Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 870 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: 6/13/2026

Warm
Humorous
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+24
Life transitions and unexpected challenges can bring a mix of emotions, including stress, uncertainty, anxiety, sadness, and self-doubt. Whether you are navigating changes in relationships, school, work, identity, family dynamics, or other personal challenges, therapy can provide a supportive space to process these experiences and develop healthier ways of coping. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy in both English and Spanish. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families from diverse cultural backgrounds and strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and empowered. Over the past several years, I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, and hospital emergency services, helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, and interpersonal challenges.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

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.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+4
Have you reached a point in your life where you feel like “enough is enough” and something in your life needs to change? When experiencing difficult emotions or life-changing transitions it can be overwhelming to process them alone. I am Maneka Cooper, LCSW passionate about assisting individuals in their journey to navigate and process the pain, trauma and disappointments that can lead to negative habits or patterns, unrealized potential and generally feeling unfulfilled. I am here to help you pick up and carry on when you don’t feel able. I provide a safe space for you to be yourself until you feel strong enough to make whatever changes you need to make. I value client autonomy and collaboration. I place value on the strengths and resources you already have to help you heal and grow. I utilize an evidenced- based integrative approach to assist each individual, allowing them to feel seen, heard and valued in their unique circumstances. You did a thing! Congratulate yourself for taking the first step, this is usually the toughest! Thank you for your motivation to change! I am honored and look forward to being a part of your journey.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Spirituality
+1
Hello! I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the state of California since November 2017. I worked with children and youth from 2015-2023 in a community-based clinic. From December 2023 to August 2025, I worked with adults struggling with substance abuse who are part of a treatment court program. In August of 2025, I transitioned to private practice where I am primarily serving individuals struggling with relationship issues/life transitions.
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Warm
Open-minded
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+5
Welcome! I’m Emily. I am a licensed psychotherapist working in the Sacramento area. My therapy practice welcomes children, adolescents, adults, and families. I operate from the framework that through our shared humanity, we can find connection, understanding, and healing. As a humanistic and psychodynamic therapist, my practice emphasizes genuineness, self-discovery, and uncovering unconscious behaviors and patterns within a non-judgmental and empathic space
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Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Hi there! It’s my pleasure to greet you! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, and I can’t wait to partner with you on your wellness journey. There are times when life seems more difficult than we can bear. In today’s current climate, life can seem more confusing as the days go by. Managing social issues, employment challenges, relationship difficulties, and personal struggles can be all consuming. With over 6 years of experience, I am passionate about partnering with clients on how to see the best in themselves and how to establish autonomy and agency in their lives. As a wife and mother within a blended family, I am very familiar with life’s struggles and challenges. Stress, anxiety, depression, disappointments, don’t have to get the final say in your life. My role as a therapist is to support you with discovering peace, inspiration, acceptance, and a sense of belonging. Deciding to seek therapy to help manage your day-to-day life is a huge first step. You are important and you’re worth taking that step. If you believe that I can support you as you re-establish goals for your life, I would love to connect with you.
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New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
+7
Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adolescents and young adults navigating anxiety, stress, and challenges related to school, college, family, relationships, and everyday life. I have experience supporting teens and young adults through difficult emotions, life transitions, academic pressures, and the challenges that can come with adolescence and early adulthood. My goal is to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable, heard, and understood. I take a practical, strengths-based approach to help clients build coping skills, manage stress, improve emotional awareness, and feel more confident in their daily lives and relationships.
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Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Couples Counseling
Anger Management
+8
Rachel Howard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, Nationally Board- Certified Art Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher, Clinical Supervisor & Consultant, as well as a Certified Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) Practitioner. She has almost a decade of experience working with children, adults, couples, and families in a therapeutic capacity. She specializes in trauma and family work. She is an integrative psychotherapist – integrating art therapy, play therapy, sand tray, mindfulness, astrology, spirituality, and more into therapy. She describes her approach as holistic, compassionate, mindful, playful, creative, grounded, and prioritizes compassionate listening. While working with her clients, Rachel holds the deep knowing and belief that each of our minds, body, and spirit are naturally moving toward health and healing. That we are all born with an innate and inherent wholeness that can often get lost in our culture as we grow or due to traumas where help was not available at that time. Rachel holds a heartfelt and safe space for the natural healing of her clients.
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Often rebooked

