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: 9/17/2026

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

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Life Transitions
+7
Jazmin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides virtual therapy for clients across California. She works with adults navigating anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and eating disorders. Using a warm, client-centered approach grounded in CBT and ACT, she helps clients reduce negative self-talk, build practical coping skills, and move toward greater self-acceptance. Jazmin creates an inclusive space where everyone feels supported on their journey toward lasting resilience. You can learn more at JazminAlarconTherapy.com
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
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

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Spirituality
+10
Welcome on your search for a therapist. I love being a part of your experience, and I have spent my life training for and providing deep participation in improving the quality of life for my clients. Having been a teacher of psychology for years at Antioch University, Los Angeles, I will provide a full spectrum of theory and tools to use for your new life choices and design. I have had a private practice since 1990, and have seen the inspiring efforts that clients make, often in the face of great difficulty, to wrestle with their problems of living. I participated in a Theoretical Philosophical specialty for my Doctoral program at USC, and also have a lot of experience in a happy bi-racial marriage. Imagination and curiosity often guide you to a new answer, offering choices and changes that with work finally feel, truly authentic. Leah Matson has a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from USC. She is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist practicing personal counseling for individuals and couples / families in Santa Monica, CA. She also practices Neurofeedback. Leah specializes in relationship enhancement, PTSD, problem solving, creative living, artistic blocks and working in the entertainment industry. She is a college teacher of psychology and creative process at Antioch University in Los Angeles and taught for several years at Esalen.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Warm
Humorous
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Hi there, my name is Sydney and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist here to assist you in your therapeutic journey. I was born and raised in Sonoma County and am now serving my community via both in-person and telehealth. I have experience working in community mental health, school-based, and private practice settings. I am dedicated to my clients and enjoy seeing growth and self-exploration through our journey together.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+6
Currently accepting new clients, my name is Esperanza Applestein, I am a License marriage and family therapist with 25+ years of experience in the mental health field in California. I am a trauma informed clinician with extensive experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, attachment issues and life transitions. My style is warm, supportive, and thoughtful, helping clients deepen self understanding, strengthen boundaries and reconnect with themselves and others in healthier ways.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
+9
Welcome! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dually licensed in California and Florida. I earned my Master's degree in Social Work from George Mason University in 2018 and have worked in the mental health field since 2016. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and individuals from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities across a variety of settings, including outpatient, school-based, intensive in-home, community-based, therapeutic day treatment, and residential programs. I believe that everyone deserves a safe, supportive space to heal and grow. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, build healthy coping skills, navigate life's challenges with greater confidence, and break patterns that no longer serve them. Whether you're facing anxiety, past trauma, relationship difficulties, or a major life transition, I'm here to help you move toward meaningful, lasting change.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Spirituality
Women's Issues
+7
Hi there! My name is Caitlin, I'm a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) working with low acuity young women to navigate anxiety, stress, life transitions, women's wellness, and the emotional impact of hormonal imbalances such as PCOS. My therapeutic approach is authentic, holistic, strengths-based, and grounded in positive psychology. I integrate wellness coaching and Christian faith, when desired, to support lasting well-being. Please note that I do not specialize in treating depression, LGBTQ, trauma, or any additional severe acuity at this time. Referrals for these specialized needs can be made accordingly with the grow matching team. Thank 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
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
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
Authentic
Warm
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Foster Care/Adoption
+10
Hi! I've been in practice since 2011 and will tell everyone I meet that I LOVE my job! I love helping people understand themselves better, finding answers to questions, and sharing the moment when someone says "So THAT'S why that happens!" I love helping people unhook from beliefs that have brought debilitating guilt and shame. I love celebrating success with someone who has taken a risk, challenged their fears, and come out the other side victorious!
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
ADHD
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience providing treatment and care for vulnerable populations, including children and adults who require trauma-informed therapy, such as foster youth and individuals affected by domestic violence and/or interpersonal violence (IPV). My therapeutic approach utilizes attachment theory in combination with trauma-informed care, focusing on the development of skills for regulation, healthy communication, and boundaries.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+5
You might look like you have it together on the outside—but inside, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck. Maybe you’re constantly overthinking, carrying a lot on your own, or feeling disconnected from yourself or your relationships. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience. I provide compassionate, trauma-informed care for individuals, couples, and families navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief/loss, and past trauma. My approach is warm, grounded, and direct. I’ll meet you with empathy, but I’ll also help you understand your patterns, gently challenge what’s no longer serving you, and build practical tools that create real, lasting change. My goal is for you to feel more grounded, understood, and confident in how you move through your life and relationships. I am also a mother of three and the founder of Groundwork Counseling Center, a nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to mental health care.
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
Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Addiction
Coping Skills
Depression
+4
Hello, I'm Jolene, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for helping individuals achieve balance and well-being in their lives. I've dedicated my career to providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions and support to those seeking positive change and personal growth. Areas of Specialization: Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in several areas, including: 1. Substance Abuse Disorders: I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their journey to recovery from substance abuse, providing guidance, and helping develop strategies for a healthier, substance-free life. 2. Crisis Management: Life can throw unexpected challenges our way. I am here to help you navigate crises, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience in the face of adversity. 3. HIV Care/Management: Living with HIV can present unique emotional and psychological challenges. I offer a compassionate and understanding approach to help individuals manage their condition while maintaining a high quality of life. 4. Depression and Anxiety Disorders: I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing depression and anxiety, offering strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. My Mission: My mission as an LCSW is to guide and support you on your path to personal growth, emotional healing, and a more balanced life. I understand the importance of setting healthy boundaries in relationships, work, and daily life, and I am here to assist you in achieving this vital skill. I strive to offer a welcoming space where clients of all gender identities and sexual orientations feel seen and supported. I also work from a neurodivergent-informed lens, honoring each person's unique ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world.
VirtualAvailable
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
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
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
Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Chronic Illness
Grief
Life Transitions
+1
Thirty years in this field has taught me one profound truth: change is incredibly uncomfortable—especially when it is forced upon us by life's heavy challenges. As a licensed clinical social worker with three decades of experience in health and mental health settings, I bring a unique blend of clinical expertise and practical, real-world strategies to our sessions. My approach is both highly empathetic and pragmatic. I don't just offer a listening ear; I partner with you to navigate the profound disruptions of chronic illness, major life transitions, and loss. Together, we will help you discover new, healthier ways of relating to yourself, to others, and to a changing world. If you are ready to face these challenges and build a meaningful, satisfying life, I am here to support you every step of the way.
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
Solution oriented
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+10
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting adolescents, young adults, adults, and families through life’s challenges. I work with clients navigating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and complex family dynamics, always honoring their cultural background and personal story. Through a compassionate, client-centered approach, I help individuals build resilience, gain insight, and develop the tools they need to heal, grow, and lead more empowered lives.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+3
Hello, I am Coralia Valdez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been working in the mental health field for over 25 years. Throughout my work as therapist, I believe that real change happens when you feel truly heard and supported. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore your challenges, discover your strengths, and move toward the life you want.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+7
Hello! I am currently seeing clients virtually throughout California. I enjoy helping adults become their authentic selves in a world that tries its best to control who they are and how they identify. I want to help my clients think outside the box society tries to put them in, help them think for themself, and hold space for them as they take the unbeaten path. I help clients with anxiety, life transitions, use trauma informed care, and I am EMDR trained.
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.