Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 886 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: 8/16/2026

Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Life Transitions
Racism
Trauma and PTSD
Experiencing adversity is part of the human experience, and everyone deserves a safe space to heal and thrive. Whether you're facing communication challenges, wanting to further develop insight, or managing traumatic responses, I am here to support. Together, we will work towards solutions that promote resilience, connection, and well-being. At the foundation of all goals, I hope to instill and restore a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment in your life. In addition to my clinical work, I am passionate about advocacy and education surrounding trauma-informed care. I believe in the importance of raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health and trauma, and I actively engage in community outreach and attend regular training initiatives to stay abreast current events.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

ADHD
Child or Adolescent
Family Conflict
--- I have experience working with community based mental health agencies, managed care, and private practice. My passion is working with children and families. I believe that the family is an important institution to society, that needs to be preserved. I am sensitive to the clients perspective and I never prescribe or make recommendations that are in direct violation of the client culture, values or beliefs. My specialty areas include: trauma, child abuse, parenting issues , family therapy, coping with loss, play therapy, stress management and life transitions. I approach therapy from a client centered approach, focusing on validating the clients feelings displaying empathy, with a strong emphasis on the client being the expert.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I provide virtual therapy using an integrated, whole-person approach that focuses not only on navigating difficult periods, but also on maintaining progress, building resilience, and supporting long-term mental wellness. Therapy can be both restorative and preventative, and I work with clients across all stages of that process. I treat a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, personality-related patterns, and life transitions. My clinical background includes experience with higher-acuity and complex cases—such as forensic populations, individuals in psychiatric settings, and those managing co-occurring mental and medical conditions. While my current practice is fully virtual, I am comfortable addressing difficult or sensitive topics and provide a space where clients can speak openly without hesitation. My approach is direct, engaged, and collaborative. I prioritize building strong, trusting relationships and creating a setting where clients feel understood and supported. I recognize that progress is not always linear and work consistently with clients through both setbacks and growth. I am multilingual and can provide therapy in English, Lithuanian, and conversational Hungarian languages.
Available
Warm
Intelligent
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Hello, my name is Asher and I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist that specializes in trauma, addiction and anxiety disorders. I specialize in working with children ages 10-18 years of age. I also specialize in working with adults with an emphasis on memory and aging disorders. I am a brainspotting practitioner which is a trauma/anxiety treatment in the same family of EMDR.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Welcome! Seeking help and support is a huge first step that can be scary and I am honored to be considered to join you along your journey of healing, self-improvement, and working towards achieving your goals. I have worked in mental health for 19 years and have experience working in residential treatment centers, homeless shelters, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, juvi, jails, prisons, ERs, County crisis work, and private practice settings providing individual and group therapy in person and now virtually. I earned my Master's Degree in Marriage, Couple, Family, and Child Counseling at CSUS with my undergraduate degree in Psychology.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Empowering
Authentic
Warm

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
Empowering
Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
+3
Hi, I’m Sandy. I have a passion for working with children and teenagers who are facing challenges in school, dealing with anxiety, depression, anger issues, peer relationships, or family struggles. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and explore strategies to help navigate life’s ups and downs. I’m excited to work with you and help you achieve the growth and change you're seeking. I look forward to meeting you!
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Men's Issues
+4
I’m a licensed professional counselor with 20 years of experience in community mental health settings. As a therapist and behavioral health practitioner, I have worked with complex trauma, psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring substance use. I have a masters degree in clinical psychology from the University of Amsterdam and lived in the Netherlands for six years. There, I also began building my family, and that international foundation shaped both how I think and how I work. I work with adults navigating a wide range of life challenges — from anxiety, depression, and relationship patterns to identity, major transitions, and the quieter but persistent sense that something just isn’t working. This includes people working through faith transitions or untangling the psychological weight of a strict or high-control religious upbringing — something I understand not just clinically, but personally. Whether you’re in crisis or simply ready to understand yourself better, I meet people where they are.
Available

