Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 892 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: 9/16/2026

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
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
LGBTQ
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Hi there! My name is Lana Trapp, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe therapy is a uniquely transformative process and that the benefits are endless. I find it extremely rewarding and truly an honor to be invited into one's life and inner world. My priority is to create a safe and supportive space in therapy in order to build and promote trust throughout the therapeutic process. I am here to get to know you and what you are wanting from therapy. I will support you always and challenge you when needed and appropriate. I have a supportive, flexible and easy-going personality. I also believe laughter and humor have a place in therapy. I cannot imagine doing any other kind of work. Helping others and being part of one's therapeutic journey are passions of mine. This is where I am meant to be, and I do hope our paths cross for I would love to work with you!
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+3
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy. I specialize in treating trauma, depression, and anxiety. I provide clients with skills they can use in between sessions. I am flexible in my approach and collaborate with clients on what would best serve them. Many clients benefit from a compassionate and intuitive approach which I do offer.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Child or Adolescent
+7
Hello, I’m Sascha, If you’re here, you’ve already taken an important step toward prioritizing your mental health. Beginning therapy can bring up a mix of emotions...empowerment, uncertainty, even hesitation—and all of that is valid. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. My background includes work in county-based services, nonprofit mental health, foster care, and school settings. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals across a wide range of needs and life circumstances. I believe that people generally have an internal sense of what they need and where they want to go, but at times can feel stuck or unsure how to move forward. My role is to help you gain clarity around what may be contributing to that feeling and to work collaboratively with you to develop practical, meaningful ways to navigate challenges. Life stressors such as relationship dynamics, limited support systems, past experiences, and difficulties with emotional regulation can all impact our ability to function in the ways we want. In our work together, I aim to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore these areas and move toward greater stability, insight, and fulfillment.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Humorous
Solution oriented
Specialties
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello, my name is Gabriela, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who enjoys working with clients while focusing on their strengths and experiences to promote their growth and development. I graduated from the University of Southern California with my Master of Social Work and continue to be based in California. For the past eleven years I have worked with clients to address their concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting, life transitions, behavioral difficulties, traumas, family dynamics and more, providing services in English and Spanish. My approach is strengths based, client centered, and solution focused. I believe that my clients have many strengths and valuable experience that are essential in the therapeutic process. I am excited to see the progress that will be made working together with some honest work and consistency. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hola, mi nombre es Gabriela. Soy Trabajadora Social Clínica con Licencia (LCSW) y disfruto trabajar con mis clientes, centrándome en sus fortalezas y experiencias para fomentar su crecimiento y desarrollo. Obtuve mi Maestría en Trabajo Social en la Universidad del Sur de California (USC) y continúo mi trabajo en California. Durante los últimos once años, he trabajado con clientes para abordar sus inquietudes, incluyendo depresión, ansiedad, crianza, transiciones vitales, dificultades conductuales, traumas, dinámicas familiares y más, brindando mis servicios tanto en inglés como en español. Mi enfoque se basa en las fortalezas, está centrado en el cliente y orientado a la búsqueda de soluciones. Estoy convencida de que mis clientes poseen numerosas fortalezas y experiencias valiosas que resultan fundamentales dentro del proceso terapéutico. Me entusiasma ser testigo del progreso que lograremos juntos mediante un trabajo honesto y constante.
VirtualAvailable
Humorous
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m Shelby Stewart, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 15+ years of mental health experience and full-time working mama of two children. I pride myself on building solid rapport with clients, ensuring a safe and inclusive space where all voices are heard and valued. I am grounded in being open-minded, warm, and allowing clients to feel supported and understood as they navigate their journeys. I prioritize your goals and needs, making sure you feel heard and understood. Whether you’re facing challenges in your personal life or seeking personal growth, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and respect.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+8
Hi, I’m Shannon, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about creating a supportive, comfortable space where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted. I work with adults navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem, and other stressors that can leave you feeling overwhelmed or stuck. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical tools, and create meaningful changes that feel sustainable in your everyday life.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
LGBTQ
Life Transitions
+9
Hi! My name is Hannah, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I obtained my BA in Psychology from UCLA in 2016 and my Master of Social Work at Cal State San Bernardino in 2019. I've worked primarily in adult outpatient mental health since 2019, providing individual and group therapy. As a social worker, I believe in the importance of addressing individual needs in the context of broader cultural, political, and economic context- no one lives in a bubble, we are all impacted by the society we live in. I work through a feminist, progressive, and sex positive framework.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Open-minded
Holistic
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
+6
My name is Claudia, and I’ve been working in the helping field for over 14 years. For the past seven years as a therapist, I’ve had the privilege of supporting families, adults, teens, and children through life’s many transitions. I bring a kind, eclectic approach to my work, tailoring therapy to meet each person where they are. My goal is to walk alongside you as you create a meaningful and fulfilling life that aligns with your values.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
*ONLY BIWEEKLY RECURRING APPTS AVAILABLE* Hi everyone! My name is Kristin (she/her)! As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I love what I do! This includes working with clients to reach their goals, reinforce their strengths and work towards inner healing. I strive to utilize reflective listening, empathetic understanding and compassion with my clients to provide a safe enough environment where they can feel comfortable sharing with me in our therapy sessions. I encompass modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, but work towards an individualized treatment approach as each client is different! My background includes working in outpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and correctional settings with clients who may identify with different multicultural backgrounds. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, relational issues or trauma symptoms. If you or your chosen family are ready to begin therapy, I am here to be a support and guide for you to work towards your growth!
