Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 689 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: 2/1/2026

Authentic
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Depression
+2
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I graduated with a Masters degree in Professional Counseling at Grand Canyon University. I have 4 years of working for Los Angeles County DMH where I provide many therapeutic skills and specialties to treat individuals. I am passionate and dedicated in guiding individuals to reach their life goals and their best potential in life.
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Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
+10
*Currently not taking couples** I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I received my master’s degree at Pacific Oaks College with a specialization in Trauma and I have been practicing for over 7 years. I help people by providing them with coping skills when they are overwhelmed, assist them with building a “life worth living”, and help them with working through every day life stressors including: work, relationships, family difficulties.
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Authentic
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

Depression
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Hello! I have been continuously licensed as a Clinical Psychologist since 1999. I grew up poor in inner city Cleveland. I was the 1st in my family to complete a college degree of any kind. I was a truck driver before I became a psychologist. I have a neuromuscular disability which effects my lower arms and hands and lower legs and feet. I use a wheelchair for long distances but I can walk a little. I graduated with a BA in psychology from Cleveland State University in 1992. I graduated with my doctorate in clinical psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago in 1998.
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Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Trauma and PTSD
I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Masters from University of Southern California (USC) and have been practicing for 14 years. My primary work has been with children, adolescents, young adults. The presenting issues I've worked on with Clients vary greatly but I have the most experience with mood disorders, life transitions, trauma, ADHD.
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Direct

Specialties

Coping Skills
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
Sometimes difficult moments leave us feeling stressed, depressed, anxious, angry, and at times, all of those emotions at once. But you do not have to face these challenge alone. Through therapeutic support and guidance, these same challenges can be approached as opportunities for growth and positive change. As a therapist, my job is to be a collaborative partner with you, and provide a safe and non-judgmental environment. My practice offers evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, behavior modification, adjustment/life transitions, and bereavement. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 12 years of experience working in California, fluent in both English and Spanish.
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Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+6
Hello, I'm Amber Potter, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience. I work with people who are open to growth and curious about the patterns shaping their relationships and experiences. I’m especially drawn to clients who are learning to accept themselves more fully, including the parts that feel imperfect or stuck. Together, we will work toward greater understanding, resilience, and meaningful change.
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Warm
Empowering
Holistic