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+5
Hello and welcome, My name is Mayra, and I am currently accepting new clients for therapy. I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker, fluent in English and Spanish, with over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I provide a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can safely explore your thoughts, emotions, and life challenges. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, communication struggles, divorce, life transitions, stress, and grief. Together, we will identify patterns, build effective coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you. I am passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges and discover strategies that promote healing, resilience, and emotional well-being. My approach is warm, collaborative, and client-centered. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. I deeply value each person’s unique story and tailor therapy to meet your specific needs, strengths, and goals. Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming or intimidating, but you do not have to face it alone. Taking the first step is often the hardest, yet it can also be the start of meaningful transformation. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey toward healing and growth. — Mayra
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+8
Hi, I’m Loc. If life feels heavy right now—stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship strain, or burnout—you don’t have to sort through it alone. I help clients manage anxiety and depression, prevent burnout, and create practical changes that bring them back to balance. Together we’ll identify what’s not working, understand the patterns keeping you stuck, and build tools you can use in real life—not just in session. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s a meaningful step. You deserve a supportive, judgment-free space to breathe, heal, and grow. If you’re ready, I’d be happy to work with you.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Eating Disorders
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Many of my clients are women who appear strong on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally exhausted on the inside. You may be struggling with high-functioning depression, relationship anxiety, or the pressure to hold everything together while quietly feeling stuck or burned out. Therapy can be a place where you don’t have to be the strong one, where you can slow down, understand yourself, and start to feel relief. I specialize in working with women navigating eating disorders, trauma, caregiver burnout, and the lasting impact of difficult family relationships. Many of my clients are adult daughters of emotionally complicated or challenging parents who are learning to set boundaries, heal old wounds, and break patterns that no longer serve them. I also work with clients who struggle with relationship anxiety, self-doubt, and feeling “not good enough” despite being capable and successful. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. Together we work to understand patterns, reduce anxiety, and build tools you can use in everyday life. Clients often tell me they appreciate having a therapist who is both compassionate and honest, and who helps them make real progress, not just talk about problems. Therapy with me is a space where you can be fully yourself while working toward meaningful change. Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to grow, we will move at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
VirtualAvailable
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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hello, my name is Miguel, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with my Master in Social Work from California Baptist University. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges by providing a supportive and safe space for exploration and healing. Together, we will work to identify your goals, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience so that you can lead a fulfilling and balanced life. I am here to listen, understand, and assist you on your journey toward growth and well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+7
✦ At this time, new client availability is limited to morning and afternoon appointments. Evening sessions (4:00 PM and later) are reserved for established clients only, even if evening openings appear available online. Hola! I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed psychotherapist (LMFT) based in California with a decade of experience. I received my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. I specialize in supporting adolescents and adults of all ages who are facing mental health challenges that affect their daily lives and aspirations. As an art therapist, I offer art therapy sessions where no previous art experience is necessary. This approach combines traditional psychotherapy with creative expression to help you process emotions and integrate body and mind.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). In 1991, I obtained a B.H. in Social Psychology from The Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (Mexico). In 2008, I graduated from University of Phoenix with an M.A. in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. I have more than 22 years of experience working with patients—including adolescents, parents, adults, and couples. My focus is on improving relationships and addressing mental or emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, psychosocial stressors, life challenges, and personal goals.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+4
As a therapist, I would be honored to join you on your journey toward healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. Let me share what I bring to the therapeutic table and how our collaboration can benefit you immensely. First and foremost, I believe in each individual's incredible resilience and potential. I am dedicated to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences freely. I will listen attentively and compassionately, fostering an environment of trust and understanding. Together, we will work towards unraveling your challenges and finding meaningful solutions. By embarking on this therapeutic journey with me, you can expect to: 1 - Gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your emotions, and your experiences. 2 - Develop healthier coping mechanisms and tools to manage life's challenges. 3 - Experience personal growth and self-empowerment. 4 - Cultivate more robust relationships and improve communication skills. 5 - Increase your self-confidence and self-esteem. 6 - Find inner peace, balance, and a sense of purpose. Therapy is a collaborative process, and active participation will be crucial in achieving the desired outcomes. I am committed to supporting and guiding you every step of the way, offering insights, encouragement, and practical strategies. If you feel ready to embark on this transformative journey toward healing and growth, I would be honored to be your therapist. Together, we will explore the depths of your inner world and help you discover the strength and resilience within. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or want to schedule an initial session. I am here to support you on your path to well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
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.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+4
Are you feeling stuck and unable to move forward? Are you ready to make a change? It takes courage to ask for help. Therapy can be rewarding and lead to a lifetime of fulfillment. I have experienced the emotional challenges of life and can understand and empathize. In working together, we can cultivate growth by understanding the obstacles that you face and developing solutions that can help you gain control over your life and achieve your goals. Ultimately, therapy can lead you to greater self-esteem, self-awareness and most importantly, a more fulfilling life. As your therapist, I will provide a safe, caring, non-judgmental and confidential environment. I use an integrated approach to meet the specific needs and goals of my clients. I have experience working with adults, couples, teens and children
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
Hi, my name is Ariane and I am a California-based LCSW. Outside of therapy, I love being active to stay sane including running and hiking, as well as crocheting when I'm inside! I've always got a a novel I'm working my way through as well. I earned my Masters at the University of Illinois but returned to my home-state to further my career. I've been licensed for 4 years, but have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I provide a safe space for clients to work through their struggles without judgement and guiding clients toward their goals. I meet clients where they are at and work together while providing an outside perspective and psycho-education as needed.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Life Transitions
Spirituality
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Nicole Widman is the founder of Eden Therapy Group, a private practice based out of Southern California that functions to restore and equip God’s sons and daughters for this time. Nicole operates from a deep conviction to raise up men and women who are led by the Spirit (Galatians 5) by creating a space for her clients to discern God's voice and encounter God’s transformative love.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Empowering
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
+9
Hi and welcome! We all struggle with the human condition from time to time. As your therapist I’m here to meet you with genuine connection, to truly see and hear you. It's only in a safe, supportive space that we can truly unpack the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that shape our lives and create lasting, intentional change. I offer a unique blend of motivational coaching and in-depth therapy. Together, we’ll take a holistic look at your unique humanness - your strengths, struggles, values and patterns - while working toward practical, goal-oriented solutions that help you reduce emotional suffering and move forward in your life, relationships, and career.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Substance Misuse
+8
I’m Dr. Andy Davis, a licensed psychologist with 18 years of experience in the mental health field. Thirteen of those years were spent serving in the U.S. Air Force, where I had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My clinical focus includes depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, grief, personality disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, and concerns related to sex and pornography addiction. As a sex-positive therapist, I provide a safe and affirming environment for clients to explore sensitive areas of their lives without fear of judgment. My therapeutic style is both solutions-focused and rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I believe therapy should be proactive and goal-driven, helping clients not only gain insight but also develop strategies for change. Clients often describe me as direct and honest, while also compassionate and collaborative—I strive to give practical feedback and advice that can be applied both in and outside of sessions. I especially enjoy working with veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and young adults. These groups often face unique challenges, and I consider it an honor to walk alongside them as they navigate life’s complexities. In addition to my clinical work, I have an extensive background in clinical research. While serving in the Air Force, I conducted sleep studies and developed modern treatment approaches for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. This research continues to inform my practice, and I place strong emphasis on developing healthy routines, quality sleep schedules, and consistent self-care as foundations for mental health. I often work with clients to build structure into daily life, recognizing these habits play a powerful role in resilience and long-term well-being. Above all, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to face challenges, discover new perspectives, and build lasting resilience.
VirtualAvailable
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. My ideal client is someone motivated to improve their life. I work with clients who can benefit from 1 month to 1 year of therapy.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Holistic
Open-minded