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+6
I am an LGBTQ+ Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I am committed to offering kind, compassionate, culturally responsive, and practical support to all of my clients as they navigate the challenges of daily life. The goal is to help you achieve positive, healthy healing and lasting change through evidence-based practices and responsive and practical support.
VirtualAvailable
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
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
LGBTQ
+10
Welcome! I'm happy you're here and would love the opportunity to share a little bit about myself with you. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who would be honored to be a part of your journey. I've spent many years working with all age groups in a multitude of settings. Some of my past work includes anxiety, depression, grief, couples work, anger management, family stress, trauma, and life transitions. I love the work that I do and would love the opportunity to collaborate with you!
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Empowering
Warm
Authentic
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
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Addiction
Coping Skills
Men's Issues
Hello-My name is Ryan, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based out of Southern California (Long Beach). I work with young men and adult males in an individual setting, and I specialize in men's issues, substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger issues. It is my goal to support you in getting back on track and finding your way again. I will help you identify negative self-talk and faulty cognitive errors that are causing emotional pain and discomfort. My approach involves providing you with the tools and techniques that will assist you in being the best version of yourself- which is happy, joyous, and free. We can work together to modify thought processes which will improve feelings, behaviors and outcomes. My therapeutic orientation is cognitive and behavioral based, as well as solution focused. My approach is geared toward helping identify negative thoughts and belief patterns which cause emotional discomfort and unhealthy outcome results. I work with teens and adults who are struggling with substance abuse issues, depression, and anxiety. You are not alone.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
Women's Issues
+10
I’ve had the honor of working closely with children, families, and individuals healing from various forms of trauma and impacts of mental health from a cultural lens. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the many different ways family life can shape us, sometimes in unexpected or challenging ways. I’ve worked in a variety of roles and settings, as a Director, Clinical Supervisor, across government agencies, to private and mental health centers, which has helped me see each person’s story from many angles. My approach is compassionate yet direct, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your family, or your relationships, I’m here to walk alongside you with kindness and respect. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+10
I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and overwhelming emotions. My approach is warm, supportive, and collaborative. Together, we’ll explore what’s weighing on you, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools to help you feel more confident and in control of your life.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+6
As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, and the emotional challenges that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you can feel heard, understood, and supported while developing the tools to create meaningful change. My approach is warm, compassionate, and individualized, I work with clients to help them understand the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns that may be contributing to their struggles. Together, we identify practical strategies to manage symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and developing healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Coping Skills
Family Conflict
Trauma and PTSD
Life moves fast and sometime we can’t keep up. Sometimes we don’t feel like we can talk to others for fear of judgment. Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you withdraw and shut down when you are struggling? Do you have thoughts come at you a mile a minute? Do those same thoughts take off into uncharted territory? It’s not uncommon, and you don’t have to feel that way forever. You might not have the tools to sort out or process these emotions. Maybe you know some skills, and are unsure how to or when to use them. These are just a few reasons why people seek therapy and I provide a supportive, non-judgmental and encouraging environment.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I have been practicing for 15 years. In the past 7 years, I have engaged in doing short-term, goal-oriented therapy with adults. I have always thought that individuals (especially adults that seek out therapy willfully) have in them the potentials to rethink their situation and work towards resolving their concerns when provided the appropriate tools allowing them to clearly see and identify what their objective is at that time.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+4
As a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over four years of specialized experience, I deliver online therapy for adults. I specialize in helping clients reduce anxiety and navigate major life transitions, including relocation and career changes, and intimate relationship shifts, offering dedicated, personalized support to help you thrive through every shift.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Parenting
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
+3
*Please note: my current openings for California clients are on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at various times from 6am - 1pm PST only. Unfortunately I do not have capacity to offer afternoon or evening appointments, or openings on other days of the week.* Congratulations on taking the first step in finding support - it's not easy to ask for help! My name is Bryssa (Bree-sa) and I am here for you. I aim to provide all of my clients with empathy, care and authentic support for what they are experiencing. I want to help my clients set boundaries, learn to identify and communicate their emotions, find their power and develop their sense of self worth. I have my Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) as well as my Masters in Social Work (MSW), though I joke that I was born a social worker. I hold an LCSW license (Licensed Clinical Social Worker #118448) and am committed to the values of social work in everything that I do: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Health/Medical Issues
+10
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
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+4
I have been working with clients for many years. I am honored to work with you and to be with you through the process of self discovery and personal growth. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to push ourselves to grow. It can be difficult; however, it can also be a transformative experience that can provide great personal freedom.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Spirituality
+4
My name is Amanda Gonyer and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I identify as she/her, third generation Mexican American, bicultural, spiritual, and LGBTQ allied. I graduated with my Masters in Marital Family Therapy from CSU Dominguez Hills and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Sonoma State University. I am very artsy and love to paint in my free time. I can usually be found trying a new restaurant, doing yoga in the park, or reading a good book with a good cup of coffee in a coffee shop.
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.