Blue Shield Therapists in California

Accessing mental health services with Blue Shield can simplify the path to quality, affordable care. With 55 verified therapists in California who accept Blue Shield, you can choose from therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy to help with issues such as stress, anxiety, or personal growth. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is accepting new clients and has appointments available soon, making it easy to find in-network support that aligns with your Blue Shield coverage.

Availability updated: 7/16/2025

Gwendolyn Tyson

Gwendolyn Tyson, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am Gwendolyn Tyson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California. During my 29 years of experience, I have worked with a diverse range of people aged 3 to 95, providing individual, child, and family counseling. My therapeutic approach consists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused, strength-based, grief and loss, and Christian-based counseling. I also enjoy working with families with issues related to trauma, terminal illnesses, blended families, and phase of life issues. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount for growth, meaning the relationship between therapist and client is of the utmost importance for success. I have been told that I have a gentle, soft demeanor that makes clients feel relaxed and easily engaged during sessions. By using self-reflection, one becomes more aware of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My desire is to help you achieve your goals by exploring interventions you can use for a lifetime. Let's start this journey together. My approach I generally use Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral, trauma-focused, grief and loss, and Strength-Based therapy. My focus I provide treatment to patients from 3 to 95 years of age. Providing support around anxiety, depression, grief and loss, blended families, phase of life issues, and dealing with terminal illnesses. With my early education background, I provide family and parenting support.

Vic Lloyd

(they/them)

Vic Lloyd, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of California, I live in the Palm Springs area of Southern Cal. My goal in life is to assist others with their mental health challenges and provide them with tools and education that will help them successfully manage these challenges. I look forward to seeing you in one of my sessions.

Mylan Allen

(she/her)

Mylan Allen, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi my name is Mylan (Me-lawn) Allen. I approach therapy with authenticity and curiosity using person centered and cognitive based therapeutic modalities. My clients develop a deeper sense of self and understanding of their environment when working with me. I help my clients build their resilience by learning to challenge their thoughts, identify their feelings and recognize patterns and behaviors.

Adrianne L. Clinton

(she/her)

Adrianne L. Clinton, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
23 years of experience
Virtual
I'm credentialed by the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and licensed as a professional counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and California. I'm a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC), through the Pennsylvania Certification Board and Florida Certification Board. I work purposefully with those experiencing mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use, and trauma. "If you have come across my profile, chances are you may be at a crossroads in life. We've all been in this place at one time or another, and I can help you grow as you navigate through the process. The power lies in the process itself! Change requires a decision, coupled with the willingness to take action. As a seasoned therapist, I understand that counseling is a contact sport, requiring participation and teamwork. Therefore, I implore you to invest in yourself!

Robert Nwanganga

Robert Nwanganga, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Robert Nwanganga, a licensed therapist. I have been a Social Worker since 2003. I also need to let you know that I am more interested in finding out why a certain behavior is occurring than I am in demonizing you for exhibiting the behavior. I have worked with a diverse populations and I have learned that therapy has to be personal if it is to be effective. I am committed to working with you in finding what modality works with your personality and focus on your strength in dealing with the situation that brought you to us.

Jessica Martinez

(she/her)

Jessica Martinez, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my Master's in 2017 and have been practicing in the mental health field since. I have about 3 years of experience working as an African American Special Skills Clinician where I provided clinical therapy services to clients who requested a Black Therapist. I help adults struggling with trauma, racial issues, family issues, depression, and anxiety to reframe and be the author of their own story.

Dr. Monique Hicks

Dr. Monique Hicks, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
11 years of experience
Virtual
Hi. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I use a wide range of interventions to establish a course that is personally tailored to clients. I graduated from Grand Canyon University with a doctorate degree in psychology with emphasis in cognition and instruction. I have a background in child development and 11 years providing psychotherapy services. I have worked with all populations.

Maureen Sanders

(she/her)

Maureen Sanders, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
19 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters Degree in Social Work from California State University Los Angeles. I have been working in mental health for over 35 years, and as a licensed professional for 14 years. My area of expertise is mental health and supporting clients to be able to adjust and cope better with a myriad of life stressors.

