Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 748 verified therapists in California who accept Optum insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and solution-focused therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you have access to quality care that fits within your Optum insurance coverage.

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Los AngelesSan DiegoSacramentoOaklandSan Francisco

Availability updated: 11/27/2025

Manuel Leiva

LMFT, 14 years of experience

Direct
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Many people experience anxiety, depression, and many other emotional struggles. Often people feel there is no one they can trust and no one who can understand them. The impact of this emotional suffering can make daily life painful. It can put strain on relationships with family, friends, and peers. I specialize in working with people on an individual basis and have found that there are similar challenges that we all face while trying to navigate through our daily lives.
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Dora Brody

LMFT, 15 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
Professional with over thirty experience collectively in mental health/clinic-based care and in an educational capacity. Bilingual fluency in both English and Spanish. Extensive work experience with culturally diverse populations throughout San Diego County and Ventura County. Knowledgeable in working with co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and a variety of mental health disorders. Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor since an intern in 2006.
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Cintia Ctibor

LMFT, 8 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Sometimes, the most profound connections are formed when someone truly listens.I’m Cintia, here not just to hear, but to deeply understand you. In a world where trauma and anxiety often drown out our inner voices, I know that beneath the spoken words, lies a heart’s true narrative. What a degree in Clinical Psychology and a seven-year journey as a therapist has allowed me to is delve deep into the realms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. While these are my primary focuses, I also bring profound insights into PTSD, intricate family dynamics, relationship challenges, and concerns faced by the LGBTQ community.
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Pär Daniel Andréasson

LMFT, 9 years of experience

Authentic
Humorous
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
+9
My goal as a therapist is to help clients face both the real and perceived challenges in their lives with clarity, support, and renewed strength. I approach each person as a unique human being with their own story, strengths, and struggles, and I see therapy as a collaborative process of moving forward together. I work in a way that is direct and pragmatic, drawing on psychoeducation and clinical experience to give clients new ways of seeing, understanding, and coping with life’s difficulties. At the same time, my style is deeply connection-based, rooted in empathy and authenticity, with room for levity when appropriate. I am a hopeful therapist who believes in the process of growth and in our ability as human beings to continually renew ourselves. I find it a genuine honor to share in a client’s journey, and I approach the work with respect, presence, and care. I work with a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety and anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, relationship and coupling challenges, parenting stress, OCD, and many others.
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Faauuga Moliga-Puletasi

LCSW, 8 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Humorous
Holistic

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
+1
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trapped by the weight of past trauma, or struggling to find a sense of peace in your daily life, I want you to know that healing is possible—and you're not alone. I specialize in treating trauma and anxiety with a specific focus on boys and men. As boys and men, many of us were taught to "tough it out," push through, or keep our emotions in check. But when trauma and anxiety go unspoken, they don’t just fade—they show up in our bodies, our relationships, and our sense of self. Whether you're facing panic, feeling numb, carrying the weight of a past experience, or just struggling to feel like yourself, I can help you work through it.
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Jennifer Brenes

LCSW, 10 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+5
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have been practicing for 10 years. I help young adults and adults in their healing journeys by identifying and addressing the root thoughts and triggers contributing to their negative thought and behavioral patterns. I help them develop the skills to heal from them and be their best version.
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Michael Chavez

LCSW, 12 years of experience

Authentic
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Substance Misuse
+2
Hello, my name is Michael Chavez, LCSW, and I provide individual therapy to adults facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, work related stress, and relationship issues. I understand how tough life can be. Before I became a therapist, I went through my own challenges — unhoused, unemployed, and struggling with substance use. Getting sober and working my way through college wasn’t easy, but it shaped the way I show up for others now: with understanding, patience, and zero judgment.
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Noor Aljawad

