Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 889 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: 8/20/2026

Empowering
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+6
My name is Dr. Taia. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping empower individuals and couple's navigate life challenges with compassion and evidenced based strategies. I utilize approaches like Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution- Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Faith Based Integrated Methods just to name a few. I am passionate about helping clients uncover their strengths while building resilience. I prioritize a collaborative and supportive environment where clients can feel heard, validated and empowered to face life challenges. My goal is to provide practical tools and personalized guidance that focus growth and emotional well-being. I am committed to ensure each client reach their full potential.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+5
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who shows up real, empathetic, and grounded. I work with clients navigating trauma, family dynamics, identity, and life challenges. My goal is to create a non-judgmental, empowering space where clients feel safe enough to grow, challenge old patterns, and find their metaphorical wings. I believe healing happens in relationship—through honesty, trust, and deep self-awareness.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Humorous
Specialties
ADHD
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello all! I am an LCSW who has been practicing in the field for over a decade. I primarily work with children, adolescents and young adults but my space is open to anyone! I specialize in bringing an empowered and person-centered approach to my work, because I believe true healing comes from us working together. Some of my passions include: empowerment of minority communities, trauma-informed care, supporting self-advocacy and connecting my clients to other resources and information to serve them in all areas of life. I absolutely love what I do and aim to be transparent, honest, and to make therapy feel like a comfortable and welcoming experience (not a doctor's appointment!) I believe in humanizing the challenges we all go through, and I'm honored to be part of other's healing journey.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm
Specialties
ADHD
Mood Disorders
Women's Issues
+4
I’m Alana, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Los Angeles. I work with young adults and women who are navigating major life transitions and feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. Together, we identify and clear the patterns that get in the way of you showing up as the most grounded, confident version of yourself. I earned my undergraduate degree from Simmons University and my master’s degree from the University of Southern California. Over the past decade, I’ve worked across a wide range of settings—including school-based mental health programs within LAUSD and SMMUSD, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, the Department of Children and Family Services, intensive outpatient and residential programs and most recently private practice. These experiences shaped a treatment approach that is thoughtful, flexible, and deeply attuned to the whole person. I believe meaningful therapy goes beyond symptom management and focuses on understanding the root causes of distress. My style is warm yet direct, grounded, and collaborative. Clients often share that they feel relief early on—because they finally feel understood. My role isn’t to “fix” you, but to help you reconnect with your strengths, build clarity and confidence, and feel more in control of your life again.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
+10
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 13 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children and their families at a community mental health agency, and psychotherapy in private practice to adults and adolescents. As a humanistic therapist, I maintain a positive approach to psychotherapy by focusing on strengths and positive attributes. I assist my clients with developing a stronger, healthier sense of self, and with making rational choices towards achieving their maximum potential.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Welcome! I'm Silvie Wilson. I'd like to acknowledge the strength it requires to take that first step of reaching out for help with your mental health from a therapist. I know it's not easy to begin the journey to better self understanding, compassion, and mastery. My aim is to create a safe environment in which we can explore your own personal history, themes, and challenges, in order to find resources and solutions to the obstacles that hold you back from being exactly the person you've always wanted to be. I will pay attention to who you are as an individual, reflect back your strengths, and help you to tie together the seemingly disparate aspects of your life so that you realize how much sense you make, have compassion for all phases of your development, and leave behind what no longer serves you to find the life you've always wanted. Together we can build up your sense of self, your resilience, and your ability to find peace of mind.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+12
Welcome, I'm Michelle Ulloa. Life can sometimes feel heavy, leaving us disconnected from ourselves, our relationships, and the joy we once felt. If you’re noticing that spark fading, I want you to know you don’t have to go through this alone. In therapy, my goal is to walk alongside you as we explore the challenges holding you back and uncover the strengths within you. Together, we’ll discover what’s not working in your life and build on what does, so you can move toward greater balance, clarity, and fulfillment.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Direct
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hi, I am Amina Hosaini. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). My goal is to help my clients reach their full potential and be fulfilled in their lives. I strive to provide a safe place to talk where individuals can begin the personal growth process in an environment that is welcoming, relaxing, and sensitive to cultural and language needs. Let’s embark on this journey together to elicit change and find all that life has to offer. I have obtained my master’s degree from University of Connecticut with a concentration in group work. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the Eastern Connecticut State University. I have been working in private practice for the past 5 years primarily with adults struggling with anxiety, depression and trauma. I have extensive experience in residential, group homes and with adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring disorders. I have experience working with high-risk children who receive special education in a clinical day school. I have worked youth age 3-15 years of age of varying academic levels, learning abilities, and behavioral and emotional issues. I am trained to utilize specialized de-escalation strategies that ensure the care, welfare, safety of others. I have experience working with adults in the criminal justice system. I have also worked with juvenile delinquent youth providing individual and family therapy. I am trained in evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC). I am trained in evidence-based group interventions such as Trauma Affect Regulation Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET), Aggression Replacement Training (ART) and girls empowerment modality called VOICES.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Self Esteem
