Optum Therapists in California

I am a 54 year old bi-culutral father of two adolescents in the year 2025. With all of the social pressures that our families have been subject to, it's never been more important to be close and listen to each other. Social disconnect is the new pandemic and the challenges that interefere with social connection are the same ones driving our sense of faulty connection and confusion with pleasure and happiness.

Hello, I am Michelle Wenzler, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion and evidence-based care. As a therapist, I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where you feel safe to explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals. I use approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you develop practical strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and difficult life situations. Together, we'll work toward greater self-understanding, emotional balance and a more fulfilling life. Whether you are a young adult facing new transitions or a senior seeking meaning and peace in later stages of life, my goal is to support you in finding resilience, clarity, and confidence in your journey forward.

Profile: Hi there and welcome! My name is Michelle, and I'm glad you found your way here. Life has a way of introducing anxiety, stress, trauma, and grief when we least expect it. I'm here to support you in returning to a place where you feel safe, self-aware, and empowered. I believe we all have the capacity to be self-healers. I've worked in several realms of healing and medicine for more than 12 years, and I approach my therapeutic connections with warmth and curiosity. I lovingly encourage you to come as you are. My goal is to know you, not change you, and support whichever problems you feel ready to address with transparency and authenticity. I have experience working with adults, teens, groups, couples, families, first responders and military, in managing struggles that come with depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, addiction, self-acceptance and identity-questioning, grief, life adjustments, and women's, LGBTQIA+, or BIPOC issues. We will work toward your goals using mindfulness , trauma-informed CBT, DBT, and gestalt therapy with plenty of education along the way. I believe regular feedback is imperative in creating the awareness needed to shift subconscious patterns to conscious choices. Everyone deserves the chance to live their lives in their truest form, with care, respect, and self-confidence. *Currently only accepting referrals for individual therapy (18+)*

As a licensed psychotherapist in California, I have been working in the field for over 25 years. I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy. I am here to empower both women and men who struggle with anxiety, trauma, grief, and depression. I have also incorporated the use of journaling, art, and sandtray therapy into my practice.

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.

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.

Hola! I'm Gustavo Olvera and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), serving clients via telehealth throughout the State of California. My long-time approach to therapy is to meet the client where they are and work with them to identify goals that will help them improve their quality of life while providing them with a safe place to be themselves in a safe environment. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is key to success, as we often have to make critical decisions daily. I believe we can all achieve our desired goals by increasing and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health. What attracted me to wanting to become a therapist was my true and honest desire to help others. Seeing how clients benefit from therapy, seeing how clients can truly overcome their mental illness, and seeing how clients can return to normal and healthy day-to-day living is what drives me to continue to do the work that I do. Today I invite you, to allow yourself to start your journey to a better tomorrow; I am inviting you to take a chance. Sadly we can't change what happened yesterday, nor do we know what will happen tomorrow, but we can hope for a better tomorrow by making positive decisions today.

For over 10 years, my work spanned from court advocacy to case management for immigrant and underserved communities in Los Angeles. I have worked in community mental health providing culturally responsive therapeutic services including harm reduction and crisis counseling. Rooted in social justice, my work as a therapist is an extension of my passion in helping others empower themselves and assist in their healing journey.

Are you struggling with what's on your plate, whether you are doing "what you are supposed to be doing," or feeling like an imposter at times? Are you transitioning into a new phase, or ready to do something different? Are you feeling urgency to finally do the inner work so you can live in alignment with your innermost desires and values? If so, I look forward to connecting with you. <br> I can help you process and move through what’s holding you back right now from flourishing. Let’s work together to manage anxiety, low self esteem, depression, and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working, help you find more clarity, and figure out what will serve you. Seeking therapy can feel scary but you are making the right choice. Give yourself permission to take this time for yourself. You deserve a space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the challenges that have brought you here. Let's work together! I use a variety of therapy styles and tailor my approach to your needs. Mindfulness, connecting to creativity, and a culturally informed social-justice lens also inform my practice and are important to me. I often assign homework between sessions. These might look like exercises or activities to engage in, or prompts to consider and reflect upon. I want for you to feel heard, understood, and validated. At the same time, know that I will challenge you when it is appropriate, and encourage you to experiment with doing things differently than you may have done before. Relief and healing is possible, change and flourishing is possible, but not without effort on your part. Therapy is about getting the support you need, while learning ways to cope, recover, grow, and thrive.

