Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 885 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: 9/16/2026

Often rebooked

Authentic
Intelligent
Direct
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+4
My name is Mark, and I have dedicated more than 15 years to working with families and youth in the foster care system. Before entering the field of foster care, I served as a combat medic in the military. This experience shaped my commitment to helping others and laid the foundation for my career. I have always been drawn to roles where I can make a positive impact on others’ lives. Helping people has become my true passion. In all my work, I strive to share joy and compassion, centering my approach on the unique needs of each individual I support.
VirtualAvailable
Open-minded
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
LGBTQ
Sex Addiction
Sex Therapy
+4
My name is Ryan, and I am a gay mixed-race man and a San Francisco Bay Area native. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, but I also recognize moments where I need solitude to reconnect with myself. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and have a specialty in sex therapy. I enjoy practicing as a sex therapist to help clients become empowered sexual beings.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
LGBTQ
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Hi there! My name is Lana Trapp, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe therapy is a uniquely transformative process and that the benefits are endless. I find it extremely rewarding and truly an honor to be invited into one's life and inner world. My priority is to create a safe and supportive space in therapy in order to build and promote trust throughout the therapeutic process. I am here to get to know you and what you are wanting from therapy. I will support you always and challenge you when needed and appropriate. I have a supportive, flexible and easy-going personality. I also believe laughter and humor have a place in therapy. I cannot imagine doing any other kind of work. Helping others and being part of one's therapeutic journey are passions of mine. This is where I am meant to be, and I do hope our paths cross for I would love to work with you!
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Child or Adolescent
+7
Hello, I’m Sascha, If you’re here, you’ve already taken an important step toward prioritizing your mental health. Beginning therapy can bring up a mix of emotions...empowerment, uncertainty, even hesitation—and all of that is valid. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. My background includes work in county-based services, nonprofit mental health, foster care, and school settings. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals across a wide range of needs and life circumstances. I believe that people generally have an internal sense of what they need and where they want to go, but at times can feel stuck or unsure how to move forward. My role is to help you gain clarity around what may be contributing to that feeling and to work collaboratively with you to develop practical, meaningful ways to navigate challenges. Life stressors such as relationship dynamics, limited support systems, past experiences, and difficulties with emotional regulation can all impact our ability to function in the ways we want. In our work together, I aim to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can explore these areas and move toward greater stability, insight, and fulfillment.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+4
As a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over four years of specialized experience, I deliver online therapy for adults. I specialize in helping clients reduce anxiety and navigate major life transitions, including relocation and career changes, and intimate relationship shifts, offering dedicated, personalized support to help you thrive through every shift.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
LGBTQ
+10
Welcome! I'm happy you're here and would love the opportunity to share a little bit about myself with you. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who would be honored to be a part of your journey. I've spent many years working with all age groups in a multitude of settings. Some of my past work includes anxiety, depression, grief, couples work, anger management, family stress, trauma, and life transitions. I love the work that I do and would love the opportunity to collaborate with you!
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+8
Hi, I’m Shannon, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about creating a supportive, comfortable space where you can feel heard, understood, and accepted. I work with adults navigating anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem, and other stressors that can leave you feeling overwhelmed or stuck. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, develop practical tools, and create meaningful changes that feel sustainable in your everyday life.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Humorous
Solution oriented
Specialties
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello, my name is Gabriela, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who enjoys working with clients while focusing on their strengths and experiences to promote their growth and development. I graduated from the University of Southern California with my Master of Social Work and continue to be based in California. For the past eleven years I have worked with clients to address their concerns including depression, anxiety, parenting, life transitions, behavioral difficulties, traumas, family dynamics and more, providing services in English and Spanish. My approach is strengths based, client centered, and solution focused. I believe that my clients have many strengths and valuable experience that are essential in the therapeutic process. I am excited to see the progress that will be made working together with some honest work and consistency. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hola, mi nombre es Gabriela. Soy Trabajadora Social Clínica con Licencia (LCSW) y disfruto trabajar con mis clientes, centrándome en sus fortalezas y experiencias para fomentar su crecimiento y desarrollo. Obtuve mi Maestría en Trabajo Social en la Universidad del Sur de California (USC) y continúo mi trabajo en California. Durante los últimos once años, he trabajado con clientes para abordar sus inquietudes, incluyendo depresión, ansiedad, crianza, transiciones vitales, dificultades conductuales, traumas, dinámicas familiares y más, brindando mis servicios tanto en inglés como en español. Mi enfoque se basa en las fortalezas, está centrado en el cliente y orientado a la búsqueda de soluciones. Estoy convencida de que mis clientes poseen numerosas fortalezas y experiencias valiosas que resultan fundamentales dentro del proceso terapéutico. Me entusiasma ser testigo del progreso que lograremos juntos mediante un trabajo honesto y constante.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Challenging
