Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 769 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: 5/16/2026

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+3
I am licensed in California . I have 20 years of professional work experience . I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work , from California State University Long Beach. I thrive in the opportunity to help clients move through the counseling process , with the goals of adaptive coping and wellness in the management of their issues and stressors. I enjoy educating clients on Wellness Practice and extending supportive psychotherapy to clients .
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

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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Authentic
Humorous
Solution oriented

Specialties

Child or Adolescent
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
+7
I am Joe Henson, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I consider myself a Bowen Family Therapist that has also utilizes CBT, DBT, and Solution focused treatment. I have extensive history working with children, teens, and young adults who are are just starting to figure out independent living. My style of therapy best serves those that want to both understand how their challenges and goals came to be as well as have a strong game plan to tackle those challenges for a meaningful change.
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Warm
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Postpartum
Women's Issues
+1
Hello, my name is Maria Genter Hester I am a licensed marriage family therapist they have been in private practice on and off for about 20 years. I love working with families and teens I have a specialty in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, I also have training in dealing with perinatal loss, abortion, miscarriage and grief. I love helping people who are interested in using their faith background to further their healing and achieve the life that they want. Most of my training has been in cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems. I earned my Masters in Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco, I reside in San Diego. I love the outdoors, hiking beach, art, cooking, and activities with my family and friends.
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Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
+9
I approach life with curiosity and a sense of purpose. I have worked in the mental health field for the last 8 years from nonprofit organizations, outpatient substance abuse facilities, crisis on call agencies and the judicial system. Prior to my experience as a marriage and family therapist, I was a stand up comic. I try to bring humor into the room whenever possible as I believe laughter is the best medicine.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+4
Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from CSU Stanislaus and have been practicing for over 12 years. I work collaboratively with adults around a variety of life stressors to help them meet their individual goals. Some of my specific areas of expertise include working with anxiety disorders, life transitions, and women’s health.
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Open-minded
Authentic
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.
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Often rebooked

Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

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.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Family Conflict
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+10
Hello, my name is Sang Wu and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from Alliant International University and have been practicing for nine years. I work with adults who feel stuck in their current lives, and individuals who struggle with anxiety and depression. I assist in helping them navigate crucial moments, difficult forks in the road of life, uncertain futures, and help them live their best lives.
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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
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+6
Hello, I'm Amber Potter, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience. I work with people who are open to growth and curious about the patterns shaping their relationships and experiences. I’m especially drawn to clients who are learning to accept themselves more fully, including the parts that feel imperfect or stuck. Together, we will work toward greater understanding, resilience, and meaningful change.
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Military/Veterans
Trauma and PTSD
+4
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides counseling to adults and couples using a trauma-informed approach. I am trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and I help clients process and heal from complex life experiences. I bring a unique depth of experience to my work, having served 25 years as a police officer and over 13 years supporting first responders through peer support programs. I am also a certified domestic violence counselor with experience working with both adults and children impacted by trauma, and a U.S. Army veteran with four years of active-duty service.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering

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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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
Direct
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
+9
Hello. My name is Ana and I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (128445), in the beautiful state of California. I have been in the counseling and social work field for 25+ yrs. Simply stated, I was born to do therapy, it is a gift and an honor. I am a safe, trusting and caring person, that is able to connect with a diversity of people, especially those that feel inadequate. I have worked with children, teens, elderly, foster care, gang members and most recently, death row inmates in prison. I have found through many of those experiences that emotional pain, feeling alone, being scared to live and having anxiety or depression is common and universal. However, I also know that the desire to live a deeper, peaceful and meaningful life can also be a driving force. I too have done much of that internal work and reflection in my life. I have learned that it is OK to be just me, no longer fearing to live the life that I have earned and deserve. I would love the same for you.
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Authentic
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
I'm a graduate of Smith School of Social Work, and a licensed psychotherapist. Over the past 15 years I've worked in clinical and educational settings. I am flexible in my approach. I trust clients’ innate capacity to heal and emphasize their ability to notice, regulate, and build on their own bodily wisdom. At the same time, I take an active, attuned role—offering moment-to-moment guidance to help organize experience and support nervous system regulation.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Life Transitions
+6
Hi, I’m Cristy, and I’m really glad you’re here. You don’t have to face this alone. Therapy can be a space to take a deep breath, be yourself, and start making sense of what’s going on inside. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way and take gentle steps toward a life that feels more like you—more grounded, connected, and aligned with what truly matters.
VirtualAvailable
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Direct
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
+4
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations in different community settings. I have adapted different approaches in my clinical work to fit with the populations that I serve. As a therapist, I work to help make clients feel grounded and supported in our session appointments. I strive for authenticity when working with others. I try to help clients value honesty within themselves and in others. I hope to be able to facilitate growth and change in our time together.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering

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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Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello, my name is Elena, which means “shining light.” I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing since 2015, when I earned my Master’s in Social Work. Throughout my career, I have worked in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, domestic violence shelters, foster care, addiction treatment centers, and jails. These diverse experiences have helped me discover what I value most in my work: making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I serve. Whether I am supporting someone through depression, helping them manage anxiety, processing long-held trauma, or simply offering a safe space to be heard, I find deep fulfillment in walking alongside others on their healing journey. True to the meaning of my name, I strive to be a source of hope and light for those I meet, believing that even small moments of connection can create lasting change.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
Are you feeling stuck, disconnected in your relationships, or noticing patterns that you don’t fully understand? You may be wanting to explore deeper—unpacking core beliefs or unresolved experiences that are impacting how you relate to others and to yourself. This process of gaining insight and gently challenging those patterns can be a meaningful step toward healing and growth. I have experience working with BIPOC individuals, women navigating anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, and individuals experiencing challenges with emotion regulation. I also support clients who are working toward feeling more like themselves again—reconnecting with a sense of balance, clarity, and emotional grounding. Finding a therapist who feels like the right fit is an important part of the process. If what you’re reading resonates with you, I would be honored to support you in this work. Our sessions—whether weekly or biweekly—are a dedicated space for you to slow down, reflect, and focus on your needs. My current availability is during daytime hours, between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and I am not offering evening appointments at this time. I look forward to walking alongside you in your healing journey.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+2
Hello, my name is Monique and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I earned my Master's Social Work (MSW) from The University Southern California (USC) and have been practicing for over 15 years. I help adult women and men face, overcome and win the internal struggle within themselves. These struggles could be a result of trauma, anxiety, depression etc.
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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

Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Addiction
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+9
My therapeutic style is grounded in a holistic and integrative framework, which empowers me to provide personalized care that aligns with each client's distinct situation and clinical needs. I am committed to cultivating a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. As I walk alongside clients on their path to healing, I remain flexible and responsive, adjusting my approach to support their growth and development at every stage.
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Direct
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Chronic Illness
LGBTQ
+3
Hello, I am a therapist who focuses on improving the lives of his clients. I will help empower them to enrich their lives. Together we can explore methods on helping the individual deal with everyday life stressors and also past trauma. I am someone who wants to see their clients excel and be able to manage life's difficulties. Hoping to help my clients see positive results in therapy.
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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.