Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 419 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: 1/4/2026

Intelligent
Open-minded

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+10
I’m Dr. Nathaniel Woods, a clinical psychologist with over 17 years of experience in providing therapeutic services. Having served as an executive director of mental health institutions in Nevada and California, I bring a wealth of experience to my practice. I focus on creating long-lasting, supportive therapeutic relationships that often span several years. My approach is both professional and compassionate, dedicated to symptom relief and ensuring that every client feels truly valued and heard.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Self Esteem
+9
Hi there, I'm Maddie! Do you worry all the time? Want to feel more confident and empowered? If you need someone to talk to, I’m here to help. I bring a warm and relational approach to my work. With training in mental health, mindfulness, and yoga, my counseling style is rooted in a holistic-based approach. I also have training in issues surrounding anxiety, self esteem, grief, relationships, career, depression, personal development, and LGBTQ+ topics. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors (License #80432) and an LPCC in the State of California (License #15087). My counseling practice is supported by a Masters of Educational Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin and hundreds of hours of continued education in psychotherapy. I’m here to encourage you to become the person you would like to be. ***Online counseling is NOT recommended for persons who: - are currently dependent on drugs or alcohol or have a recent history of substance abuse. - are suicidal, homicidal, or experiencing suicidal or homicidal ideation. - are in crisis. (*If you are in need of crisis services, please contact 911, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988, or go to your local emergency room for immediate help.*) If you meet any of the criteria listed above, online counseling will not offer an adequate level of support to meet your needs at this time. I would recommend face-to-face sessions which may offer the level of contact and engagement that would be most beneficial to you.***
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Trauma and PTSD
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents and adults across a range of emotional and behavioral concerns. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental, where clients feel safe to explore their experiences openly. I believe that emotional distress is a natural response to life’s challenges and that, with appropriate support, individuals can develop insight, resilience, and effective coping strategies. I am committed to working collaboratively with clients from diverse backgrounds and identities, including LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse individuals, and I prioritize creating an affirming and inclusive therapeutic space.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Empowering
Intelligent
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Military/Veterans
Self Esteem
+5
Hello, I'm Shea and I'm thrilled to be working with you as your therapist. I hold a Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology, and I've been practicing therapy for 20 years. Throughout my journey, I've had the privilege of working with diverse individuals facing various challenges. My approach to therapy is; humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic, which means that I believe in helping you understand the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where we can work together to explore your feelings, thoughts, and goals. I understand that seeking therapy can sometimes be a vulnerable experience, and I want you to know that I'm here to listen without judgment and to help you navigate whatever you're going through. I'm truly dedicated to supporting you on your journey toward positive change, and I look forward to getting to know you better as we work together.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Humorous
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Men's Issues
+8
I'd say my upbringing inspired me from my home to school. I have seen and heard mental health being mentioned as important and encouraged to take care of. I'd say full circle of having gone to therapy, becoming a therapist, and providing therapy is rewarding in itself, I'd have to put a paragraph explaining why, so I'll leave it as that. I look at therapy as a unique relationship that both mirrors and overlaps qualities of a good friend, parent, sibling, partner, etc., where both the therapist and client focus on tackling the concerns he/she presents in therapy.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Spirituality
+10
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist. I received my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University. Classes in the MFT program also met the requirements for the American Art therapy Association for art therapy. I am also a Christian and provide therapy from that perspective for those who want their faith to be a part of the therapy process. I believe our spiritual well-being and relationship with God can have a significant influence on all other areas of our lives including mental health. I have a holistic approach to therapy looking at how mental, physical, and spiritual health impact each other in both positive and negative ways. I have experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supporting clients in gaining a healthier relationship with their thoughts and feelings. I have worked extensively with clients in coping with depression, stress and anxiety, as well as in processing grief, loss, and life transitions. I am passionate about making mental health services more readily available to those who need it and normalizing the need for them.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+7
Welcome and thank you for considering me in your wellness journey. My name is Ekaete Ekpo and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and with over 10 years of experience providing psychotherapy. My approach to our therapeutic relationship will be with warmth, care, compassion, and non-judgment approach, adapting to the unique needs of each individual client.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Empowering
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Men's Issues
+5
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.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+9