My goal is to help you break free from the cycle of stress and anxiety through practical techniques and personalized strategies for growth. With a background in mindfulness, meditation, and psychedelic-assisted therapy, I take a holistic approach to therapy. Together we'll create a comfortable space where you can explore your challenges, gain perspective, and deepen your emotional awareness without feeling judged.

Hi. I'm a licensed clinical social worker and received my Masters from USC. I've provided therapy since 2010. I've spend 14 years working with adolescents but i also having experience working with veterans and people with addiction. I've worked with people that have PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, anger issues, drug and alcohol addictions; I've also facilitated various groups in schools and in psychiatric facilities

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with clients within California via telehealth. I work with adolescents and adults while specializing in stress, life transitions, and anxiety. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, while tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. I’m here to provide a safe and supportive environment, where you can thrive and be yourself.

My name is Natalia Manzary and I am a Licenced Clinical Social Worker. Born and raised in Hawthorne, CA, I embarked on my career in Social Work in 2016. I have experience working with families and individuals of all ages (young children, adolescents, young adults, and adults). Growing up, the topic of mental health was a discussion that was frowned upon. At a young age, I noticed the cycles of trauma and fear to express oneself were continuously passed on, which essentially creates a limited environment for a person to thrive and grow. My passion for therapy grew as I learned about the stigmas in mental health. Through personal and professional experiences, I can assist my clients with navigating the different spaces and people that one encounters in life. My goal is to explore childhood and trauma, eliminating maladaptive coping by learning and acquiring an array of skills, focusing on strengths, and developing strong communication skills to maintain self-respect and advocate for your needs.

Hi, I’m George. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University—but more importantly, I’m someone who genuinely enjoys helping people feel more understood, less overwhelmed, and more in control of their lives. I’ve been working in the mental health field since 2017, and my journey has taken me through a wide range of settings—from private practice to Full Service Partnership (FSP), Assertive Outreach Team (AOT), transitional housing, and community health clinics. Each space has shaped the way I show up as a therapist: grounded, compassionate, and always focused on meeting people where they’re at. I bring clinical experience, sure-but I also bring a very human approach. Therapy with me isn't about hierarchy or diagnoses. It's collaborative space where you can talk about the hard stuff without judgement, explore what's working (and what's not), and start building a life that feels more aligned and sustainable. In my personal time, I enjoy walking my dog, engaging in video games with my stepson, and immersing myself in the world of sports. Additionally, I am an enthusiastic fan of Lego, Star Wars, and Disney. I look forward to the opportunity to work together and support you on your journey toward positive change.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and have worked in mental health facilities and organizations for over 18 years and have been a LMFT for 6 years. I have experience working with: -Runaway teen youth (12-17 years old) -Children with autism/ADHD (under 12 years old) -Parenting Skills and Anger Management instructor -Transitional Aged-Youth (16-25 years old) -Adult psychiatric hospital setting -Adult outpatient treatment centers -Adults with disabilities (assisting living independently) -Integrative-Health in a health clinic (ages 5 - 65+ year olds). Working with many age groups and ranges throughout my career has humbled me to believe we are all in a quest to maintain a good quality of life within all phases of life. Let's meet to discuss ways we could work together for you to reach your desired outcomes!

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters from Azusa Pacific University and have been practicing for 8 years. I have worked with all age groups, and specifically provided my focus working with adults and older adults. Assisting in providing guidance in current or past life stressors, and finding the strength to work through those challenges.

I’m Herschel O’Brien, a clinical counselor with extensive experience in trauma-informed, client-centered care. I specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, build resilience, and reconnect with their strengths. My approach is grounded, compassionate, and collaborative, drawing from modalities like mindfulness, narrative therapy, and systems thinking. Whether you're facing trauma, mood instability, or life transitions, I offer a safe space where healing is possible and meaningful growth can take root. I believe in empowering clients to become the authors of their own lives, with clarity, confidence, and emotional insight.

Hello, and welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. My background spans a variety of care settings, and I’m dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered therapy as you navigate life’s challenges. I take a flexible, holistic approach to therapy, drawing on different therapeutic techniques to help you gain insight, self-awareness, and practical tools for coping. Above all, my work is grounded in empathy and a deep commitment to your well-being. Together, we’ll explore your concerns, identify areas of growth, and work toward building a more fulfilling life.