Specialties

Addiction
Bipolar Disorder
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I bring both professional and personal experience to my work as a therapist. Having a Bipolar 1 diagnosis has given me a unique perspective on the challenges of navigating the institutional and often stigmatized aspects of mental health and the impact on life. This lived experience allows me to approach therapy with empathy, a genuine curiosity and appreciation for each client’s journey, while also emphasizing overall holistic living for optimal wellness of mind and body. Professionally, I’ve worked in psychiatric residential treatment, addiction medicine, youth detention and private practice settings. These experiences have strengthened my ability to support clients through a wide range of concerns from mild to severe forms of mental health challenges and their impact on daily living. I integrate a lot of somatic and sensory-based tools focusing on emotion and nervous system regulation, including brainspotting, drumming, sound therapy, aromatherapy, meditation and shamanic techniques and other mindfulness tools, along with an emphasis on nature therapy, nutrition in relation to mental health and sleep hygiene. Alongside these approaches, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to examine and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen emotion regulation, and collaborate with clients to develop the most applicable coping strategies in those areas. I have extensive experience supporting clients with addictions, complex PTSD/trauma history, ADHD, BPD, bipolar and schizophrenia, among others. "Based on your exceptional client engagement and outstanding care, you’ve officially qualified as a 2026 Grow Therapy Thriver! 🎉 (roughly 600 out of 25,000+ providers) This recognition reflects the meaningful relationships you build with clients from the start and the trust you inspire through your work. Becoming a Thriver places you among a select group of providers who set the tone for excellence across the Grow platform. We’re honored to celebrate this milestone with you."
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Crisis Intervention
Serious Mental Illness
Suicidal Ideation
+7
Therapy for anxiety, depression, psychosis, and self-doubt. For the curious, the sensitive, and the ones who've been told they're “too much.” If you’re here, maybe you’re carrying a lot. And maybe you’re finally ready to understand why. I work best with clients who are curious, self-aware, and ready to get into the real stuff — not just the “I’m fine” script. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or the aftershocks of a mental health diagnosis like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder — you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I work with adults (mostly 26–46) who are insightful, emotionally intelligent, and ready to explore the patterns beneath their symptoms. My clients often identify as women, queer, gay, or somewhere in between. I also love working with family members of folks with serious mental illness (SMI) — and with people living with SMI themselves. You might be a student juggling survival and identity, or a person who’s held it together for too long. Maybe you've been misunderstood by providers in the past — labeled “too much” or “treatment resistant.” I see you differently. I’m pro-medicine, pro-choose-if-you-want-medicine, and pro-you-get-to-decide-what-healing-looks-like. (And honestly? Medication saved my life.) We’ll work together to figure out what works for you — whether that’s weekly therapy, biweekly check-ins, or monthly deep dives. This is a space for unlearning shame, untangling patterns, and giving yourself permission to take up space — even when it feels hard. Let’s get into the layers. Let’s do the work.
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.