Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 814 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 DiegoSan FranciscoSacramentoOaklandSan JoseLong BeachFresnoRiversideBakersfieldIrvinePasadenaStocktonAnaheimTorranceRosevilleBeverly HillsCoronaPiedmontSanta Clarita

Availability updated: 10/27/2026

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring a compassionate and client-centered approach to help adults navigate life's complexities. With expertise in mental health and a commitment to fostering positive change, I specialize in addressing issues such as stress, relationships, and self-discovery. My therapeutic toolkit includes evidence-based modalities tailored to your unique needs. In my practice, I incorporate animal-assisted therapy as a unique and supportive element of the healing process. Whether it’s the calming presence of a therapy dog during sessions or structured therapeutic activities involving animals, I’ve found that the bond between humans and animals can open up powerful pathways for trust, regulation, and emotional connection. Animals can offer a grounding presence for clients of all ages and backgrounds, and I love seeing the ways they help people feel more comfortable, understood, and at ease.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Family Conflict
+10
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 15 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children and their families at a community mental health agency, and psychotherapy in private practice to adults and adolescents. As a humanistic therapist, I maintain a positive approach to psychotherapy by focusing on strengths and positive attributes. I assist my clients with developing a stronger, healthier sense of self, and with making rational choices towards achieving their maximum potential.
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Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
My focus is to provide support and guidance. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy (ages 5+) using a client-centered approach. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), etc. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I provide a client-centered approach with motivational interviewing. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches.
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Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Spirituality
+5
Welcome to my professional practice focused on providing emotional support. Navigating the complexities of life can be challenging, and seeking assistance is a testament to personal strength. As a licensed therapist, I specialize in working with couples, families, and individuals, addressing psychological issues such as emotional distress and relational dynamics. I offer both Christian counseling and secular therapeutic modalities, creating a secure environment for clients to express their emotions and foster healthier interpersonal connections. My methodology is rooted in evidence-based practices aimed at managing anxiety, facilitating life transitions, and processing past traumas. Together, we will work on enhancing self-awareness and implementing strategies for positive behavioral change, ultimately paving the way for a more satisfying and enriched life experience. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together!
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Solution oriented
Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+5
Hi! Do you feel burdened by anxiety or overwhelmed by dark and gloomy thoughts? Do you feel frustrated that you are not as happy as you used to be, less sociable, more alone? Do you feel that life's circumstances have gotten you down, tired, and burnt out? I am an LCSW with over decades of experience working with individuals and families navigating life's journey with chronic illness, grief, anxiety and depression. Sometimes life can be tough and challenging. We may feel stressed, overwhelmed and isolated. Life transitions can be difficult and take effort, dedication and motivation. I specialize in treating self esteem issues, grief, anxiety, depression, post partum depression, caregiver stress, burn out, communication and relationship difficulties. Let's collaborate to identify what's not working so that we can reset, achieve balance and positivity in your life, and maximize day to day functioning. I am here to provide assistance, support and guidance and to remind you that reaching out is a sign of health and strength
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Solution oriented
Direct
Warm
Specialties
Addiction
Anger Management
Child or Adolescent
+2
Hello I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing in the field of Social Work for over 30 years. I have worked with many different people from a variety of cultures. I have helped both children, adolescents and adults with various concerns from criminal behaviors, addiction, and serious mental illness. I have helped people change their behavior and thinking so they can reach their potential, achieve their goals and heal emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
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Authentic
Humorous
Warm
Specialties
Child or Adolescent
Men's Issues
Women's Issues
+10
My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Hi, I’m Maureshia, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over eight years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I work with young professionals and diverse populations, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, navigating anxiety, depression, career transitions, work-life balance, and identity exploration. My approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented, focused on creating a safe space where you can gain insight, build practical skills, and move forward with confidence and clarity.
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Intelligent
Direct
Solution oriented
Specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+10
Starting therapy can feel empowering, confusing, or even intimidating—and it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the courage it takes to take this first step toward caring for your mental health. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where you can explore challenges related to anxiety, depression, self-care, and more. My goal is to help you strengthen communication and boundaries with yourself and others so that you can improve your quality of life and move toward the future you envision. Therapy is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s also about personal growth. Together, we’ll clarify your goals and identify strategies to help you move toward them, whether that means change over the next month, six months, or a year. You’ll leave our sessions with practical insights and “next steps” you can put into action right away. I believe life’s purpose isn’t simply to be happy, but to find meaning—and within that meaning, joy emerges. While the journey isn’t always easy, it can be transformative. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addictions Professional, Internationally Certified Drug Counselor, and Behavior Analyst. I take a strength-based approach, helping you use your unique abilities to address challenges. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing to empower you in creating lasting change. Most importantly, I bring a relaxed, compassionate, and trustworthy presence, fostering a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe and supported.