Direct
Specialties
ADHD
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
+7
With over a decade of clinical experience, I provide a grounded, client-centered approach to navigating complex life transitions. I earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Cal-Poly Humboldt and have since dedicated my practice to helping individuals and families resolve deep-seated conflict. My work is focused on empowering you to master anxiety, improve communication, and navigate the specific nuances of men’s issues and relational dynamics. Beyond the therapy room, I serve as Associate Faculty in Psychology. This role ensures that our work remains rooted in the latest developmental research and psychological science. I don’t view therapy as a passive process, but as a deliberate partnership designed to foster resilience and clarity. I believe that every individual holds the expertise over their own life. My job isn't to rewrite your history, but to help you glean insights from it. Together, we move past the surface to uncover genuine passions and confront the challenges that stand in your way, transforming your personal trials into the foundation of your growth.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+6
I am an LGBTQ+ Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I am committed to offering kind, compassionate, culturally responsive, and practical support to all of my clients as they navigate the challenges of daily life. The goal is to help you achieve positive, healthy healing and lasting change through evidence-based practices and responsive and practical support.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Empowering
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Welcome! ¡Bienvenido! My name is Silvia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of California. My mission is to create a positive, supportive space where you feel truly empowered. Therapy should feel like a meaningful conversation—one that helps you breathe a little easier and feel a little lighter each time we meet. I strive to offer an environment where you feel heard, supported, guided, and safe. Through a humanistic approach, I focus on making our time together feel valuable, collaborative, and deeply meaningful.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Coping Skills
+6
Hi, I’m Johanna! I’m a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), nationally certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I provide individual therapy for adults across California with support that is genuine, collaborative, and grounded in cultural awareness. As a Latina therapist, I’m especially passionate about supporting first-generation and BIPOC individuals navigating anxiety, intergenerational trauma, and life transitions. My approach is rooted in meaningful, real conversation, creating a space where you can reflect, heal, and grow. I primarily work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, or relationship challenges. My therapeutic style integrates mindfulness, CBT, and person-centered approaches, helping clients deepen self-awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and build more fulfilling connections. I believe meaningful change begins when you feel truly seen, understood, and supported on your path to healing.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Coping Skills
Family Conflict
Trauma and PTSD
Life moves fast and sometime we can’t keep up. Sometimes we don’t feel like we can talk to others for fear of judgment. Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you withdraw and shut down when you are struggling? Do you have thoughts come at you a mile a minute? Do those same thoughts take off into uncharted territory? It’s not uncommon, and you don’t have to feel that way forever. You might not have the tools to sort out or process these emotions. Maybe you know some skills, and are unsure how to or when to use them. These are just a few reasons why people seek therapy and I provide a supportive, non-judgmental and encouraging environment.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Addiction
Coping Skills
Men's Issues
Hello-My name is Ryan, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based out of Southern California (Long Beach). I work with young men and adult males in an individual setting, and I specialize in men's issues, substance use disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, and anger issues. It is my goal to support you in getting back on track and finding your way again. I will help you identify negative self-talk and faulty cognitive errors that are causing emotional pain and discomfort. My approach involves providing you with the tools and techniques that will assist you in being the best version of yourself- which is happy, joyous, and free. We can work together to modify thought processes which will improve feelings, behaviors and outcomes. My therapeutic orientation is cognitive and behavioral based, as well as solution focused. My approach is geared toward helping identify negative thoughts and belief patterns which cause emotional discomfort and unhealthy outcome results. I work with teens and adults who are struggling with substance abuse issues, depression, and anxiety. You are not alone.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
Women's Issues
+10
I’ve had the honor of working closely with children, families, and individuals healing from various forms of trauma and impacts of mental health from a cultural lens. Along the way, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the many different ways family life can shape us, sometimes in unexpected or challenging ways. I’ve worked in a variety of roles and settings, as a Director, Clinical Supervisor, across government agencies, to private and mental health centers, which has helped me see each person’s story from many angles. My approach is compassionate yet direct, down-to-earth, and tailored to you. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, your family, or your relationships, I’m here to walk alongside you with kindness and respect. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore, heal, and grow at your own pace.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Warm