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 exciting opportunities 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.
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Authentic
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+10
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 5 years of experience working with adults. Throughout my career, I have treated a wide range of symptoms in both the outpatient and inpatient setting. I have experience with working on a variety of life challenges including; racial and systemic issues, relationships, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self worth, self harm/SI, and more . My hope is that, through a collaborative process, we can work together to help improve wellbeing, understand emotions, and improve behaviors. My approach to therapy is combined from my years of using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy and a client centered approach. My goal is to take the knowledge I have and help you navigate your life and goals. Please be aware that I am an LCSW. I cannot prescribe medications, I can assist with referrals to a psychiatrist and or assist with helping you find a doctor who can prescribe.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Foster Care/Adoption
Military/Veterans
+6
I am a veteran of the United States Air Force, having proudly served for 16 years. Over the years, I have earned a license as a Clinical Social Worker and hold a PhD in the same field. My professional journey has taken me through various roles, including working with Child Protective Services for Sacramento County and providing support through the Department of Veterans Affairs. My experiences have deepened my commitment to serving others and have equipped me with a diverse skill set in clinical practice and social work.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Holistic

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+10
Teenagers often arrive in therapy carrying things that no one at home or school knows how to name yet. I've spent years working alongside adolescents and their families in schools and community settings—and I bring that same depth to my work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and major life transitions. I also specialize in early psychosis: working with teens and young adults experiencing their first break with reality, and the families trying to understand what's happening. My approach centers on building clear goals, strengthening hope, and learning to move through the uncertainty that real change requires. If you'd like to learn more about me & my approach, please visit: www.benjaminclover.com/about
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Authentic
Warm
Direct