Derrick Wright

(he/him)

Derrick Wright, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am licensed in California, Illinois, and Missouri. I have experience in helping teens, adults, couples, families, veterans, and military personnel with stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of shame, blame, or judgment. You are encouraged to take the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, it takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Professional experience and additional areas of focus: Adoption and Foster Care, Cancer, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Impulsivity, Men's Issues, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood Disorders, Multicultural Concerns, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Post-traumatic Stress, Self-Harm, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Young Adult Issues Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Angelique Celestine

Angelique Celestine, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Angelique Celestine, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience, working with individuals and families in child welfare and the school system. My focus is helping individuals and families manage stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, family conflicts, grief, self-esteem, and a severe diagnosis of a loved one. My approach is compassionate and client-centered, working collaboratively to help you build new coping strategies and achieve lasting positive change.

Fabiana Vega

Fabiana Vega, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My passion for counseling started in 6th grade where I was nominated to be a peer counselor and I saw the power of how communication, active reflective listening and conflict resolution could shift relationships. I grew up in a chaotic household and studying psychology helped me to develop compassion, empathy and understanding where there was profound pain. My own experience with trauma, depression and anxiety helps me to understand clients from a lived perspective.

Walanda Johnson

(she/her)

Walanda Johnson, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
18 years of experience
Virtual
Through my 15+ years in the mental health sphere, I have learned how deeply psychological processes can disrupt life. Oftentimes, therapeutic progress has neglected how intricately interwoven are the body, soul, and spirit. Intersecting all three in sessions, I endeavor to proactively support individuals in developing their wellness lifestyle in order to be best informed when future barriers and areas of stuck-ness in life occur.

Lanelle P. Laws

(she/her)

Lanelle P. Laws, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm Lanelle P. Laws, LMFT. For over 15 years, I've had the privilege of helping people overcome challenges related to trauma, incarceration, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQ+ identity. My passion is empowering individuals to build their self-esteem and thrive. I offer an environment that is non-judgmental, comfortable, and encouraging but from a BIPOC approach. I'm a unique therapist because my lived experience gives me relatability that others do not have. I have dedicated my life to breaking generational traumas that have plagued most underserved communities and I aim to bring voices to marginalized populations that have been misrepresented. I always say, "I'm not your average therapist!" I don't say this because I'm better...I say this because my approach has been elevated to attract individuals that have fallen through the cracks due to unhealthy relationships with therapy. I know what it's like to need help and not be able to find it...let me "Change Ur Narrative".

Dorthina Morris

(she/her)

Dorthina Morris, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Dorthina Morris, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with a passion for helping individuals navigate their personal and relational challenges. I specialize in working with teenagers, couples, and adults, offering compassionate and tailored support to each client. I believe that therapy should provide an individualized experience, one that honors each person's unique journey and needs.

Stacie Ashley-Williams

(she/her)

Stacie Ashley-Williams, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I received my master's from California State University Long Beach and my undergraduate from Grambling State University. I have been practicing for 30 years. I help adults ages 18+ who are struggling with anxiety, depression, managing emotions, symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder, career, school, relational, family and/or various other concerns.

Nicole Ladner

(she/her)

Nicole Ladner, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
14 years of experience
Virtual
In my college career, I obtained an AA degree in Psychology, and Bachelor and Master Degrees in Social Work. As a licensed psychotherapist, I have obtained clinical experience serving children, adolescents, young adults, mid-life to older adults and families. I’ve worked in non-profit organizations, schools, county mental health and on crisis lines, in ambulatory care and therapy platforms, providing therapeutic support by phone, video and chat sessions, services uniquely offered by these mental health organizations. I am licensed by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences and a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

Monica Smith

(she/her)

Monica Smith, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Monica Smith, and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California, providing telehealth services to adults statewide. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma using evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to name a few. I help clients build awareness, develop coping skills, and improve their overall emotional well-being.

