Blue Shield Therapists in California

Accessing mental health services with Blue Shield can simplify the path to quality, affordable care. With 70 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: 7/6/2025

Joanne Freed

Joanne Freed, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
38 years of experience
Virtual
I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology and am a licensed LMFT. I received my PhD in 1994 and have been practicing for about 30 years. I work with adult women and men, who are experiencing life transitions such as career issues and relationship problems. The goal of the therapy is to use self-awareness to bring about change, and more joy in life.

Jessica Lazos

(she/her)

Jessica Lazos, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Jess! Real change takes time, practice and patience. I am honored to have the opportunity to accompany you on your journey. I am Bilingual in English and Spanish (Hablo español). I have been privileged to work with adults, teens, families, and couples struggling with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, communication, trauma etc. I am experienced in a number of evidence based techniques including CBT, DBT, Person-Centered therapy, and I will actively work with you to find the best approach to meet your individual needs. This open and flexible approach allows you to share and comfortably express and explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors in a warm, safe and inviting space. I hold a unique understanding of the struggles that accompany physical disabilities. I understand how hard reaching out and asking for help can be, and I am so proud of you for taking this first step towards peace and healing! Life is easier with support! Together we can discuss how therapy could benefit you and/or your family.

Patricia Jones

(she/her)

Patricia Jones, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with my Master's Degree from Rutgers University. I have experience working with teens, and adult dealing with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-esteem, self -harm, ADHD, life changes and other challenges. I specialize in working with teens, women and men who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, negative self-image and trauma. I work with clients to help them discover their true self. I will meet you where you are in your journey, and will you facilitate the changes you need to reach your fullest potential. If your tired of your emotional rollercoaster consider coming to see me.

Alan Lawrence

(he/him)

Alan Lawrence, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
30 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Gerontologist/Life Coach and hold three master's degrees in clinical psychology, social work, and gerontology. We age from birth with many challenges and changes as we grow older. A burden shared is a burden lifted. Accomplish your goals and move forward. Learning lessons from the past, and understanding your thinking process and internal dialogue will empower you with new insights and direction. There is no need to drive to your therapist's office at rush hour. The therapist is zoomed via a HIPAA compliant platform into the comfort of your home. Let's get started now.

Nancy Zayas

Nancy Zayas, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
Virtual
Hey guys! I’m here to help. We all have things we want and need to talk about. I’d be honored to be a part of your exploration and journey. Let our space be a sounding board of ideas and exploration for your feelings and choices today! Having an outside, neutral person for support and as a sounding board has the potential to assist in more ways than you know! Hablo Español (: Estoy para servirles!

Tristyn Ingallinera

Tristyn Ingallinera, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
22 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in the Southern California region. I have been in the mental health field for over two decades and have had the honor of working with adolescents, families, parenting individuals, and couples. My passion is helping people work through what is impacting their present to set themselves up for their best future.

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!

Alton Carswell

(he/him)

Alton Carswell, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
16 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, this is Dr. Alton Carswell I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who has worked with various groups and clients. If you are looking for a therapist who listens to you and acknowledges your unique perspective, you don't have to look any further. I have 16 years of experience working with singles, couples, military, LGBTQ, people of color, and undocumented immigrants from various countries. In addition to my hours spent working with varying communities, I have been highly involved as an alumnus of Antioch University in Los Angeles and as a recent doctoral graduate in media psychology at Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara. The types of clients I work with are Individuals, Couples, Families, Ages, Teens, Adults, Elders (65+), Groups, Bisexual Allied, Gay Allied, HIV / AIDS Allied, Lesbian Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Queer Allied, Racial Justice Allied, Transgender Allied, Ethnicity of Your Clients, Bi-racial, African-American, Asian-American, and Other Racial or Ethnic Background.

Elena De Salvo

Elena De Salvo, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Elena! Hi! I'm here to help you have the life you want, as sometimes life becomes challenging, and adjusting to life changes isn't always easy. I am glad that you prioritize your needs by coming here for help. I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I began therapy practice during my MA Program at JFKU in CA. For over 10 years, I've worked in various settings, including not-for-profit mental health agencies and private practice. I believe that treatment is a collaborative approach. I look forward to taking the journey of healing with you. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back.

Kristy Turner

(she/her)

Kristy Turner, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
22 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am Kristy. As a psychotherapist my approach to therapy for over the last 20 years with individuals, couples and families is rooted in some key elements including building a therapeutic relationship, uncovering unconscious processes, promoting self-reflection and insight, and facilitating emotional processing. As a psychotherapist while working with you, I am dedicated to helping you develop self-awareness, gain insight into your inner world, make lasting changes in your life and create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. By creating a safe and supportive environment I allow you to heal and help overcome challenges, develop healthier coping strategies and achieve therapeutic goals.