My work is rooted in warmth, directness, and genuine relational connection, guided by a psychodynamic and attachment-focused lens. I walk alongside individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds, drawing on thousands of hours of clinical experience. I work extensively with the lived experience of marginalization—of feeling outcast or never quite belonging—and the internal pressures of a relentless drive to improve or achieve. These are distinct yet often intertwined realities. Clients come to me sensing their struggles run deeper than surface symptoms. No matter how hard they strive, they're met with the same feelings of inadequacy, emptiness, and a deep sense of isolation – Something invisible guides these patterns. My practice focuses on navigating depression, general anxiety, ADHD/neurodivergence, and the lingering effects of childhood adversity and past trauma. What defines our work together isn't just the challenge itself, but how we address it. By attending to attachment wounds and relational trauma—those invisible forces that shape so much of our experiences—we don’t just manage symptoms; we heal the roots. This might look like untangling how early relational experiences fuel your depression or anxiety today; helping ADHD brains thrive by tending to the shame or self-doubt that often accompanies neurodivergence, while building strategies that honor your unique wiring; and transforming childhood adversity and past trauma from a weight you carry into a story you now own. What moves me most profoundly is witnessing clients rediscover the integrity of their selves—not through "fixing," but through coming home to the internal freedom that lets them envision more for their lives. Together, we’ll create space for you to believe in possibility again: to breathe easier, trust yourself, and reclaim those simple joys and wild dreams you inherently held as a child—before the world taught you that you were too much, yet not enough.

Deborah enjoys working together with her clients to form a strong therapeutic bond. She is motivated to help her clients live there best authentic lives. She has experience helping people develop strong coping skills to reduce, manage and or alleviate their anxiety, depression and work/relational stress. In her spare time Deborah enjoys spending time with her family and grandson, hiking, walking her dog, trying new recipes and planning for travel.

Each of us has our own story and sometimes our experiences leaves us feeling confused, frightened, sad, and often tremendously isolated. I believe therapy can unravel harmful repetitive thought processes and behaviors. Your painful experiences do not have to define you. My approach to therapy always starts with listening to my client's needs. My methods evolve through constant customization and mutual collaboration. Therapy with me will include exploring aspects of life that are not working well and constructing solutions.

Hello, I'm Heather, a seasoned counselor dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals navigating life's challenges. With over 20 years of experience in Social Work and Counseling, including service as a Navy Veteran, I bring a wealth of expertise and understanding to my practice. As an Author, I've authored books aimed at simplifying complex medical and mental health issues, such as Hospice, Home Health, and Palliative Care. My commitment to enhancing accessibility and understanding in these areas underscores my passion for empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being. In my counseling approach, I prioritize active listening and client-centered care. Your growth and goals are at the forefront of our sessions, as I work collaboratively with you to navigate the path toward healing and personal fulfillment. In addition to individual counseling, I specialize in couples therapy, helping partners navigate complex issues like communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, and rebuilding trust. Through tailored interventions and empathetic support, I assist couples in cultivating deeper understanding, connection, and resilience within their relationships. I also offer individual counseling for personal growth, healing, and support, providing a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions on their journey towards greater well-being and fulfillment. Insight and progress can often be achieved in just one session, though the benefits of ongoing therapy are profound. Whether you're stepping into counseling for the first time or continuing your therapeutic journey, my objective remains the same: to provide you with the compassionate support and guidance you deserve. Your willingness to engage in therapy is deeply appreciated, and I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Sometimes we all need a little extra support during tough times. Let me be that support for you. Therapy can be a very scary process for many people. My goal is to create a safe and comfortable environment for you and to provide you with the tools and resources needed to get through your day to day struggles. I strive to facilitate a space where clients can process shame, guilt, isolation, self-forgiveness and hopelessness. I am passionate about what I do. When you are ready to begin your journey and start your healing process, I would love the opportunity to walk along with you.

Hello, my name is Patricia Bevan. I have always found human behavior interesting. I love getting to know people and listening to their life stories. I find it very rewarding to empower people to achieve their best, support them through their challenges in life, as well as help ease their emotional burdens. My focus is all about "connection." My work is about connecting with clients on a genuine, compassionate and human level.

I'm Nakila Hill, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) committed to offering compassionate and supportive therapy. I focus on meeting clients exactly where they are in their personal journeys, assisting them in progressing towards their aspirations and goals. Specializing in depression, anxiety, and trauma-focused therapy, I create a safe and nurturing environment that encourages healing, personal growth, and positive transformation. My approach is client-centered, fostering empowerment and resilience in each individual's life.