Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 831 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: 12/14/2025

Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+5
My name is Stephanie (she/her), and I’m a licensed therapist dedicated to creating a supportive, affirming space where clients can feel seen, heard, and empowered. I hold a Master of Social Work, earned with distinction from Cal State University, Northridge, and have been working in the field since 2018. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on LGBTQIA+ adults, identity exploration, life transitions, and emotional wellness. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking greater clarity, I’m here to walk alongside you. My goal is to help you make sense of your experiences, identify what matters most, and develop tools that support lasting, meaningful change. Therapy with me is collaborative, grounded in respect, curiosity, and care.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+4
Welcome! I am an Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor from California with experience working with a variety of individuals from adolescents to adults with diagnoses like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and thought disorders on a variety of life stressors. I am passionate about assisting clients take action and make changes in their life to reach identified goals. I'm excited to meet you!
VirtualAvailable

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
+1
I am a 54 year old bi-culutral father of two adolescents in the year 2025. With all of the social pressures that our families have been subject to, it's never been more important to be close and listen to each other. Social disconnect is the new pandemic and the challenges that interefere with social connection are the same ones driving our sense of faulty connection and confusion with pleasure and happiness.
VirtualAvailable
No reviews yet
No reviews yet

New to Grow

Specialties

Coping Skills
Grief
Older Adults
Hello, I am Michelle Wenzler, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where you feel safe to explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals. I use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you develop practical strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and difficult life situations. Together, we'll work toward greater self-understanding, emotional balance and a more fulfilling life. Whether you are a young adult facing new transitions or a senior seeking meaning and peace in later stages of life, my goal is to support you in finding resilience, clarity, and confidence in your journey forward.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Open-minded
Empowering

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+10
My therapy approach is always non judgmental, attuned, and integrates active listening as well as unconditional positive regard. In addition, my multicultural personal and professional backgrounds allow me to work with a variety of cultures. Also, I try my best to meet the client where they are and learn where it is they want to be/go in life. This allows me to assist them in accomplishing the aforementioned.
VirtualAvailable

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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Addiction
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+9
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
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Family Conflict
+3
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master Degree from California State University and I've been practicing therapy for over 12 years. I grew up in Italy and moved to the US 42 years ago. I work with adult men and women struggling with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationships. I'm passionate about helping them live more fulfilling relationships and peaceful life.
VirtualAvailable
No reviews yet
No reviews yet

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Peer Relationships
+4
Congratulations! You have taken the first steps in the journey to your goal(s). I am extremely grateful you are considering me to partner up with. I consider my relationships as instrumental in learning who I am. The relationships that most speak to who I am include being a spouse, father, brother, son, colleague, and friend. My grandparents are deceased. Through these relationships I have learned a great deal.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Peer Relationships
Self Esteem
+8
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have worked in mental health facilities and organizations for over 18 years and have been a LMFT for 6 years. I have experience working with: -Runaway teen youth (12-17 years old) -Children with autism/ADHD (under 12 years old) -Parenting Skills and Anger Management instructor -Transitional Aged-Youth (16-25 years old) -Adult psychiatric hospital setting -Adult outpatient treatment centers -Adults with disabilities (assisting living independently) -Integrative-Health in a health clinic (ages 5 - 65+ year olds). Working with many age groups and ranges throughout my career has humbled me to believe we are all in a quest to maintain a good quality of life within all phases of life. Let's meet to discuss ways we could work together for you to reach your desired outcomes!
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+2
Are you struggling with what's on your plate, whether you are doing "what you are supposed to be doing," or feeling like an imposter at times? Are you transitioning into a new phase, or ready to do something different? Are you feeling urgency to finally do the inner work so you can live in alignment with your innermost desires and values? If so, I look forward to connecting with you. <br> I can help you process and move through what’s holding you back right now from flourishing. Let’s work together to manage anxiety, low self esteem, depression, and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working, help you find more clarity, and figure out what will serve you. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you are making the right choice. Give yourself permission to take this time for yourself. You deserve a space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the challenges that have brought you here. Let's work together! I use a variety of therapy styles and tailor my approach to your needs. Mindfulness, connecting to creativity, and a culturally informed social-justice lens also inform my practice and are important to me. I often assign homework between sessions. These might look like exercises or activities to engage in, or prompts to consider and reflect upon. I want for you to feel heard, understood, and validated. At the same time, know that I will challenge you when it is appropriate, and encourage you to experiment with doing things differently than you may have done before. Relief and healing is possible, change and flourishing is possible, but not without effort on your part. Therapy is about getting the support you need, while learning ways to cope, recover, grow, and thrive.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+3
My name is Natalia Manzary and I am a Licenced Clinical Social Worker. Born and raised in Hawthorne, CA, I embarked on my career in Social Work in 2016. I have experience working with families and individuals of all ages (young children, adolescents, young adults, and adults). Growing up, the topic of mental health was a discussion that was frowned upon. At a young age, I noticed the cycles of trauma and fear to express oneself were continuously passed on, which essentially creates a limited environment for a person to thrive and grow. My passion for therapy grew as I learned about the stigmas in mental health. Through personal and professional experiences, I can assist my clients with navigating the different spaces and people that one encounters in life. My goal is to explore childhood and trauma, eliminating maladaptive coping by learning and acquiring an array of skills, focusing on strengths, and developing strong communication skills to maintain self-respect and advocate for your needs.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Intelligent

