Blue Shield Therapists in California

Accessing mental health services with Blue Shield can simplify the path to quality, affordable care. With 48 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: 6/30/2025

Richard Lenchner

Richard Lenchner, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
37 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Richard Lenchner, LMFT and I have been a practicing therapist for over 30 years. I received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and a M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Pepperdine University. I believe that everyone deserves a happy and healthy life. This can be achieved when you learn how to balance your life emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally (ESPM).

Shawna Fishman

(she/her)

Shawna Fishman, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
30 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Addiction Counselor. I have over 30 years' experience I assist adults of all ages (18 and beyond using a collaborative process. We can work together to heal past and present conflict, emotional disturbances, and learn new coping strategies. My goal is support you in living your best life.

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!

Kayla Bundy

(she/her)

Kayla Bundy, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPCC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! This human experience is quite the journey, isn’t it? The fact that you are struggling does NOT make you weak, it means you are human! Nobody was given a manual for how to live life and we all have our own challenges. Perhaps you feel alone, lost, not good enough, angry, depressed, anxious, or all the above. Perhaps you feel stuck in the past or like you can’t get out of your own way. Whatever you’re struggling with, we can use these challenges to learn from and grow into who we truly are. My intention is always to lead with compassion to create a safe space for you to freely look within and create the life you want.

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.

Lanelle P. Laws

(she/her)

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

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.

Diane Ussery

Diane Ussery, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
With over 20 years of experience as a mental health therapist working in the state of California. I have a varied background of expedience from mental health to hospice care and treating incarcerated individuals., I am dedicated to helping individuals and couples find workable solutions to situations they previously could not handle. My mission is to assist you in identifying your goals while offering strategies to improve relationships and foster creativity.

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.

Ana Maldonado

(she/her)

Ana Maldonado, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Ana Maldonado and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California. I am currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, couples and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and family conflict. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Strength Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.

Coral Boyle-Day

Coral Boyle-Day, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hi I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) i have been working with children, families, couple and individuals in the mental health field for over 10 years i have been providing therapy in a community based setting for over 5 years. I believe in a mind body/ holistic approach while providing an individualized service based off of your individual needs.

Chana Katz

Chana Katz, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I provide a safe place to explore and deal with difficult, ongoing, and often painful issues, using over twenty years of experience. I offer a simple and gentle approach that avoids re-traumatizing while working on understanding and discharging old traumas and stress. My trauma-informed, holistic approach includes somatic, emotional, and cognitive processing and integration. Healing is a double-sided process, working through healing the past while building and reinforcing your present sense of Self and interacting more successfully in your life. I am a trained Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and practice Psychotherapy with multiple adjunct therapies to integrate mind and body with Somatic Experiencing (SE) and other Evidence Based Therapies such as EMDR, Life Goals, Whole Health, Movement Therapy, and more.

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!

Juan Ortega

(he/him)

Juan Ortega, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
As a psychotherapist, I emphasize the mutual development of goals for therapy and prefers a holistic, strength based, person-centered approach. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I have worked with children and adults, including the elderly, and have spent over 10 years volunteering for youth groups throughout the Las Vegas area. A lover of nature and the outdoors, I also enjoy concerts and playing with my two beloved dogs.

Elisabeth Contreras

Elisabeth Contreras, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and welcome! I am Elisabeth Contreras, a bilingual (Spanish/English) Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist offering services to clients in the State of California. I received my bachelors degree in Psychology in 2005 and Masters degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy in 2013. With 10years of experience, I specialize in working with children, transitional age youth and families.

Jamie Buongiorno

(she/her)

Jamie Buongiorno, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Jamie Buongiorno and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have ten years of experience working with people making changes in their lives and four years of experience as a licensed clinician. My therapy style is collaborative, non-judgmental and strengths based. When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience genuine, supportive and specific to your concerns and goals. You are the expert of your life and my job is to assist and empower you as you make positive changes in your life. In my practice I draw from a variety of therapeutic techniques and therapy modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, internal family systems therapy, mindfulness and attachment theory. Seeking therapy can feel scary and I admire your courage in taking this first step! I would welcome the opportunity to work with you and look forward to connecting with you.

