Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 887 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
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
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

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
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
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
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Domestic Violence
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi! I'm Dr. Gonzalez and I hold a doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Marriage and Family Therapy and licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist (#103979) in the state of California. I've been license for 7+ years. I offer therapy with individuals, families, couples, and groups using an eclectic approach. I enjoy working with individuals who are struggling with different adjustment in their life or adjustments after a trauma was experienced.
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

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
LGBTQ
Women's Issues
+5
I look forward to meeting you! While I have been licensed for 10 years, I have over 15 years of experience in the field of social work. I have the privilege of working with various populations from young children to adults and older adults in their journeys through life with LGBTQ+ identities, varying socioeconomic statuses, multicultural experiences, and religious backgrounds. I find this calling incredibly meaningful and hold this work and other individuals with much respect and care.
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

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Addiction
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hi my name is Jazmin. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping people who need guidance coping with stress, trauma, substance abuse, and troubling thoughts. My therapeutic style is working collaboratively with you and empowering you to change your unwanted feelings and behaviors. Let's work together to uncover what is holding you back from being your best self.
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
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+4
I have been working with clients for many years. I am honored to work with you and to be with you through the process of self discovery and personal growth. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to push ourselves to grow. It can be difficult; however, it can also be a transformative experience that can provide great personal freedom.
VirtualAvailable
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
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
Authentic
Intelligent
Warm
Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Addiction
Anxiety
+8
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (TX LPC #88209, CO LPC#0024066) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA LPCC #16170) based in Dallas, TX with over 15 years experience in mental health and recovery-oriented work. I dedicate my practice to helping individuals navigate life's complexities and find their own path to well-being. My approach is warm, collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I believe that counseling is a partnership, and I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and create a life that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
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

Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Direct
Specialties
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Self Esteem
+4
Through connection, empathy and a non-judgmental approach, I offer ways to help you discover what may be blocking you from finding your true path in life. By not seeing an individual for what symptoms they have or what is affecting them, I am more interested in helping you find what is the cause of symptoms and how to process them. I work with adults from all backgrounds. I am also open to any culture, belief, identification or orientation. All are welcome. I base all individual therapy on a client-focused approach and adapt sessions to the needs of each person.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
+7
Hi, my name is Naomi Stein! With over 25 years in the field of psychotherapy, I bring the education, experience, and skills to help you through the issues you're facing. With a vast array of modalities and techniques, I am able to guide you towards health and healing. Although my primary method of therapy is talk therapy, I often use body exercises, creativity, and psycho-education to help advance your progress. I do not work with any one specific group or symptom and would never want to limit my practice to one specialty, but there are several areas in which I have especially deep expertise and passion: Anxiety, Depression, Divorce, Loss and Grief, Recovery from Addiction, Empty Nest Syndrome, Anger Management, Boundary issues, Trauma, Feelings of Overwhelm, PTSD, Cancer, Aspergers, and Trauma, to name a few. You will find me deeply caring, fully engaged, compassionate, insightful, and an active listener. You will get feedback in every session, and occasionally, I will suggest "homework" to reinforce lessons learned in the sessions. Using a mind-body approach, I like to integrate techniques that reduce stress "from the bottom up," incorporating somatic awareness, mindfulness, DBT (Dialectic Behavioral Therapy), and Polyvagal exercises. I also practice what I preach and have built a full life with friends and family, gardening, reading, outdoor anything, dance, yoga, swimming, needlepoint, scrapbooking, and hiking. Let's get you back on track, process issues from your past, update the internal narrative, and find a way for you to feel more at peace with yourself, your life, and your relationships.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+1
Hello and welcome! I’m glad you are here. A little bit about myself, I have been working in the mental health field for over 15 years, and it has been a meaningful journey. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, with a focus on Mental Health. I gained an understanding of the importance of accessible and compassionate care. As I gained experience, I developed an interest in family systems and decided to further my education by pursing a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since then, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, families, and children, providing both individual therapy and group facilitation. In 2020, I became a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Through this journey, I have had experiences that allowed me to better understand the broader systems that impact people’s lives and to focus on finding collaborative, strength-based solutions that support real, lasting change.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+5
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have been practicing for 11 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.
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
Humorous
Open-Minded
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. University of California, Berkeley (UCB) for the AB in English and University of San Francisco (USF) in Counseling. Because of my personal experiences with having seizures when I was younger, I now concentrate on addressing the emotions and hopes and dreams of people who are dealing with the multiple, and often times consuming, issues of having a seizure disorder as well as any combination of realities and histories that equal the seizure experience. Please let me know if I can bring a more balanced picture to your life and those who you value and love in your life as well.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Self Esteem
+8
I’m a warm, authentic and persistent 51-year-old who loves this work. Clients often feel like they’re having an insightful, heartfelt conversation rather than a formal therapy session. I create a space of deep listening and acceptance where you can explore your inner world safely and honestly. By helping you understand and care for the parts of yourself that carry pain or conflict, we ease anxiety and depression and open the door to greater balance and emotional freedom. I speak with an accent—just something to keep in mind. Soy una terapeuta de 51 años cálida, autentica y determinada que ama profundamente este trabajo. Mis clientes suelen sentir que están teniendo una conversación sincera y llena de claridad más que una sesión de terapia formal. Creo un espacio de escucha profunda y aceptación donde puedes explorar tu mundo interno con seguridad y honestidad. Al ayudarte a comprender y cuidar las partes de ti que cargan dolor o conflicto, aliviamos la ansiedad y la depresión y abrimos la puerta a un mayor equilibrio y libertad emocional.
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

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Self Esteem
+2
Hello. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. I have been licensed since July of 2006. I have a passion for assisting people through challenges with the transformative power of therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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.