+9
Life’s transitions—career changes, family conflict, or the "empty nest"—can often shake our sense of identity and purpose. I specialize in helping individuals and families process these shifts through a lens of hope and Biblical resilience. As an LMFT with extensive experience in the public school system, I offer a "gentle balance" of clinical expertise and a faith-based worldview. In our sessions, we won’t just manage symptoms; we will work toward a solution that honors your values and focuses on the strengths God has given you. My goal is to help you move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling hope-filled, walking with you as you process the vast array of emotions attached to these seasons of change.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Life Transitions
Spirituality
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Nicole Widman is the founder of Eden Therapy Group, a private practice based out of Southern California that functions to heal, restore and equip God’s sons and daughters. Nicole operates from a deep conviction to raise up men and women who are led by the Spirit by creating a space for her clients to discern God's voice and encounter God’s transformative love.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Career Counseling
Women's Issues
+3
Hi, I’m Kristen—Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 13 years of experience supporting high-achieving women and young professionals who are navigating burnout, career transitions, and the pressure to “hold it all together.” Many of my clients are driven, capable, and successful on paper—but internally feel overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from the life they’ve built. They’re often at a turning point: ready to pivot careers, grow a business, or redefine what success actually means for them. My approach is collaborative, direct, and results-oriented. I combine evidence-based therapy with practical strategy to help you regulate stress, gain clarity, and make confident, aligned decisions—without spending years in therapy. This work is about more than insight; it’s about creating real momentum in your life and career. You can expect a space where you’re both supported and challenged—where you don’t have to perform, but you also won’t stay stuck. Together, we’ll move you out of burnout and into a more grounded, intentional way of living and working. For those who value faith as part of their healing, I also offer a nondenominational, faith-integrated approach rooted in compassion, purpose, and spiritual alignment. Whether you’re building something new, questioning your next move, or simply wanting to feel more like yourself again—this is a space to reset, realign, and move forward with clarity and confidence.
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
Warm
Authentic
Humorous
Specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Grief
Hello, I am Dion Smotherman. Are you discovering that your plans for making tomorrow better seem to fade shortly after your day get going? Maybe you feel your creativity and enthusiasm have taken a vacation. Have you noticed your relationships are becoming harder to maintain and you long for the return of your creative self. I enjoy working with families, couples, young adults and adolescents. I specialize in working with you through marital conflict, grief, loss. anxiety, depression and trauma. There are a few art materials you will need to purchase. I will provide a list. A beginning investment of $50 of supplies should work fine. Let’s creatively work together towards making positive changes using Art Therapy and CBT.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
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
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Racism
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Hi! I’m Pooja Parashar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with a Master’s from USC. I’m passionate about making therapy accessible & breaking the stigma of seeking help, especially with clients of color. My approach centers on building an empathic connection & meeting you where you are. I offer virtual & in-person services, specializing in trauma, communication issues, & anxiety, viewing clients holistically within their broader life context. I strive to create a healing environment by tailoring therapy to your needs. I am deeply committed to offering a supportive space where you can truly feel safe and heard.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Coping Skills
+6
Hi, I’m Johanna! I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), nationally certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I provide individual therapy for adults across California with support that is genuine, collaborative, and grounded in cultural awareness. As a Latina therapist, I’m especially passionate about supporting first-generation and BIPOC individuals navigating anxiety, intergenerational trauma, and life transitions. My approach is rooted in meaningful, real conversation, creating a space where you can reflect, heal, and grow. I primarily work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges. My therapeutic style integrates mindfulness, CBT, and person-centered approaches, helping clients deepen self-awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and build more fulfilling connections. I believe meaningful change begins when you feel truly seen, understood, and supported on your path to healing.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
LGBTQ
Sex Therapy
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I specialize in supporting individuals who carry the weight of trauma, identity-based stress, interpersonal relationship issues, and systemic injustice. My practice is grounded in cultural humility, affirming care, and a profound respect for each person’s unique lived experience. Whether you're exploring your gender identity, healing from relational harm, or navigating life in a world that often misunderstands you—I offer a space where your truth is honored and your healing is possible. To help remove barriers to care, I offer evening (up to 11 p.m.) and weekend appointments (10 a.m. - 6 p.m.), recognizing that accessibility is essential—not optional. You deserve support that fits your life, not the other way around.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Trauma and PTSD
I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from University of Southern California (USC) and have been practicing for 14 years. My primary work has been with children, adolescents, young adults. The presenting issues I've worked on with Clients vary greatly but I have the most experience with mood disorders, life transitions, trauma, ADHD.