Joanna Baez

(she/her)

Joanna Baez, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
12 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Joanna Baez. I am a LMFT and a bilingual licensed Mental Health Professional with 12 years of experience working as a Facilitator and Psychotherapist in California, specializing in affordable online therapy. I have worked with clients to help them with a large range of concerns including anxiety, depression, anger issues, substance abuse/addiction, relationship issues, parenting problems, and domestic violence. I have experience working with individuals in Federal and State probation as well as parents CPS cases. I have also worked at a State prison and MHTU Crisis Center. My empathetic, supportive, and nonjudgmental counseling style has allowed me to successfully help many clients. I believe that respect, and empathy are the main elements in a solid foundation for a good therapy session. I treat everyone with sensitivity and compassion, creating a safe zone to help them work through any issues. Multiple factors come into play when the mental health provider chooses a modality for the client, such as the age and preferences of the client and their available supports. My approach combines CBT, Attachment-Based Theory, Humanistic approach, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Client-Centered approach, among others. Your dialogue and treatment plan are completely tailored to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step towards a change to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes a lot of courage. If you are ready to take that step, you can be sure that I will be there to support and empower you!

Mark T.

Mark T., LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I want to help you solve the problems in your life. To do that, we need to determine what those problems are and we need to establish a rapport where trust, positive regard and hope are foundational. I am successful in my life only because of the support I have received both personally and professionally. I consider my work a continuation of the support I have been gifted.

Tina Salazar

Tina Salazar, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Tina Salazar, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in CA. Are you struggling with isolation, stress, depression, or anxiety? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Know that you are not alone. Asking for support is an act of strength and courage and is the first step in making positive changes. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths and the things that give your life happiness and meaning. You can overcome life’s challenges so you can experience personal growth and live a full and authentic life. I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore, learn, grow, and change by combining Coaching and therapy to suit your needs.

Lauren Choi

(she/her)

Lauren Choi, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offers individuals, adults, geriatric populations in a general private practice setting in Texas & California. My practice offers a place where you can feel heard in a supportive, comfortable, and non-judgmental environment. I focus on adult care including women’s issues, career/educational issues, interpersonal communication, self-esteem, anger management, stress management, relationship issues, grief and loss, depression, and anxiety. I like to do therapy in an “eclectic” manner, drawing on cognitive-behavioral, narrative, spirituality, solution-focused, and others.

Dr. Sepida Sazgar

Dr. Sepida Sazgar, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
Virtual
If you are on this page, you are probably dealing with challenges that are keeping you from feeling content, balanced and in control. Maybe you are faced with a difficult situation, an unexpected event in your life, or perhaps you have been struggling with anxiety and depression for years. I understand that starting therapy can be a daunting decision. It takes courage to take the first step and seek help. Together, we can identify what is keeping you from feeling confident, competent, and in charge of your life, and help you take steps toward being the best version of yourself.

Dave Chicoine

Dave Chicoine, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
HI! I'm a licensed therapist in California (clients must live in California, USA) with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist helping people. I have worked with clients with various concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels.

Julie Scurry

(she/her)

Julie Scurry, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California with 20 years of experience in the field. After earning my Master’s from New York University, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting young adults and teens who face challenges in peer relationships, anxiety, and confidence. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the unique struggles this age group faces and have had the privilege of guiding many individuals toward becoming their most empowered, authentic selves. My approach combines compassion, evidence-based strategies, and a strong belief in each person’s ability to grow and thrive.

Yang Jiang

(she/her)

Yang Jiang, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
**ACCEPTING ADULTS (18+) ONLY** Hi, I'm Yang. And I'm here to help you heal from self-abandonment and emotional dysregulation. Self-abandonment occurs when we struggle to stand up for our needs and live by our authentic values; often, we don't even know what they are. Those who struggle with self-abandonment don't feel like they know who they really are, and what they want, and often feel directionless and ungrounded. We feel small, afraid, anxious, aggressive and dependent on others. Emotional dysregulation occurs when we don't understand our emotions and how to manage them. They control us, instead of the other way around. We behave in ways we wish we didn't, and we build up shame around those behaviors as if they are who we are. We cannot separate our emotions from who we are. These issues often lie at the heart of different mental health struggles, such as depression, anxiety, as well as many relationship challenges. The good news is that resolving these, therefore, can potentially lead to ripple effects of change in your life.

Dagmawit Negash

Dagmawit Negash, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals on their journey toward mental wellness and personal growth. I earned my Master’s degree from California State University East Bay and bring over six years of experience in community mental health, where I have built a strong foundation in various therapeutic modalities. I look forward to partnering with you on your path to healing and self-discovery.

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 Life Transitions?

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, Life Transitions, 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.