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Empowering
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+5
I have been working in the area of mental wellness for over 25 years developing programs, creating partnerships, and working directly with clients. I have a passion for supporting clients to feel better and reach their goals. I work with clients to understand the states of their own nervous systems and work with skills to find more peace and balance in their bodies. I believe that a body, spirit, mind approach is the direction of healing and becoming our best. Our body holds so much wisdom for healing and wellbeing. Our spirits help us connect with the best parts of ourselves that can help us move from dark places to letting the light shine from within. We can learn to change the messages in our minds that are more reflective of who we are as a whole being.
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Coping Skills
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+5
Hi, I'm Abby. Do you find it difficult to gain peace in your daily life? Do your past experiences impact how you can function in your present moment? Or does fear about past or future events keep you from living your life the way you want to today? I help people from all walks of life learn to manage and process these feelings, emotions and events. Empowering them to move forward with skills to be successful in their daily lives. Together we can heal mind, body and spirit to build the healthiest version of you moving forward. Confident in your ability to manage what life brings your way. Wellness is more than the absence of disease; it is a state of optimal well-being. It goes beyond the curing of illness to achieving health. Through the ongoing integration of your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual self, you have the opportunity to create and preserve a whole and happy life. I strive to create services that are designed to provide you with an integrated solution for your mind, body, spirit, and life to enhance your life and resolve issues. I provide counseling designed to address many of the issues people are dealing with and I am excited to start this journey with you. I know the first step can be scary but I will walk alongside you to achieve the goal you have set out for yourself.
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Warm
Authentic
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Welcome, I'm glad to know you are here. In my practice, as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT142790), I will create a safe space for you to heal, explore yourself today and explore your past, create a new path for your future. I strive to provide space that offers compassion and honest reflection, facilitates exploration of your story, promotes natural self-awareness and personal growth. I will be mindful of how your unique story affects your presenting issues and will provide culturally and trauma informed care.
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Intelligent
Open-minded
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Women's Issues
Coping Skills
+4
If you're in your 40s or 50s and feel like you no longer recognize yourself, you're not imagining it. Anxiety that seems to come out of nowhere, a shorter fuse, brain fog, poor sleep, low mood, and feeling like you've lost your spark are all common in perimenopause and menopause. Too often, women are told it's "just stress" or that they should push through. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience and a Certified Menopause Coach. I specialize in working with women in midlife who are navigating the emotional and mental health side of this transition, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD symptoms that often surface or intensify during these years. In our work together, you'll have a space where your experience is taken seriously. I'll help you understand what's happening, build practical tools for managing mood, stress, and focus, and reconnect with who you are and what you want from this next chapter. I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches and tailor them to you. Midlife can be more than something to get through. With the right support, it can be a time of clarity, confidence, and renewal. I'd be honored to help you thrive in it.
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Warm
Intelligent
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Older Adults
+12
Choosing a therapist can feel confusing, especially when you’re trying to understand what therapy actually involves. At its core, therapy is a unique relationship built on trust, safety, and genuine human connection. My first priority is creating a non‑shaming, supportive environment where you feel understood and comfortable sharing your story. I primarily work with individuals at this time and accept a limited number of couples when appropriate. My approach is experiential and attachment‑based, meaning we explore emotions, patterns, and relationships in a way that helps you make sense of what you’re feeling and move toward meaningful change. You can expect empathy, authenticity, and a collaborative process where your goals guide our work. I’m especially effective with adolescents, young adults, people navigating high‑stress careers in tech or business, active-duty service members, veterans, and anyone seeking clarity, emotional grounding, or healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Clients often describe me as caring, steady, and deeply invested in their wellbeing. If what you’ve read resonates, I’d be glad to connect and explore whether we’re a good fit. Sincerely, Michael Durrigan, LMFT (131635)
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Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+2
I am a licensed psychotherapist providing individual, family, adolescent and child therapy. I will collaborate with you to identify your goals and learn what is getting in the way of your sense of well-­being. We can work together to support your strengths while addressing the issues that are causing you problems. I provide an environment conducive to discussing difficult issues and exploring creative possibilities for change. I have grief therapy experience, including Survivors of Suicide, and Motherless Daughters.