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) originally from just outside of New York City and currently live in San Diego. Working to support the mental health of others is truly my greatest honor. We are often programmed by our previous experiences, culture, and past trauma to believe a false narrative about ourselves. Utilizing the therapeutic alliance, I help clients to resolve negative, false, or limiting beliefs that may be hindering their ability to step into their true identities. We do not have to continue to live out the script that we inherited or feel the need to live in the shadows. Instead, we can live with intension, purpose, and a sense of gratitude.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Perinatal Mental Health
Post Partum
+3
Hello! My name is Martha Hurtado-Garcia and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience supporting individuals with a wide range of challenges, including perinatal depression and anxiety, major life transitions, and the foster care system. Additionally, I have worked directly with teens and their parents for over 9 years providing support to those struggling with communication issues, self esteem, depression and anxiety. I am currently pursuing certification in perinatal mental health to deepen my ability to serve parents and families during such an important stage of life. At the heart of my practice is a genuine love for helping others. I strive to meet my clients where they are, empowering them to define their own goals while walking alongside them with compassion and respect. Hablo Español!
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello, My name is Steven Nelson. I'm a licensed Marital and Family Therapist for 8 years. I always find it to be an honor to help others find their solutions and journey. There can always be a positive aspect to a struggle or an unfortunate situation. "If you seek, you will find solutions." At times we just need that support to help see it. In addition to my Psychological Therapy license, I hold specialties certifications in Drug and Alcohol addiction, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Sex Addiction, Trauma and Domestic Violence prevention.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Career Counseling
LGBTQ
Self Esteem
+9
At my core, I am a therapist who believes in the transformative power of depth, empathy, humor, and the arts. I’ve spent my career helping people understand themselves more fully — not only by reducing symptoms, but by uncovering the narratives, emotions, and self-limiting beliefs that have kept them small or stuck. I work from a humanistic and psychoanalytic foundation, integrating mindfulness, ACT, and solution-focused strategies to help clients access resilience, self-compassion, and real change. I bring a warm, grounded, and creative presence into the room. My background as an artist and writer shapes my work: I’m attentive to symbolism, story, imagination, and the deeper layers of a person’s emotional life. Humor is also one of my most natural tools, not to avoid pain, but to help clients feel safe, open, and connected as they explore difficult experiences. Across corporate mental health, trauma work, refugee support, and private practice, I’ve seen how people flourish when they’re permitted to be fully themselves. I help clients build self-esteem through honesty, curiosity, and acceptance; loosen rigid patterns; and move beyond the internalized messages or roles that no longer serve them.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Career Counseling
Depression
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate emotional challenges, build healthier relationships, and develop confidence in their ability to heal and grow. With a compassionate, client-centered approach, it offers a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore difficult emotions, unpack stress patterns, and learn practical tools for meaningful change. I have experience in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, low motivation, relational conflict, and life transitions. She values collaboration and believes each person’s story is unique. Therefore, therapy is tailored to meet clients where they are, honoring their lived experiences while empowering them to move forward with clarity and resilience. Her work integrates evidence-based practices with warmth, empathy, and respect, helping clients strengthen communication, reduce stress responses, challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, and reconnect with their sense of self. Desma is passionate about guiding clients toward emotional balance, personal insight, and improved daily functioning so they can experience life with greater confidence and connection. Whether you’re seeking support for personal growth, relationship concerns, or mental and emotional wellness, I am committed to walking alongside you on your healing journey.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+5
I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for helping clients explore new perspectives on mental health. I specialize in working with first responders and their families, offering a relaxed and inviting approach that creates a safe space for growth and healing. I particularly enjoy supporting individuals who are navigating everyday stress and looking to build healthier coping strategies. I often say, “Our toolboxes need to be big—because life requires a lot of tools.” My goal is to help clients expand their toolkits so they feel more equipped and empowered in their daily lives.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker of over twenty years and have worked with a variety of patients across multiple specialties. I also have a master's degree in Public Health. I've worked in medical social work, with patients in oncology, physical rehabilitation and dialysis. In this way, I have a robust understanding of both the physical and mental aspects of my clients.
VirtualAvailable
Intelligent
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
+10
Hi! My name is Danielle. I have a Doctorate in Psychology and a License in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have worked with clients in a number of outpatient settings since 2011 and have been in private practice since 2019. My specialties include childhood trauma/trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment, interpersonal conflict, family conflict and parent-child relationships. I am a client led therapist using cognitive behavioral interventions.
VirtualAvailable

