Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 906 verified therapists in California who accept Optum insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and solution-focused therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you have access to quality care that fits within your Optum insurance coverage.

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Los AngelesSan DiegoSacramentoOaklandSan Francisco

Availability updated: 8/25/2026

Often rebooked

Authentic
Intelligent
Direct
Specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+4
My name is Mark, and I have dedicated more than 15 years to working with families and youth in the foster care system. Before entering the field of foster care, I served as a combat medic in the military. This experience shaped my commitment to helping others and laid the foundation for my career. I have always been drawn to roles where I can make a positive impact on others’ lives. Helping people has become my true passion. In all my work, I strive to share joy and compassion, centering my approach on the unique needs of each individual I support.
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Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Peer Relationships
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hello, I am an Asian-American female, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California and Nevada with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families providing mental health services in a community-based setting, intensive mental health setting, and private practice setting. I am here to provide support for whatever your needs may be and overcome any challenges in your life. I am licensed in California and Nevada. I DO NOT PROVIDE COUPLES THERAPY WORK ON GROW PLATFORM. Website: www.healingheartsmentalhealth.com Instagram: Ilovetherapy661
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Empowering
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
LGBTQ
Parenting
Women's Issues
+9
Hi, I’m Bianca Mercado, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe therapy should be a collaborative and individualized experience, tailored to each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. My priority is to create a safe, supportive, and comfortable environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their healing journey. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and reach their full potential. Through compassion, clinical expertise, and a client-centered approach, I strive to support meaningful growth, self-awareness, and lasting change. My therapeutic approach integrates a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Culturally Sensitive Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Psychodynamic Therapy. By building on each client’s strengths and focusing on progress rather than perfection, I help individuals recognize their resilience and move toward the life they envision for themselves.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
We all experience life's challenges, feel alone, stuck and unsure what to do sometimes. I understand, it can be scary, seeking professional help for personal issues. I also know, therapy can be deeply healing, when one can open up and take the first step towards mental well-being and self-love! My name is Janaelyn Mitchell, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that provides individual therapy and coaching.
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
+11
Hi, I'm Ms. Noemi and I am a bilingual (English & Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from Southern California. I've been in practice since 2003. At this time, I have a small private practice. I am currently serving children, teens, and adults. I specialize in Early Intervention, Children, and Family therapy. I provide solution-focused individual counseling to adults dealing with life changes, transitions, anxiety, and boundary challenges. I graduated from Cal State University Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services in 2003. In 2005, I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Southern California (USC). Then in 2017, I earned my PPSC with an emphasis on Child Welfare and Attendance from Cal State Long Beach (CSULB). My clinical experience was in county mental health. I specialized in the treatment of children and their families. I provided individual, group, and parenting services to high-risk communities. I used a combination of talk therapy and evidence-based treatment models to best address their mental health issues, all while collaborating with adjunct programs. I provided Mental Health Related Services (MHRS) to students receiving counseling as part of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). I have 10 yrs experience working for a foster adoption agency. I contributed to promoting safety, family reunification, adoption, and supportive parenting. My love and passion is to help individuals strengthening their relationships, healing, and reaching their mental health goals. Life is hard, challenging, and sometimes just overwhelming. I would love to be a tool that you can use to help you throughout your mental health journey. NOTE: Current openings: Wed- Fridays 10:00am-3 pm.
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Empowering
Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+4
I’m a licensed therapist who helps people reconnect with their emotions when they’ve spent years pushing them aside just to get through life. Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, capable, and deeply caring, but feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or hard on themselves without fully understanding why. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in Emotion-Focused work, helping you slow down, understand what’s happening inside, and build a more compassionate relationship with yourself. Therapy with me isn’t about fixing you, it’s about helping you feel more like you again.
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Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Personality Disorders
+10
Rebecca McWhorter, LCSW # 87376 I have experience working with individuals across all age groups and within diverse multicultural settings. I begin by meeting clients where they are, whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or grief. My practice is centered on compassionate, client-focused care. My journey began working with at-risk youth prior to college, which inspired me to continue outreach with individuals and groups facing significant challenges. This path ultimately led me to the field of Social Work. Through Telehealth, I have been able to expand my practice into new areas, taking on challenges that continue to drive my passion for this work.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
+1
Hello, I am Julie. We often are doing the best we can with what we are given, and I am here to help improve daily practices, routines, and maintain a life worth living. I help clients who struggle with Acute and Chronic Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety disorders, and Depressive disorders. I am trained in utilizing Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR) therapy. Although, I have training in specific therapy modalities I take time to incorporate client goals and address the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and art to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. I am excited to begin working with individuals in their journey to self-exploration and healing. "What we don't need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human." -Brene Brown
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Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+4
Hello, I'm Elysa Thangchaipinyokul, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving adults throughout California. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and have over 15 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions. Raised in a first-generation immigrant family, I understand how culture, family dynamics, and life experiences can shape emotional well-being and relationships. I strive to provide a supportive, culturally responsive environment where clients feel understood, challenged, and empowered to grow. My approach is warm, collaborative, and compassionate. I believe therapy should feel like a safe space where you can be heard, gain insight, and develop practical tools to create meaningful change. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) while tailoring treatment to your unique needs and goals. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for change, I'm here to support you every step of the way.
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Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 9 years of experience. My clinical experience is working with individuals who are dealing with cancer and chronic illness, both from a personal and clinical perspective. I have successfully helped clients navigate through challenges such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I enjoy the creative collaborative process of utilizing Exposures and Response Prevention with my clients. Clients learn somatic techniques to help with anxiety and OCD. I am also trained in EMDR which helps reprocess triggering or traumatic thoughts. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and ultimately find healing and growth.