April Adams Edwards

(she/they)

April Adams Edwards, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
19 years of experience
Virtual
I am a dedicated Licensed Professional in Private Practice in the Los Angeles area, with over 20 years of direct counseling experience. I provide high-quality services aimed at helping clients achieve a balanced perspective on their mental health. My goal is to assist clients in developing the skills needed to maintain emotional well-being through life's challenges. Ultimately, my primary aim is to enhance the overall well-being and mental health of my clients.

Akilah Bakeer-Pullum

(she/her)

Akilah Bakeer-Pullum, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I’m Akilah Bakeer-Pullum a licensed clinician (LCSW), with over 10 years of experience partnering with clients. I enjoy creating a warm, supportive, and accepting therapeutic environment, often using humor to put clients at ease. My goal is to provide the highest level of care by customizing treatment and drawing from a myriad of evidence-based practice models. In doing so I am able to meet my clients where they are as we work together to improve their quality of life.

Marie Albertson

Marie Albertson, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
10 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with over 10 years of experience specializing in treating anxiety related disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety, adjustment disorder with anxiety, etc. I also work with people experiencing life transitions, and women's issues. I have a masters degree in clinical psychology from Azusa Pacific University and enjoy helping clients reach their life goals.

Calai Brown

(she/her)

Calai Brown, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Calai Brown, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with years of experience. I have developed a comprehensive set of skills to support individuals post-hospitalization, offering a compassionate and healing approach. I have a particular expertise in providing anxiety and depression support, helping clients navigate the challenges they may face in life. I also have extensive experience working with teenagers. My goal is to create a safe and understanding environment, assisting adolescents in navigating complex emotions and providing guidance as they transition into adulthood. In addition, I have worked extensively with geriatric clients, providing compassionate care and support for those facing challenges in their later years. My expertise includes offering bereavement support, children caring for parents with Dementia and hospice support. My goal is to help individuals and families navigate the difficult process of grieving. In all of my work, I take a personalized and client-centered approach, tailoring therapy to meet each person's unique needs and goals. My years of experience have taught me the importance of fostering an atmosphere of trust, warmth, and empathy. If you are seeking a dedicated and experienced LCSW who can provide post-hospitalization, anxiety support, depression support, teenage counseling, geriatric counseling, or bereavement support, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to accompanying you on your journey toward growth and healing.

LaCortney Maddox

LaCortney Maddox, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
16 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m LaCortney—Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, Hawaii, and Alabama. I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, and stress, helping you build motivation and confidence to create meaningful change. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and a strengths-based approach, I’ll guide you in understanding your triggers, reframing limiting beliefs, and developing practical coping skills. Through Maddox Motivations LLC, I offer a supportive space where you can explore your story, gain self-awareness, and grow into the version of yourself you’re ready to become.

Dr. Aline Smith

(she/her)

Dr. Aline Smith, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
37 years of experience
Virtual
Hello I have 37-years of clinical experience including, trauma-informed therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Anger Management, Domestic Violence Intervention ,victims of sex and child abuse. Other areas of expertise include performing Immigration Evaluations, Marriage Annulments and evaluations for applicants for seminary studies. I am compassionate and empathetic. I am fluent in both English and Spanish.

April Cobb

(she/her)

April Cobb, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
My name is April Cobb. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I'm here to assist, encourage and support you on your mental health healing journey. I create a supportive environment for clients to share, find acceptance and move towards the change and life you wish to see. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one approach I use in session. I believe in this approach because I believe if you can change your thoughts, your behavior will also change. I'm here to help you navigate the process.

Amy Zerai

Amy Zerai, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and Welcome. I commend you for taking the time to identify the right therapist for you, and I would be delighted to have the opportunity to serve you through your journey to either heal, grow, or build. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist; I aim to help individuals strengthen their sense of self and relationships. I have over ten years of experience working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds who have experienced various mental health challenges.

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 Blue Shield?

Yes! If you use Blue Shield you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Blue Shield 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.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

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.