Specialties

Grief
Trauma and PTSD
Do you currently feel you are at full capacity with life and needs assistance with managing current struggles in family, relationships, past trauma, or grief? I assist teenagers and adults who have experienced trauma and/or grief that is currently affecting their work, school, family, relationships, burn out that can lead to manifesting in addiction, further anxiety, depression and stress. Together, we can identify what's not working and improve health and well being. I also integrate mindfulness/meditation, EMDR to help you regulate emotions and lower stress to work within your window of tolerance. Whether you're dealing with stress, trauma, relationship challenges, addiction, anxiety, depression I'm here to support you unconditionally and assist with guiding and providing unbiased support. Seeking therapy can feel intimidating, vulnerable and scary and not an easy choice, I am aware of that and will do everything on my end to make the process as comfortable as possible. A safe space is needed in the healing journey and therapy is the ideal place to make that progress. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with unconditional positive support, a person center approach and evidence based practices tools to make positive change. Take the first step towards self care and schedule an appointment today!
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Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
+4
Everyone deserves to live a meaningful life—one filled with purpose, fulfilling relationships, personal growth, and a sense of balance. At times, however, we all need support and guidance to move forward. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over seven years of experience helping individuals across the lifespan navigate emotional and psychological challenges. In my practice, I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, mood instability, anger, relationship difficulties, divorce, family conflict, and work-related stress. My goal is to help clients reduce distress, strengthen insight, and build the skills needed to create lasting and positive change. My counseling style is warm, collaborative, and interactive. I place a strong emphasis on treating each person with respect, sensitivity, dignity, and compassion. I draw from a variety of evidence-based and insight-oriented approaches, including mindfulness-based practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), schema therapy, psychodynamic, humanistic, and rational-emotive interventions. Treatment is always tailored to your unique needs, goals, and life circumstances. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you on your path toward growth and well-being.
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Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Hello! My name is Scott. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California, and most recently also Arizona, and truly have a passion for helping others to gain wellness. I am originally from sunny San Diego, California. After working in the field in several roles, I made the decision to ultimately be a Marriage and Family Therapist. Since then, I have truly loved every minute of what I do. My personal philosophy is that healing begins with understanding, connection and hope. I have also recently received a certification as an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider. PLEASE NOTE*** Unfortunately, at this time, I do not see couples.. Additionally, I utilize AI in my practice to help me with my documentation. If you are uncomfortable with the use of AI in our sessions than I would ask that you find another therapist who does not use AI.
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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.
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Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Mood Disorders
+8
My name is Manuel Cruz and I have been practicing for almost 20 years. I have worked in a variety of settings from schools to hospitals treating various mental health conditions. Believing that every client is unique I utilize an integrative approach of cognitive, interpersonal, client-centered therapy to tailor interventions to the specific needs of my clients. With an extensive background and experience with relational therapy I am able to help couples, families, and individuals realize their potential and achieve their goals.
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+6
As a licensed psychotherapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Vanguard University, I have the training and expertise needed to guide you through difficult times and help you discover your authentic self. My passion for mental health is driven by a strong desire to support others in leading fulfilling lives and reaching their highest potential. Earning my Master's degree equipped me with the essential knowledge and skills to facilitate positive change. My therapeutic approach focuses on providing tools and techniques to help you cope with anxiety and depression, foster positive transformations, and uncover the happiness you seek in life. I use methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based strategies, Solution-Focused techniques, and Positive Psychology to tailor treatment to your specific needs.
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Empowering
Authentic
Challenging

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+7
I am a licensed professional in California with extensive experience in the mental health industry. With 6 years of dedicated work and an additional 10 years of complementary experience, I have worked in various settings including the criminal justice system, high-acuity psychiatric units, applied behavioral analysis, geriatrics, substance abuse facilities, and PHP/IOP/RTC levels of care. Thank you for considering me as your therapist.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Peer Relationships
+10
Hi, I'm Casandra, and I'm glad you are here! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), with a master's degree from the University of Southern California. I decided to become a therapist because I love being able to help others. One of my favorite things is getting to know others and helping them to discover (or re-discover) who they are. Getting to help others realize their potential and overall improve their mental and emotional well-being is something I enjoy doing and consider it such a privilege.
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Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+3
I have been working with clients for many years. I am honored to work with you and to be with you through the process of self discovery and personal growth. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to push ourselves to grow. It can be difficult; however, it can also be a transformative experience that can provide great personal freedom.
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Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I help clients to overcome the obstacles that get in the way of living a meaningful and purposeful life. I believe mental health and wellness is a lifestyle of putting yourself first mentally, emotionally, and physically. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California. I have a Masters in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Chapman University. My primary focus includes depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, caregiver stress, relationship issues, and stress management. It is important for my clients to be comfortable, agreeable and involved throughout the treatment process. Treatment plans are individualized to meet your needs because one size does not fit all. I use a person centered strengths based approach using Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I look forward to partnering with you on your healing journey.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Intelligent
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+2
I have been a licensed clinical social worker for 28 years. I chose a social work career to support and help others who find themselves in difficult situations. I'll help you identify your strengths, set attainable goals, and work with you to address feelings of anxiety or depression. As a Certified Happiness Trainer, I have a particular interest in happiness and well-being, and would be glad to incorporate this into our work if you wish.
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Solution oriented
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
+10
Hello, my name is Deserae, and welcome to my profile! As a licensed clinical social worker, I am passionate about supporting individuals in identifying their own path toward their mental health goals. With a Master's degree in Social Work with an Emphasis on Hispanic Culture from Our Lady of the Lake University, I bring a diverse background and skill set to my therapy practice.
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Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+3
You may be reading my profile because you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, burned out, or disconnected — from others, from your goals, or even from yourself. Maybe you’re juggling the weight of trauma, people-pleasing, identity shifts, or relationship challenges while still trying to show up for everyone else. You might find yourself avoiding tasks, second-guessing your worth, or putting your own care at the very bottom of the list. As a licensed marriage and family therapist with years of experience, I specialize in helping adults — especially women and neurodivergent individuals — heal from trauma, navigate anxiety, and reconnect with their voice and inner strength. I also bring my own lived experience exploring neurodivergence, which informs my deep respect for the unique ways neurodivergent people move through the world. Whether you're navigating sensory overload, task paralysis, masking, or the constant pressure to "do it right," I offer support that meets you where you are — without judgment or unrealistic expectations. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and rooted in evidence-based practices like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, and somatic work. I strive to create a space where you can safely explore what you’ve been carrying, explore what truly matters to you, and take steps toward a life that feels more grounded, more aligned, and more like your own. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you — it’s about honoring your full humanity and supporting your healing, one part at a time.
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Often rebooked

Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Trauma and PTSD
+4
Hi! I’m Jordan and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) because I believe our mental health affects everything we do. There are lots of different ways to do therapy, but I will always make sure that you have both a non-judgmental space to share, and that you walk away with practical skills to help you deal with life’s challenges. My goal is to help you feel heard and leave empowered. I utilize an attachment framework to focus on processing key relationships in your life, while offering DBT skills and other practical tools to help regulate your emotions so that you can respond well in any situation. I live in San Diego and love working with adult clients of all different backgrounds and experiences.
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Solution oriented
Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Family Conflict
Self Esteem
+7
I help adults manage stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges so they can feel more grounded, confident, and connected in daily life. I welcome clients of all backgrounds, and I also create dedicated space for men who want to explore questions of masculinity, culture, and identity in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. My style is warm, structured, and down-to-earth. You don’t need to come in with the perfect words or a clear plan—just showing up is enough. Together, we’ll figure out what’s most important right now and build practical tools that bring steadiness and momentum into your daily life. I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)—approaches that are practical and action-oriented. For clients interested in going deeper, I also integrate evidence-based methods that support long-term self-exploration and healing.
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Intelligent
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+2
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to invest in your mental health. Are you having a hard time balancing family, work, and life? Are you struggling with avoidance and anxiety about the future? Are you just ready for a change and aren't sure how to make a plan of action? It's difficult to grow without support and even harder at times to find the tools to carve your own path. If you feel ready to explore how to reach your unique potential; let's figure out some goals, what's in the way, and how we can work through those challenges so you can reach your goals. My background in research, crisis care, inpatient, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, in-home therapy, group therapy and outpatient therapy has given me exposure to several forms of therapy. I am currently practicing CBT, DBT, ACT and some elements of other forms of therapy. If you are curious how we could approach your challenges and goals, please reach out and we can discuss options. Consultations are welcomed.
VirtualAvailable
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Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Direct

Specialties

Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+6
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from National University and have been practicing for several years. I work with individuals navigating a variety of life challenges and support those managing a broad range of mental health diagnoses, including Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My goal is to help each person become the best version of themselves—today and moving forward.
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Often rebooked

Specialties

Anxiety
Family Conflict
Self Esteem
+2
Hi, I’m Fabiola Serrano, a first-generation Latina and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I help people who are navigating anxiety, depression, low self-worth, and relationship struggles—especially those who often feel overwhelmed by strong emotions. My approach blends evidence-based tools like CBT and DBT with compassion and cultural sensitivity. Together, we’ll work on building emotional balance, confidence, and more meaningful connections in your life.
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Specialties

Coping Skills
Family Conflict
Grief
+7
I hold a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with specialized training in EMDR (services provided outside of insurance). My therapeutic approach integrates Humanistic, Attachment-based, and Trauma-Informed perspectives, alongside Family Systems theory. I am passionate about ongoing professional development and staying informed of current research to ensure meaningful connection and high-quality care for those I serve.
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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 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.

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 happens during the first therapy 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.