LCSW, 7 years of experience

Authentic
Open-minded
Intelligent

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Self-Harming
Suicidal Ideation
+3
Hello! As a licensed clinical therapist, I provide respectful and compassionate services to help you identify your goals, and support you in coping with challenges along the way to achieving them. I have a social justice orientation that recognizes the impact of oppression, discrimination, and marginalization on mental health. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and kindly, and that our behaviors serve a function, whether unhealthy or healthy, understood or misunderstood. I work with clients who struggle with various issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship problems, identity, and self-esteem. I use evidence-based approaches that are tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Some of the techniques I use include teaching skills around emotion regulation and distress tolerance, incorporating narrative therapy practices and cultural relational understanding of trauma and healing. My aim is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. I will listen to you with empathy and curiosity, and help you find new ways of understanding and effectively responding to what is coming your way. Together, we will work on developing your strengths, fortifying your resiliency, and further embodying your values in your day-to-day life. If you are interested in working with me, please contact me to schedule a consultation. I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your journey.
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Dr. Rachna Garg

LMFT

Empowering
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+9
Welcome to my practice! My name is Rachna and I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in the state of California. I am also an International Psychologist, having worked with many different cultures from around the world. My expertise are in working with women ages 25-45 who have experienced pregnancy loss, depression and anxiety. When working with me, my hope is that you feel comfortable and safe as you share your life story with me.
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Jamila Leander

LCSW, 10 years of experience

Empowering
Solution oriented
Challenging

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
"Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength, resilience and compassion for oneself." Greetings, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from California State University San Bernardino and have been practicing for over 5 years. I enjoy helping individuals unlock strengths and maximize living their life to its full potential. There is no one size fits all, I incorporate therapeutic methods tailored to meet your unique goals.
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Lisa Perkins

LMFT, 9 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Empowering
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+6
Hi, my name is Lisa Perkins, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in helping people overcome and manage the challenges in their lives. I empower people to see and reach beyond their circumstances. Who you are, where you are and what you are experiencing today does not have to be your tomorrow. Can you imagine becoming who you are meant to be? I can, "Piece by Peace."
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Angelique Gettle

LMFT, 27 years of experience

Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct

Specialties

Addiction
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+2
As a licensed psychotherapist in California, I have been working in the field for over 25 years. I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy. I am here to empower both women and men who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. I have also incorporated the use of journaling, art, and sandtray therapy into my practice.
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Amanda Magallanes

LPCC, 6 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+4
Hello, I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor based in California and I received my Master’s Degree at California State University, Stanislaus. I have been practicing for about five years and work with a diverse population. I help people who struggle with daily life stressors to adjust and learn how to not only improve their overall functioning but to maintain a stable and balanced lifestyle. I come from a spiritual background and will emphasize the importance of spirituality as an anchor in life.
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Karina Weeks

LPCC, 11 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Holistic

Specialties

Grief
Trauma and PTSD
Do you currently feel you are at full capacity with life and needs assistance with managing current struggles in family, relationships, past trauma, or grief? I assist people who have experienced trauma and/or grief that is currently affecting their work, school, family, relationships, burn out that can lead to manifesting in addiction, further anxiety, depression and stress. Together, we can identify what's not working and improve health and well being. I also integrate mindfulness/meditation, EMDR to help you regulate emotions and lower stress to work within your window of tolerance. Whether you're dealing with stress, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, anxiety, depression I'm here to support you unconditionally and assist with guiding and providing unbiased support. Seeking therapy can feel intimidating, vulnerable and scary and not an easy choice, I am aware of that and will do everything on my end to make the process as comfortable as possible. A safe space is needed in the healing journey and therapy is the ideal place to make that progress. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with unconditional positive support, a person center approach and evidence based practices tools to make positive change. Take the first step towards self care and schedule an appointment today!
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Michelle Kurtz

LCSW, 20 years of experience

Authentic
Solution oriented
Holistic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+6
Hello, I'm a licensed professional therapist practicing in California and Virginia since 2003. I have such respect and admiration for my clients because seeking therapy is very courageous. My goal for your therapy journey is to develop a relationship where you can feel trust so that you can become your authentic self. My therapeutic style is very eclectic and versatile. I want to provide a warm environment for you to feel better and grow. I specialize in treating you as a person and starting in a place where you are comfortable while adjusting to your needs as we move forward. I have expertise in treating depression/anxiety disorders, grief/loss, infertility, trauma, and relationship conflicts.
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Vincent Paule