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Empowering
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+8
Greetings, I'm African American, California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (144529). I possess a Master’s degree in Clinical Counsel from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master’s degree in Public Health with a Specialization in Health Care Administration from National University. Additionally, I'm a disabled Veteran with seven years of active-duty service in the United States Navy. I've been performing therapy over the last 5 years as an Associated Registered Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Registered Professional Clinical Counsel prior to obtaining my full licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I treat individuals from diverse backgrounds, with mild to moderate Mood Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and professional and personal stressors.
VirtualAvailable
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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
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Direct
Specialties
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Self Esteem
+4
Through connection, empathy and a non-judgmental approach, I offer ways to help you discover what may be blocking you from finding your true path in life. By not seeing an individual for what symptoms they have or what is affecting them, I am more interested in helping you find what is the cause of symptoms and how to process them. I work with adults from all backgrounds. I am also open to any culture, belief, identification or orientation. All are welcome. I base all individual therapy on a client-focused approach and adapt sessions to the needs of each person.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+9
You might feel stuck in patterns like overthinking, anxiety, or relationship stress that are hard to turn off. Even when things look fine on the outside, it can feel exhausting trying to manage everything internally. I work with adults who want to understand these patterns and respond differently, not just cope. Our work focuses on making sense of what is happening beneath the surface while also finding practical ways to feel more clear, grounded, and in control in daily life. I integrate trauma informed care and parts work to help you build self-trust, set boundaries, and move through challenges with more clarity and confidence.
VirtualAvailable
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Authentic
Intelligent
Warm
Specialties
Trauma and PTSD
Addiction
Anxiety
+8
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (TX LPC #88209, CO LPC#0024066) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA LPCC #16170) based in Dallas, TX with over 15 years experience in mental health and recovery-oriented work. I dedicate my practice to helping individuals navigate life's complexities and find their own path to well-being. My approach is warm, collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I believe that counseling is a partnership, and I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and create a life that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Addiction
Family Conflict
Parenting
+10
As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in my deep empathy, active listening, and a commitment to mindful curiosity. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where your unique story can be truly heard and valued. Rather than simply diagnosing a problem, I listen for the 'hidden' stories of your strengths and values that often get overshadowed. My approach to active listening is about more than just understanding; it’s about standing alongside you to deconstruct the challenges you face and uncover the skills you already possess. Together, we will collaborate to rewrite the narratives that no longer serve you, fostering a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and the reclamation of your personal agency.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
Great to meet you! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I’m really glad you’re here. Reaching out for support isn’t always easy, so taking this step already says a lot about your willingness to grow. I work with clients navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and patterns that can feel hard to break. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the same cycles or unsure why certain things keep coming up, you’re not alone — and that’s exactly the kind of work we can explore together.
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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.
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Empowering
Direct
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
LGBTQ
+4
Hello, I am a therapist who focuses on improving the lives of his clients. I will help empower them to enrich their lives. Together we can explore methods on helping the individual deal with everyday life stressors and also past trauma. I am someone who wants to see their clients excel and be able to manage life's difficulties. Hoping to help my clients see positive results in therapy.
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Open-minded
Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+5
I have struggled with anxiety and depression first hand and hope to bring my personal and professional experiences in to help. Every person is unique, so every therapeutic experience is unique. I like to use a Cognitive Behavioral inspired approach to examine patterns and behaviors to find positive exceptions to build off of. While I was in grad school I worked in multiple levels of treatment so I have nearly 10 years of mental health experience.
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Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+8
Hello, I'm Nicole, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have a passion for working with individuals in order to assist them in developing and utilizing the necessary coping skills to manage and thrive during difficult times, life transitions, and through needed change. My goals are to create a safe and supportive environment for all my clients, while they increase their level of self-understanding and self-awareness.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+10
Teenagers often arrive in therapy carrying things that no one at home or school knows how to name yet. I've spent years working alongside adolescents and their families in schools and community settings—and I bring that same depth to my work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, and major life transitions. I also specialize in early psychosis: working with teens and young adults experiencing their first break with reality, and the families trying to understand what's happening. My approach centers on building clear goals, strengthening hope, and learning to move through the uncertainty that real change requires. If you'd like to learn more about me & my approach, please visit: www.benjaminclover.com/about
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Open-minded
Warm
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
Professional with over thirty experience collectively in mental health/clinic-based care and in an educational capacity. Bilingual fluency in both English and Spanish. Extensive work experience with culturally diverse populations throughout San Diego County and Ventura County. Knowledgeable in working with co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and a variety of mental health disorders. Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor since an intern in 2006.
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Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Family Conflict
Life Transitions
+10
I run Unscripted Therapy, a practice focused on helping people break out of stuck patters. I work with individuals who are tired of having the same conversations and somehow ending up right back where they started. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, or relationship patterns that keep repeating, something isn’t working—and at this point, that’s pretty clear. My approach is direct, collaborative, and focused on actually changing what’s not working. I’m not going to just sit there nodding while you vent and then ask how that made you feel for the tenth time. We’ll figure out what’s keeping you stuck and start doing something different about it. Therapy with me is honest, practical, and yes—sometimes a little blunt. But it’s also real. If you’re looking for something that actually helps you move forward (not just talk about why you’re stuck), we’ll probably be a good fit.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+6
Hi, I’m Cassandra! I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of therapeutic settings including an inpatient psychiatric hospital treating a higher level of acuity, intensive outpatient program supporting teens and young adults, a residential facility working with incarcerated youth, and an outpatient program at a University counseling center.
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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.