Priscilla Jones

(she/her)

Priscilla Jones, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
“The lotus is the most beautiful flower, whose petals open one by one. ... The lotus flower, is a magical flower for it is rooted in mud, surrounded by water and somehow finds a way to bloom and grow. A lotus is a survivor, it pushes its way through muddy waters and finds the sunlight.” Wellness is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is more than being free from mental or physical illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth. "A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” While you can't change the difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenging relationships in your life, adjust to physical illness/injury and unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Lacey Morris

Lacey Morris, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
2 years of experience
Virtual
As a child I was always very sensitive and curious about the world that surrounded me. It came natural to help people and I knew that I wanted to give back to the world at large. Just like you I suffered from some childhood wounds. My parents did the best they could with the tools they had. But due to their struggles I became a very codependent child wanting to save and fix my parents to simply gain the love I desired. Later on I would be able to understand this cycle and name some of the patterns I lived out. People pleasing, losing myself in toxic relationships and not fully loving that little girl inside of me. Once I became a LMFT and gained the knowledge and tools necessary I was not only able to break my own patterns, I was also able to help others find joy and deep meaning in their lives. Ultimately I specialize in helping people understand their patterns and be more effective communicators in their world. My role has been a guide and coach for my clients, providing innovative approaches based on Gestalt Method, Ancient Forgiveness Techniques, Psychodynamic Therapy, NLP and Hypnosis. I use these techniques to help my clients break patterns, many of which are fear based as a result of early childhood trauma that causes emotional issues in the present. This is deep and powerful work, and is necessary to enable a positive path to desired future. I look forward to working with you and guiding you on the path to healing and freedom.

Stephen Garrett

(he/him)

Stephen Garrett, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I have over 20 years experience. That experience includes private practice, community based, and hospital settings. This experience also includes leadership roles such as Supervisor, Manager, Executive Leader. I assist individual's facing social-emotional challenges that impact their daily functioning, helping them develop and fine tune their life skills to obtain a greater level of life-satisfaction.

Lorren Comeaux

(she/her)

Lorren Comeaux, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Lorren, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I create a space where you can be fully yourself, where healing is about coming home to who you are with compassion and clarity. I work mostly with adults in their teens, 20s, and 30s, and center BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and marginalized identities in my work. I specialize in childhood trauma recovery, identity exploration, grief, and relationship therapy (including non-traditional structures). My approaches cary from EMDR, Person Centered Therapy, the Gottman Method for Couples, and I have a deep commitment to social justice and systems awareness. When it fits, I bring creativity and nature into sessions as tools for healing. Relationship therapy is currently cash pay only.

Tina Cruz

Tina Cruz, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. Are you experiencing low energy, low motivation, trouble sleeping, irritability, poor concertation? or feeling sad, worried, anxious or stressed about your negative/intrusive thoughts? The truth is, that everyone experiences Anxiety or Depression at some point in their life, but these conditions are treatable and you do not have to go through them alone. I am here to help. My name is Tina. I am a Latina, a mother and a therapist with 20 years of experience treating children and adults with Anxiety and/or Depression. I also specialize in Maternal Mental Health and/or any other issue related to pregnancy and motherhood. I would love to help you find calmness, balance and a more positive approach to coping with life stressors that often create Anxiety and/or Depression.

Jonnetta Appianing

(she/her)

Jonnetta Appianing, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am Jonnetta Appianing, Licensed Marriage & Child Family Therapist of 5 years of post graduate experience. Being a Licensed Mental Health Therapist has given me the opportunity to work in a variety of different roles, settings, and diagnosis from all cultures facing many of life stressors including, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, trauma, PTSD, OCD, substance abuse, interpersonal relationship, addictions and eating disorders. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with children, teens adults and couples. Throughout my years, I gained experience supporting and empowering people with different challenges and it has been very rewarding.

Ruya Urso

(she/her)

Ruya Urso, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
14 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering supportive, strength-based therapy to adults and families. I have a B.A. in Psychology from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and an M.A. in Counseling with Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Webster University in Irvine, California. Throughout my carrier, I have worked with clients with a variety of issues and from all socio-economic, cultural and religious backgrounds. My experience in College Hospital, a mental health facility, trained me to understand how different mental health issues can be compounded by trauma and substance abuse, as well as preparing me for dealing with clients with variety of mental health problems. I have extensive experience with children, adolescents and adults who had experienced different traumas. Among my areas of experience are anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, women's issues, adolescents' issues and family problems. I utilize many different treatment modalities and treatment techniques depending on the client's needs.