LCSW, 20 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Depression
Addiction
Anger Management
+3
Congratulations on taking steps to better yourself. My name is Vincent, and I'm a licensed therapist based in California with over 20 years of experience. If you are ready for positive change, then let’s begin the journey. I've helped everyone from high school teens to older adults overcome life challenges and gain a better understanding of their situation. I bring a wealth of experience and I'm here to support you.
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Marcia de Oliveira Howard

LCSW, 25 years of experience

Solution oriented
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Hello, and thank you for visiting my profile. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 25 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.
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Mona Amian-Skamfer

LCSW, 13 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
+9
My name is Monarose and you can also call me Mona. I am a Filipino American and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have been the helping people business for over 25 years and practicing as a therapist for over 10 years. I help adults who are struggling with issues within school/college, career choices, job stressors, burnout, managing work/life balance, family issues, relationship issues, infertility, and cultural issues.
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Samantha Keiser

LCSW, 3 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+6
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with clients within California via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults while specializing in stress, life transitions, and anxiety. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, while tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. I’m here to provide a safe and supportive environment, where you can thrive and be yourself.
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Cindy Trujillo

LCSW, 11 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
+7
Starting therapy can feel like a big step my approach is all about making the process feel comfortable, supportive, and down-to-earth—like a real conversation, not a clinical checklist. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, going through a big life change, or just feeling stuck, we’ll figure things out together at your pace. I bring a warm, relaxed, and non-judgmental energy to every session, and my goal is to create a space where you can be your full self—laugh, cry, vent, reflect, explore… whatever you need, it's all welcome. I've had the privilege of working with kids, teens, and adults, and I understand that each stage of life comes with its own ups, downs, and curveballs. No matter where you are on your journey, we’ll start there—no pressure, no pretense. Just real talk and real support.
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Amina Choudhery

LCSW, 8 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Empowering
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+10
In our work together, I will focus on understanding your unique needs and helping you prioritize your mental health. My goal is to guide you toward becoming the healthiest version of yourself, finding moments of peace to make each day a bit lighter and brighter. I’m committed to honoring your cultural, religious, and spiritual principles, ensuring that you can both care for yourself and continue to support others. With a diverse professional background, I tailor therapeutic interventions to fit your individual needs, offering a personalized approach to your well-being.
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Kristina Gonzalez

LCSW, 10 years of experience

Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+9
Hi I'm Kristina Gonzalez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing for the past 10 years. I received my Masters in Social Work in California in 2016 and have worked with a wide array of clientele. I started my career supporting individuals cope with the previous and current experiences of intimate partner violence. I then went on to support adults in crisis in a psychiatric care facility, support children and families cope with life transitions related to neuro-developmental disorders, and for many years worked with Military Veterans struggling with various psycho-social concerns in their communities. Since 2021 I have been providing virtual mental health services to adults struggling with an array of concerns all over California from various walks of life.
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Pamela S Merino

LMFT, 13 years of experience

Direct
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
+10
It's easy to overlook our need for self-care when we're busy taking care of other aspects of our lives. Our priorities often revolve around work and our family's well-being, leaving us at the bottom of our list. My aim is to encourage self-determination through therapy. During our therapeutic relationship, we will work together to achieve your goals and find new ways to overcome obstacles and crises. We'll collaborate on identifying your strengths, as it's important to recognize how your current mindset and decisions are impacting the challenges you face in life.
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Beatriz Huda

LPCC, 10 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+10
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in CA. I received my Masters Degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida in 2011. I have dedicated my career to working with adults and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression and managing different life stressors. Making the decision to start therapy and recognizing that you want to make changes in your life is a big step and my goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for you and help you reach your goals.
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Elliana Ixta Madera

LCSW, 12 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+6
Hola! I'm Elliana. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters in Social Work from California State University Dominguez Hills. I'm bilingual in English and Spanish, and have been providing clinical services in the community to individuals of all ages for the past 12+ years. I hope to be of service and provide the support you need to meet your goals.
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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 the state. 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.

What are the "Clients say I’m" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

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 to expect during your first 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.