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Welcome, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Northern California. I earned my Master's degree from the University of San Francisco and have over five years of experience providing therapy in community-based mental health settings. As a bilingual and bicultural therapist, I offer services in both English and Spanish. I have experience working with teens, young adults, and families , and I strive to create a safe, supportive, and culturally sensitive space where client's feel heard and understood. My goal is to walk alongside you as we explore challenges, build on strengths, and support your growth and healing.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Peer Relationships
+4
Congratulations! You have taken the first steps in the journey to your goal(s). I am extremely grateful you are considering me to partner up with. I consider my relationships as instrumental in learning who I am. The relationships that most speak to who I am include being a spouse, father, brother, son, colleague, and friend. My grandparents are deceased. Through these relationships I have learned a great deal.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+4
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.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Career Counseling
Family Conflict
Self Esteem
+10
Jennifer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been in the field for over 8 years treating individuals who suffer from mental illness. Jennifer’s therapeutic approach is collaborative and client-centered. Jennifer is a good fit for someone who would like a solution-focused and strategic experience in therapy. Jennifer aims to work with clients to assist with achieving realistic goals to complement daily functioning. Jennifer works with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, overcoming trauma, and work-related stressors. Jennifer has received additional certifications in anger management, victims of batterers, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma. Jennifer strives to work alongside you on your journey to assist in cultivating a brave space of restorative growth using collaborative problem-solving strategies. Jennifer is ideal for clients who would like to receive short-term therapeutic services.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Holistic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
The symptoms and sensations of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, grief, and depression can often feel debilitating, and may leave us bereft of hope that things will ever get better. My main goal and focus is to facilitate healing and collaborate with clients to carve out a path towards a greater sense of inner peace, meaning, and connection. I find that cultivating psychological flexibility and emotional regulation will often facilitate this endeavor and aim to guide and support my clients to this end. I embrace an eclectic approach to psychotherapy, borrowing from multiple traditions and theories of treatment. I tend to use psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I am a strong advocate of integrative psychology and finding creative solutions to life's challenges and stressors.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+10
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who works with children, adolescents, and adults to help them navigate challenges that impact their mental health. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, I create a safe space where clients feel at ease sharing their thoughts and emotions. I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families in developing healthier coping strategies, fostering emotional resilience, and achieving lasting well-being. I also offer therapy in English and Spanish, tailoring the therapeutic process to each person's cultural and linguistic needs. Soy terapeuta licenciada en matrimonio y familia (LMFT) y ofrezco servicios terapéuticos a niños, adolescentes y adultos que enfrentan desafíos relacionados con su salud mental. Mi enfoque es compasivo y libre de juicios, creando un espacio seguro donde los clientes pueden expresarse con confianza. Estoy comprometida a apoyar a individuos y familias en el desarrollo de estrategias de afrontamiento saludables, fortaleciendo la resiliencia emocional y promoviendo un bienestar duradero. Además, ofrezco terapia en inglés y español, adaptando el proceso terapéutico a las necesidades culturales y lingüísticas de cada persona.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
Welcome. I am Dr. L, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing therapy for adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed by life transitions, emotional stress, family conflict, or ongoing mental health concerns and are seeking practical, supportive therapy to feel more balanced and grounded. Many clients come to therapy feeling anxious, emotionally exhausted, stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns, or impacted by past trauma. I offer a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space to help you process emotions, understand patterns, and develop effective coping strategies for anxiety, depression, anger, and relationship stress.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+6
I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My approach is Holistic Therapy, focusing on the mind, body and soul. 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.
VirtualAvailable
No reviews yet
No reviews yet

New to Grow

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps adults ages 18 to 65+ navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive, culturally sensitive space where you can feel understood and empowered. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, heal past wounds, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
VirtualAvailable
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 the state. 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 to expect during your first 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.