W. Eric Griffith

(he/him)

W. Eric Griffith, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual
I am an experienced Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) with a strong focus on helping high school aged and older individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and trauma/PTSD. With eight years of practice, I provide compassionate and evidence-based therapy to create a safe space for clients to explore their concerns and foster healing and growth to become the best versions of themselves.

Rachel Mehia

Rachel Mehia, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), and I have worked with clients with a wide variety of concerns including schizophrenia, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, substance use, relationship problems, and trauma (physical, emotional, sexual). I also have extensive experience working with people involved in the criminal justice system. Reaching out for support is the start of achieving your goals and enjoying a more fulfilled life. I recognize that starting therapy can be a scary process and opening up to someone you don't know can be uncomfortable. This process will open the door for therapeutic healing and success in achieving your treatment goals. I look forward to working with you!

Laura Olson

(she/her)

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

Christine Rivlin

(she/her)

Christine Rivlin, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
9 years of experience
Virtual
I am an LPCC in California and an LPC in Texas. My educational background consists of earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master's in clinical counseling, and a Master's in Addictions. I am a National Certified Counselor and am a certified addictions counselor. My past clinical experience includes working for a crisis center where the majority of clients experienced issues related to suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and child and elder abuse. These issues impact people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. I have also worked for a county-based permanent assisted housing development where all of the clients have experienced episodes of homelessness, and have been significantly impacted by issues of trauma, depression, addictions, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Ron Goode

(he/him)

Ron Goode, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
13 years of experience
Virtual
Congratulations for taking the step to seek counseling. The world we live in is increasingly complex, and we can find ourselves feeling disconnected, stressed, and uncertain about what direction to take. How do we identify solutions for our life’s challenges? How do we let go of stress and sleep at night? As a therapist, I have counseled with individuals and families for over ten years and have found that problem-solving does not have to be stressful, and that we can work through our toughest issues. It is common to believe that people in our relationships, or circumstances in our lives cause us to feel the way we do. But it is our thinking, and the way we relate to people and circumstances, that create our feelings and emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps us observe what we are feeling and identify the thoughts that create our feelings. With increased self-awareness, we determine which of our thoughts and perceptions are distorted and unhelpful. As our thinking becomes more realistic, we feel better. There are several therapy methods that are effective in creating positive change, including Narrative Therapy, Goal Setting, Visioning for Personal Growth, and Mindfulness to promote focus and attention. Let’s engage in a conversation to explore your individual needs, and how best to meet them.

Qiana Marie Bush

Qiana Marie Bush, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
18 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Qiana Marie. I am here to assist you in becoming your most capable, confident, skillful self. The therapy process often involves healing, addressing unresolved issues and learning new skills that will help you navigate through life's uncertainties and challenges. My focus is to help you meet your life and treatment goals. I have had the privilege of working with diverse communities and am conscious of the need for compassionate care and the importance of valuing experiences of all groups in order to truly connect. I provide counseling and resources that focus on collaborative care to support each person's distinctive needs, experiences, and strengths. I have vast experience working with clients through the process of multiple types of relationship issues, phases of life changes, depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep problems, chronic medical conditions, pain, family matters, bereavement/grief/loss. I am empathetic, compassionate, personable and practice a judge free, culturally informed framework that is eclectic, gentle, nurturing and honest.

Terese Himes

(she/her)

Terese Himes, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
34 years of experience
Virtual
It takes courage to reach out and make your mental health a priority, that is a strength and you are taking a wonderful first step. I believe everyone has the potential for self-growth and healing at any stage of life. I provide a nurturing and safe space for us to work as a team to identify your therapy goals and it's my priority to meet you where you are at in your journey. I will approach your challenges with support and openness to assist with the process of developing healthy, and useful coping strategies that work for you. My approach is client-centered and compassionate to help you build insight into how to move through the roadblocks and your healing journey. I believe in a client-led and respectful approach where you can experience unconditional acceptance and support as you develop healthy wellness strategies. Thank you for visiting my profile and I look forward to discussing how therapy may be an option for you. Sincerely Terese

Margaret Hunter

(she/her)

Margaret Hunter, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am a provider with over 20 years of experience working in a variety of settings. I have worked with people from all walks of life, in varying ages and stages of life. I consider myself to be a generalist practitioner; however, I have specialized training in the treatment of disordered eating and body image disturbance. I am also an artist who believes in healing through creative expression. I am a registered art therapist (ATR) which means I have education, training and experience in the field of art therapy. I provide talk therapy, art therapy or a combination of both.

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 Grief?

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. For example, your selected specialty, Grief, is filtering therapists in California that work with patients with similar concerns.

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.