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Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent
Specialties
LGBTQ
Men's Issues
Family Therapy
+6
“Everyone’s childhood plays itself out.” Our first understanding of ourselves comes from the first people we know. Psychologically known as our sense of Self or Agency, the other relationships we participate in tend to reflect those aspects of ourselves previously learned. I specialize in successfully treating the presenting symptoms of childhood trauma as well as those who suffer from often self-limiting thoughts regarding substance abuse, social and intrapersonal anxieties, clinical, situational and abandonment depression. I would also include the often self-sabotaging and socially unacceptable unresolved rage. Licensed in the states of California and Arizona as a Marriage & Family Therapist, I am privileged to work with a variety of high profile, highly intelligent and uniquely talented people, who, due to a lifetime of psychological, spiritual and philosophical pain are often the last to be aware of their authenticity as their true value. As a PsyD candidate (Doctorate in Psychology) whose clinical work integrates evidence‑based practice with a warm, relational approach. Building on my experience as a licensed master’s‑level clinician, I am advancing my doctoral training in applied psychology while continuing to provide high‑quality care to diverse client populations.
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Direct
Empowering
Intelligent
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
LGBTQ
+14
I have been in the field for twenty six years and have learned to adjust to what the client is presenting in the session to achieve a sense of safety. I work with what the client is presenting and focus on how to guide the client to work through their presenting problem. I have had a history of working with a variety of clients and cultures. I started working in a therapeutic community with at risk adolescents. I later worked with court referred gang members. From there I worked with the homeless and the LGBTQ Community on addictions. I opened a private practice in a more suburban environment.
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Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Sexual Abuse
+1
Authentic Empowering Encouraging I am an experienced Bilingual/Bi Cultural Spanish fluent, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, raised in Los Angeles, CA. I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). I've been in practice 14 years. My passion is helping people facing depression, anxiety, grief, relationship struggles, and life changes. My goal and purpose are to help clients develop into the best version of themselves and to gain the skills to manage their daily lives with hope, happiness, purpose and determination. I utilize empathy, compassion and active listening skills to meet clients where they are at in their mental health journey.
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Authentic
Empowering
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+9
You’re doing your best to hold everything together—but you’re exhausted. Maybe everyone turns to you, yet your mind won’t shut off. If you're navigating anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, or past trauma, therapy can be a place to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and create space for the person you are beneath all that pressure.
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Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
+2
I am a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist (LMFT) with a background in trauma and I understand the profound impact trauma can have on emotional well-being, relationships, and daily life. My therapeutic approach is integrative, blending techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy), and EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy). I received my Masters from the University of Phoenix and have been practicing for 15 years.
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Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct
Specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Hi, I’m Nancy Rodriguez, a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I was born and raised in Southeast Los Angeles, and I bring both my personal and professional experience into the way I show up with clients. I work with adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally stuck and are looking for a space to slow things down and understand what they’re going through. I know starting therapy can feel uncertain, and my goal is to make it feel more comfortable and supported from the beginning.
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Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Bipolar Disorder
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+10
*I am currently NOT accepting couple sessions who have any type of Medi-cal as their insurance* Hello and welcome! I'm so glad you have taken the steps towards self-improvement, and hope this will be a good match. I have worked in various settings over the last 10 years from school-based therapy, juvenile detention, group private practice and now telehealth. I enjoy working with a wide population, including individuals, couples and families. I specialize in anxiety, depression, Borderline Personality Disorder and BiPolar II disorder to name a few. *I am currently NOT accepting couple sessions who have any type of Medi-cal as their insurance*
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Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+8
I utilize a positive theoretical orientation which assumes that all individuals possess an innate desire for well-balanced emotional/mental health. I believe a person enters therapy with a strong wish, whether conscious or unconscious, to overcome obstacles and free themselves from constraints that are holding them back. I find that everyone needs a slightly different approach to accomplish these goals, so I adjust in technique for each specific challenge. I truly enjoy the experience of guiding my clients through this process and consider it a privilege to play such an important role in a person's life. “Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.” ― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Men's Issues
+9
I’m a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience helping adults work through anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD-related challenges, substance use, and relationship difficulties. I specialize in CBT, trauma-informed therapy, and solution-focused approaches with clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in patterns they want to change. I work especially well with adults navigating life transitions, emotional regulation challenges, and high-stress personal or professional environments. I also support men dealing with pressure around identity, relationships, and emotional expression. Outside of my clinical work, I value time outdoors, staying physically active, and being present with my family. I’m a father of five, including stepdaughters, which has given me a lived understanding of blended family dynamics, parenting, and complex family relationships across different stages of life.
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Authentic
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+8
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 6 years of clinical experience treating individuals navigating life challenges, depression, anxiety, self esteem and relationship issues. I provide a warm and empathetic approach and have experience working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and underserved communities. Some modalities I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to help challenge negative thoughts and increase coping skills for stress management.
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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.