Specialties
Addiction
Military/Veterans
Trauma and PTSD
+9
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 23 years of clinical experience. I also have my Ph.D. in International psychology with Organization and Systems specialty. Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals, families, couples, children, and adolescents from diverse multicultural, socioeconomic, and international backgrounds. I have the expertise and a passion for diversity and global and cross-cultural issues. My specialties include working with immigrants and refugees and addressing acculturation, adjustment, and traumatic experiences. I also specialize in working with military service members and their families, humanitarians, and expats. My other areas of interest, skills, knowledge, and competence include assisting individuals, families, and couples to cope with racism and microaggressions. I assist individuals with mood disorders, anxiety, relational issues, substance abuse and addictions, and post-traumatic stress disorder, amongst others. I believe in each individual's strength and resilience and in helping to promote resiliency to facilitate healing and growth. I believe in working collaboratively with individuals, couples, and families to identify meaningful goals and services. I incorporate cultural factors and life experiences that shape everyone. I also try to include a holistic perspective on health and address underlying relational and familial issues that impact clients. I am trained in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) and Family Systems, and use mindfulness and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions. Other modalities I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Brief Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. In addition to traditional therapy modalities, other key frameworks that inform my therapeutic approach and beliefs include Trauma-Informed Care and Global Psychology.
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
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+6
As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I specialize in helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, and the emotional challenges that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you can feel heard, understood, and supported while developing the tools to create meaningful change. My approach is warm, compassionate, and individualized, I work with clients to help them understand the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationship patterns that may be contributing to their struggles. Together, we identify practical strategies to manage symptoms, strengthen coping skills, and developing healthier ways of responding to life's challenges.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+4
One of my biggest passions is helping others overcome problems and giving back in a way I was helped. I’m a licensed therapist specializing in ISTDP, helping adults overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction by quickly identifying and resolving the emotional patterns that drive symptoms. I offer compassionate, focused sessions that help you access core feelings, reduce distress, and build more effective ways of coping and relating.
Available
Warm
Empowering
Authentic
Specialties
Child or Adolescent
LGBTQ
Anxiety
As an experienced family therapist, I have the skills and knowledge needed to help families navigate even the most challenging situations. What sets me apart is my unique perspective as a former stay-at-home mom to now-grown children, which gives me a deep understanding of the struggles and milestones that families face. If you're looking for a compassionate and experienced therapist who can make a real difference in your family's life, I invite you to consider reaching out to me for help.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+4
Hi! I've worked in the community for over ten years and understand the importance of of intersectionality. I'm Accepting new clients online in California and Florida. I help clients challenged by boundaries, restless thoughts and big shifts in life. I specialize in treating people from underrepresented communities. This includes women, LGBTQI, People of Color, and more. I strive to create a non-judgmental environment to explore conscious and unconscious patterns and beliefs that contribute to current challenges. I have typically worked with clients challenged by identity, gender, sexuality, depression, anxiety, shame, guilt, life transitions and relationship issues.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+6
Hi, I’m Cassandra! I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of therapeutic settings including an inpatient psychiatric hospital treating a higher level of acuity, intensive outpatient program supporting teens and young adults, a residential facility working with incarcerated youth, and an outpatient program at a University counseling center.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+5
My name is Ana Maldonado and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California. I am currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and family conflict. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Strength Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Health/Medical Issues
+10
I am a compassionate, client-centered therapist who focuses on creating a safe, supportive space where people can explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change. My approach blends evidence-based practices with genuine connection to help clients build insight, resilience, and confidence. My style is collaborative and empathetic, communicating in a way that feels grounding and approachable. This combination makes clients feel both heard and guided.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. Prior to becoming licensed in 2017, I worked with children and youth in public and private schools as a Behavior Interventionist for over a decade. I also worked in a mental health non-profit providing counseling and other social services to culturally, spiritually, and linguistically diverse populations. My expertise includes working with victims of crimes and domestic violence, immigrants and refugees, and individuals from the South West Asian North African (SWANA) region.
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.