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

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
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Hi, I’m Steven. Have you been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like life has become harder to manage? Maybe you’re struggling with relationships, work, stress, or finding the motivation and balance you once had. Perhaps you’ve been so focused on getting through each day that you haven’t had much time to be kind to yourself. I help individuals navigate difficult emotions, life transitions, and unexpected challenges by creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. Together, we will explore what may be holding you back, identify patterns that are no longer serving you, and build on the strengths you already have. Using evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while tailoring our work to your unique needs, we will work together to develop practical tools for managing challenges and creating meaningful change. My goal is to help you reconnect with your confidence, resilience, and the healthier, more balanced version of yourself. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Therapy is a collaborative journey, and I would be honored to support you as you heal, grow, and move forward.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
LGBTQ
Substance Misuse
+8
I’m Dr. Andy Davis, a licensed psychologist with 18 years of experience in the mental health field. Thirteen of those years were spent serving in the U.S. Air Force, where I had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My clinical focus includes depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, grief, personality disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, and concerns related to sex and pornography addiction. As a sex-positive therapist, I provide a safe and affirming environment for clients to explore sensitive areas of their lives without fear of judgment. My therapeutic style is both solutions-focused and rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I believe therapy should be proactive and goal-driven, helping clients not only gain insight but also develop strategies for change. Clients often describe me as direct and honest, while also compassionate and collaborative—I strive to give practical feedback and advice that can be applied both in and outside of sessions. I especially enjoy working with veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and young adults. These groups often face unique challenges, and I consider it an honor to walk alongside them as they navigate life’s complexities. In addition to my clinical work, I have an extensive background in clinical research. While serving in the Air Force, I conducted sleep studies and developed modern treatment approaches for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. This research continues to inform my practice, and I place strong emphasis on developing healthy routines, quality sleep schedules, and consistent self-care as foundations for mental health. I often work with clients to build structure into daily life, recognizing these habits play a powerful role in resilience and long-term well-being. Above all, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to face challenges, discover new perspectives, and build lasting resilience.
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
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
Specialties
Coping Skills
Depression
Spirituality
+8
I utilize an eclectic NONJUDGEMENTAL nontraditional approach…Focusing on exploring, identifying, and clarifying past traumas and maladaptive behaviors and beliefs causing physical, psychological, and emotional pain (suffering). Assisted guidance in dissolving and eliminating pathological behaviors that cause significant impairments in one’s daily functioning via the implementation of universal techniques and principles rooted in (Self-knowledge, Self-mastery, Self-love, Self-analysis and radical Self-acceptance) allowing YOU to accelerate your HEALING. Believe in the knowing the poor choices, miscalculations (errors), mistakes, and failures are our life lessons, gifts, master teachers, as they will ALWAYS bring the greatest inner-standing of ourselves and truly illuminates our path (PURPOSEFUL EXISTENCE). Discover the “Law Of Attraction” and meta-physical teachings revealing “YOU ARE YOUR GREATEST HEALER…AS YOU ARE THE HEALING” as well as “THE ULTIMATE CREATOR” of your world, your reality, and your life as every second of your existence is EVIDENCED by your beliefs, your internal dialogue, and how you are languaging and vibrating In this physical realm of existence. BELIEVE IN THE KNOWING YOU ARE A PHENOMENAL BEING DESERVING OF BALANCE, HARMONY, PEACE, AND LOVE in every aspect of your being!!!
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Perinatal Mental Health
+10
Welcome, my name is Maya Rodelander and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I strive to create a warm, trusting environment where clients can share their whole selves and feel empowered to make the changes they desire. Moving through everyday life can be overwhelming. Throw in changing relationships, jobs, a move, or a new family member? Life transitions can tip the scales and cause healthy boundaries, coping skills and everyday joy to fly out the window. I am passionate about supporting clients regain balance, identify and communicate their emotions, set and maintain healthy boundaries, and be their best selves. *I currently do not have any openings for couples, individuals only*
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.