept themselves more fully, including the parts that feel imperfect or stuck. Together, we will work toward greater understanding, resilience, and meaningful change.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Hi there, I'm Steven. Do you feel that life has become hard to handle? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health, or maybe the things that used to make you feel productive? When was the last time you were kind to yourself? I help people manage their distressing mood changes and unexpected stresses. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a holistic approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. We will work to uncover the "healthy" you that has been stymied by the tough circumstances you find yourself in. Let's do this together. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome your challenges.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Hello! You have taken a big step in engaging in therapy. I hope I can be the right fit for you. I am a licensed psychotherapist with 20+ yrs clinical experience. I am a somatic therapist, which means I work with the body, brain and mental health concerns. In my practice I use talk therapy, CBT and brainspotting treatment modalities. I also process trauma and anxiety through understanding attachment styles, relational foundations and a trauma lens. As a bilingual, bicultural and 1st generation person I love working with the BIPOC community navigating that experience as well.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Are you a woman or man in your 30s or 40s feeling overwhelmed by work, parenting, or life changes? I am a psychotherapist who helps women navigate midlife transitions, manage anxiety, and reclaim confidence and balance. Having personally experienced the challenges of motherhood, demanding career, and divorce, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to our work together. I integrate EMDR to process past experiences and reduce emotional distress, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to guide you toward a meaningful life, and values-based strategies to clarify what truly matters to you. I also use the Enneagram as a tool for self-awareness and understanding relational patterns. Together, we’ll develop practical strategies for stress management, self-discovery, and creating the life you truly want—whether that means thriving in your career, strengthening relationships, or finding more peace in your everyday life.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Men's Issues
Self Esteem
+6
I help adults who look like they’re holding it together on the outside, but feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in the same relationship patterns on the inside. We’ll work on stress management, emotional regulation, communication, and the deeper “why” behind your reactions—so you feel more grounded, confident, and consistent in daily life. My style is warm, structured, and down-to-earth. You don’t need perfect words—just a willingness to show up. I use CBT/DBT/ACT tools for practical change, and I can integrate deeper work (Brainspotting/IFS) when it’s a good fit. I also create a dedicated space for men—especially men of color—who want to explore masculinity, culture, identity, and relationships without judgment.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+6
Hi, I’m Cassandra! I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. I’ve had exciting opportunities to work in a variety of therapeutic settings including an inpatient psychiatric hospital treating a higher level of acuity, intensive outpatient program supporting teens and young adults, a residential facility working with incarcerated youth, and an outpatient program at a University counseling center.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+7
Hi! I'm Angelica, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Mount St. Mary's University in Downtown Los Angeles. I work with adults struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as with clients who are having issues with low self-esteem and trouble in relationships with friends, family, coworkers or partners.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Health/Medical Issues
+8
I am a compassionate, client-centered therapist who focuses on creating a safe, supportive space where people can explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. My approach blends evidence-based practices with genuine connection to help clients build insight, resilience, and confidence. My style is collaborative and empathetic, communicating in a way that feels grounding and approachable. This combination makes clients feel both heard and guided.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+2
When life's challenges - work, relationships, money troubles, illness or injury become too much to manage, or when the pain of the past pops up when you least expect it to disrupt sleep, or when daily stressors build up and make it hard to cope, that's when more than a friendly ear is needed. That's when a professional can help you heal the compounding effects of life experiences. If you are seeking long-term relief from anxiety, trauma, depression, low self-esteem, relationship issues, grief or loss, I will help you heal those emotional injuries that compound over a lifetime and make life lose its meaning. And I will empower you to heal the emotional pain that is preventing you from living your best life.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Direct
Solution oriented

Specialties

Grief
Life Transitions
Military/Veterans
+8
As an American Family Therapist, I work from a systemic perspective, focusing on the entire family unit rather than just the individual. My goal is to help families uncover and understand deep-rooted patterns and issues that interfere with healthy communication and connection. Through this process, I support each member in developing more effective ways of relating, resolving conflict, and fostering emotional safety with the family system. I primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy and view my work through that lens. This means focusing on mindfulness, expanding tolerance for discomfort, increasing effectiveness in relationships and strengthening emotional regulation. When challenges arise in therapy, I often find that the root of the issue can be addressed through one of these core areas. For clients struggling with post-traumatic stress injuries-particularly common in military populations-I also incorporate Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help them reframe and work through trauma-related beliefs. My approach is structured, evidence-based, and tailored to the needs of each individual or family.
VirtualAvailable
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 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.

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.

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 happens during the first therapy 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.