Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 801 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:

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
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.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Direct
Warm
Specialties
Addiction
Anger Management
Child or Adolescent
+2
Hello I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in the field of Social Work for over 30 years. I have worked with many different people from a variety of cultures. I have helped both children, adolescents and adults with various concerns from criminal behaviors, addiction, and serious mental illness. I have helped people change their behavior and thinking so they can reach their potential, achieve their goals and heal emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hello, and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 28 years of experience in the mental health field. My goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space to process, learn to unlearn that which is no longer helpful to you, and rebuild. My services can be provided in English, Portuguese, or Spanish and include stress management, coping with depression and/or anxiety, and learn to live with what cannot be changed. A meaningful life must be constructed, with care and diligence, kindness and courage.
VirtualAvailable

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.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Direct
Holistic
Specialties
Anxiety
Self Esteem
Spirituality
+5
I have the utmost respect for those who seek help through therapy. Therefore, my therapeutic approach is a collaborative one, based on the belief you have the answers you need within yourself. It is my job to help you get to those answers. In essence, you are the explorer, I am the sherpa, guiding, encouraging and supporting you through new awarenesses, discoveries and personal growth. I welcome the opportunity to be creative in my work and often integrate several therapeutic techniques and modalities in the same session, depending on the client's needs and disposition. I have been a Licensed Marriage andFamily Therapist since 2003 in the state of California, and have specialties in mind/body/mindfulness work, spirituality, art therapy, drama therapy and cognitive/behavioral. In my private practice as well as in clinical settings I have worked with dual-diagnosed clients, couples, individuals, groups and families. Because of my own life experience, I particularly appreciate working with the aging community, and with artistic personalities, people in life transition, or those addressing issues of long-term illness or depression. These are crazy times, and I am here to help however I can! Mahalo! Bev Lubin, LMFT SPECIALTIES: Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Depression Coping with life changes Insecurity Trauma Fear Also experienced in: LGBT , Family conflicts , Grief , Parenting issues , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Coaching , Abandonment , Aging and Geriatric Issues , Attachment Issues , Blended Family Issues , Caregiver Issues and Stress Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 25
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi, I’m Kelly Castillo, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). With 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals navigate some of life’s most painful and transformative moments. Many of the people I work with come to therapy carrying the weight of childhood trauma, grief and loss, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or major life transitions. Others feel stuck—uncertain about what’s next or how to move forward. Wherever you find yourself, you deserve a space where your experiences are validated and your healing is supported. My mission is to help you reconnect with your strengths, rediscover your voice, and move toward the best version of yourself. Therapy can be a powerful pathway to insight, relief, and growth—a place where you don’t need to have everything figured out. Instead, it offers room to explore, question, heal, and gradually build the life you want with guidance and support. I offer an honest, compassionate, and relatable approach to therapy. My goal is to create a safe, grounded environment where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and empowered. I tailor each session to your individual needs and goals, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with integrative, client-centered approaches. This flexibility allows me to meet you where you are and support you as you move toward where you want to be. Through my work in diverse clinical settings, I’ve learned that no two healing journeys are alike. Your story is uniquely your own—and your therapy should reflect that. I’m committed to walking alongside you, at your pace, using strategies that align with your values, strengths, and lived experience. Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but together, we’ll navigate challenges, uncover your resilience, and build tools that foster clarity, confidence, and peace. I’m honored to support you in whatever comes next.
VirtualAvailable

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.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Welcome! My name is Nathan Taylor and I’d like to thank you for taking the time to look over my profile and to learn a little about me as a therapist. Choosing a therapist can be challenging (and maybe even more than a little anxiety provoking!) and it is important to take the time to find someone that you feel may be a good fit to work with towards helping you achieve your goals in therapy. With that in mind, I wanted to share a little about myself and my own path as a therapist. Should you feel like we may be a good fit, I genuinely look forward to meeting and hopefully working with you. Each of our own personal experiences, dreams, goals, hopes, and needs, both in life and in therapy are unique and individual. You may know exactly what those are for you, or you may feel like you are lost and overwhelmed. Either way, my role is to help you along your own path. To help define what you are struggling with and to take the steps that are needed to work through those struggles and challenges. Whatever your reason is for seeking therapy, know that it can be an incredibly valuable tool towards finding what it is that you are looking for. Again, thank you for taking the time to learn a bit more about me. You’ve found the courage to get this far, let’s see how much further we can get together!
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+10
I am a California licensed clinician (LMFT) with over 30 years of experience. I am a solution-focused therapist who creates a warm, empathic, non-judgmental environment to help you feel safe and cared for. I have extensive experience working with adults across multiple issues, leveraging various clinical tools and training to help get you "unstuck", take better care of yourself, and live your best life. During my career, I have worked as a corporate executive, consultant, coach, trainer, and clinician. I am finishing my doctorate in clinical psychology with a research focus on loneliness and social connection.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Hi, I’m Adriana, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with over 16 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I work with adults who may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in familiar patterns, or simply tired of carrying everything on their own. Whether you’re navigating relationship difficulties, family dynamics, work or financial stress, grief, life changes, or experiences from the past that continue to affect you today, therapy can be a place to slow down, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and begin making meaningful changes. I integrate evidence-based approaches with genuine conversation, helping you recognize patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, strengthen boundaries, regulate difficult emotions, and develop practical tools you can use outside of therapy. I welcome clients of diverse backgrounds and identities and provide therapy in both English and Spanish. My goal is to offer culturally responsive, individualized care that respects your experiences, values, and the life you want to create. Therapy doesn’t have to mean having everything figured out before you begin. We can start wherever you are and work together from there.
VirtualAvailable
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).
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Empowering
Intelligent
Specialties
Military/Veterans
Older Adults
Trauma and PTSD
+7
Hi, I'm Adam Castillo, LCSW specializing in trauma-informed care, I want to help you manage your daily responsibilities and maintain healthy relationships. Do you struggle to prioritize self-care? I can work with you to identify triggers and solutions that can restore balance in your life. I specialize in helping individuals facing various challenges, such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and past trauma. Finding the right therapist can be daunting, but everyone deserves a safe space to heal and grow. You'll receive compassionate support and evidence-based practices tailored to your unique needs in our sessions. I'm excited to work together and help you achieve your clinical goals!
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Trauma and PTSD
+8
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals with attachment and developmental trauma, PTSD recent traumatic events, and anxiety using mind-body approaches and attachment informed EMDR via telehealth. I've noticed that a lot of people with trauma and anxiety seem to benefit from using attachment-informed EMDR and parts work approaches that help you get to know the inner parts of yourself. Using a combination of these approaches can help with resolving inner conflict, connecting that sense of the "inner child" to healing and resources, and increasing inner strength and a sense of agency in your life decisions. I will use guided imagery in therapy and like to focus on the mind and body connection. I am also a big fan of weaving in values and mindfulness-based cognitive approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable

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.
VirtualAvailable
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.
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.