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+10
California State University Stanislaus of Social Work, Master's in Social Work License LCSW# 76744 23 Years of experience Hello! My name is Robert Garza, LCSW Bi-lingual. I have over 18 years of experience working with clients ranging from early childhood, adolescence, children/families, adults, and end-of-life care. I have always viewed my professional career to learn as much as possible and be able to impact the largest number of people in need of support, counseling, therapy, and a safe space. I have worked in educational settings, healthcare settings, and clinical settings. I was born in Corcoran and raised in Central California. I currently reside in Rocklin CA, and enjoy horseshoe pitching, long walks, the ocean, and family and friends. My historical area of focus ranges from challenges in school to overcoming childhood traumas, depression, anxiety, social isolation, and conflict within family units. These are common things that we all face as we grow and evolve into our adult selves.
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Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Hello! I am a License Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Master of Social Work from California State University Long Beach. I received my BA in Psychology degree from California Stated University Fullerton. I have been practicing mental health counseling for 17 years. I help adolescents, adults and older adults struggling with careers, stress and burnout, traumatic life events, experiencing depression and anxiety to be able to function as normal as they can be.
VirtualAvailable
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Perinatal Mental Health
+5
Hello! My name is Sandra Randall, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving clients in California and in Florida. With a Master of Social Work from San Jose State University and nine years of experience, I am dedicated to guiding individuals as they navigate life's challenges and transitions. As a former military spouse and an experienced hospice and hospital social worker, I deeply understand the emotional weight of unmet expectations and unforeseen life changes. My approach emphasizes uncovering your unique strengths and creative potential to empower you in difficult moments. Drawing from a rich tapestry of personal experiences and a faith-informed perspective, I bring both empathy and insight to the therapeutic process. Whether you’re facing grief, loss, or other challenges, I am here to walk alongside you with compassion and support. Together, we can navigate this journey and work toward healing and growth.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Eating Disorders
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
I am an LPCC in California and an LPC in Texas. My educational background consists of earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master's in clinical counseling, and a Master's in Addictions. I am a National Certified Counselor and am a certified addictions counselor. My past clinical experience includes working for a crisis center where the majority of clients experienced issues related to suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and child and elder abuse. These issues impact people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. I have also worked for a county-based permanent assisted housing development where all of the clients have experienced episodes of homelessness, and have been significantly impacted by issues of trauma, depression, addictions, domestic violence, and child abuse.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Intelligent
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. With a passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families to navigate the complexities of relationships and personal growth, I've dedicated my career to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where my clients can explore challenges, heal, and thrive. My approach is grounded in empathy, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to understanding each client's unique dynamics and strengths. Whether addressing communication issues, conflict resolution, emotional intimacy, or personal development, I aim to empower my clients to achieve greater harmony, understanding, and fulfillment in their lives and relationships.
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Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Greetings! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in California. I have 10 years of experience working as a school counselor. This work includes working with children and teens on anxiety and familial stress. Also, I have been practicing clinical therapy for 5 years. In this realm of work, I support individuals struggling with life issues and transitions to become the best versions of themselves.
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Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+8
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 11 years of experience providing psychotherapy and clinical social work across medical, academic, and private practice settings. My clinical work is grounded in trauma-informed care, psychoeducation, and a commitment to evidence-based, integrative treatment that supports each client’s individual goals and strengths. My experience includes working with adults, adolescents, and families in settings such as UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and Kaiser Permanente. These diverse environments have informed a comprehensive approach that values collaboration, holistic assessment, and continuity of care.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Trauma and PTSD
+8
I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adult individuals with attachment and developmental trauma, PTSD recent traumatic events, and anxiety using mind-body approaches and attachment informed EMDR via telehealth. I've noticed that a lot of people with trauma and anxiety seem to benefit from using attachment-informed EMDR and parts work approaches that help you get to know the inner parts of yourself. Using a combination of these approaches can help with resolving inner conflict, connecting that sense of the "inner child" to healing and resources, and increasing inner strength and a sense of agency in your life decisions. I will use guided imagery in therapy and like to focus on the mind and body connection. I am also a big fan of weaving in values and mindfulness-based cognitive approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
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Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+9
Hello, I am an older adult who came to this career after a long career in the non-profit sector. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of clients with a wide variety of issues and circumstances. The bulk of my previous experience in the nonprofit world was in substance use disorder treatment programs. My training as a therapist includes specialized training for a wide variety of disorders. I am known for being empathic, honest and insightful and a relentless cheerleader for my clients. I am very interactive and I will offer liberal doses of feedback and suggestions. I will provide psycho-education and will look to you for feedback about how you are feeling about the therapy. We will address the therapy as a team.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Grief
+6
At a young age, I came to the United States from Pakistan through an arranged marriage. My experience as a young woman fresh to this country inspired my journey to making a difference in the community through activism and therapy. I went through my own therapeutic journey and now am excited to help my clients empower themselves in their narrative paths.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+7
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I have been practicing since 2011. I have experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief. I have been trained in a range of research-based practices including Managing and Adaptive Practice, Depression Treatment Quality Improvement, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Military Focus. My passion is working alongside my clients to provide support and help bring healing in their lives. I take a client-centered approach, utilizing strength-based, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral techniques to help my clients improve their overall quality of life.
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Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Personality Disorders
+9
Hi there, I am Alberto. I believe each individual is unique, and I want to help you uncover your strengths to create a life worth living. I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment for you to discuss what is bothering you. Through various evidence-based practice interventions, I will help you work through the emotions and behaviors preventing you from achieving your life goals. Seeking therapy can be scary, and I am here to make this experience pleasant. Let's work together!
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Warm
Authentic
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+10
I am licensed therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and clarity. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, transitional life phases and grief. My goals is to create a safe, non judgmental space where the client can explore their feelings, gain insight, and develop strategies for change. Together we work toward a greater self-understanding, healthier relationships, and a life that aligns with your values, goals, and to be a better version of yourself.
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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 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.

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 happens during the first therapy 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.