Specialties

Grief
Health/Medical Issues
Older Adults
HI, I am Pat Moriarty. I have been in practice from many years and enjoy seeing clients grow and make the changes in their lives they desire. I have extensive experience with grief therapy, health care issues, and life transitions. I help people understand what and why they are experiencing certain feelings and help alleviate discomfort. I look forward to meeting new people everyday .
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Authentic

Specialties

Anger Management
Coping Skills
Depression
+6
I have over 20 years experience working in a forensic setting addressing a range of mental health issues that include anger management, psychosis, general anxiety, depression, and trauma related symptoms. I offer therapy using cognitive based interventions along with mindfulness strategies to manage mood symptoms and control negative thinking patterns. I also offer assertive communication techniques to help improve communication style between partners, family, friends, and workplace.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+4
Hello, and welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. My background spans a variety of care settings, and I’m dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered therapy as you navigate life’s challenges. I take a flexible, holistic approach to therapy, drawing on different therapeutic techniques to help you gain insight, self-awareness, and practical tools for coping. Above all, my work is grounded in empathy and a deep commitment to your well-being. Together, we’ll explore your concerns, identify areas of growth, and work toward building a more fulfilling life.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Direct
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+9
Deborah enjoys working together with her clients to form a strong therapeutic bond. She is motivated to help her clients live there best authentic lives. She has experience helping people develop strong coping skills to reduce, manage and or alleviate their anxiety, depression and work/relational stress. In her spare time Deborah enjoys spending time with her family and grandson, hiking, walking her dog, trying new recipes and planning for travel.
VirtualAvailable

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.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Men's Issues
+5
For over 10 years, my work spanned from court advocacy to case management for immigrant and underserved communities in Los Angeles. I have worked in community mental health providing culturally responsive therapeutic services including harm reduction and crisis counseling. Rooted in social justice, my work as a therapist is an extension of my passion in helping others empower themselves and assist in their healing journey.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
LGBTQ
Hi, my name is Kathy. I am licensed in California as a marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing for eight years. I work with adults that struggle with depression and anxiety. I have extensive experience working with individuals that have problems with substance use. I believe that you are the expert in your life. My role is to help you recognize your strengths and learn how to build on those strengths to help you become the best version of yourself.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Self Esteem
+7
My goal is to help you break free from the cycle of stress and anxiety through practical techniques and personalized strategies for growth. With a background in mindfulness, meditation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, I take a holistic approach to therapy. Together we'll create a comfortable space where you can explore your challenges, gain perspective, and deepen your emotional awareness without feeling judged.
VirtualAvailable
Direct

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+3
Hi, I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist for the past 13 years. I graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies in expressive arts therapy. I also have lived in a Zen Buddhist temple to do residential practice for five years. My goal is to help people feel better as soon as possible. Usually by the time a person enters therapy they have been under stress that has been building for a while. I help people identify and clarify what their goals are and present interventions that I have supported people using that help them feel better.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hello, my name is Patricia Bevan. I have always found human behavior interesting. I love getting to know people and listening to their life stories. I find it very rewarding to empower people to achieve their best, support them through their challenges in life, as well as help ease their emotional burdens. My focus is all about "connection." My work is about connecting with clients on a genuine, compassionate and human level.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Depression
Grief
Mood Disorders
+7
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from Azusa Pacific University and have been practicing for 8 years. I have worked with all age groups, and specifically provided my focus working with adults and older adults. Assisting in providing guidance in current or past life stressors, and finding the strength to work through those challenges.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

Why filter by California rather than a city like LA?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in 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.

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.