Blue Shield Therapists in California

Accessing mental health services with Blue Shield can simplify the path to quality, affordable care. With 60 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: 7/19/2025

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.

Tina Cruz

Tina Cruz, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

John Paul Cabrera

(he/him)

John Paul Cabrera, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. My name is John Paul and I have been a therapist for approximately sevenyears. I am a Latino male and I grew up in Los Angeles County. I believe in the power of therapy. I was once sad, angry and resentful as a young man and therapy was for me, a life chaning experience. I enjoy helping others in their journies to living happier and healthier lives.

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.

Susanna Franchi

(she/her)

Susanna Franchi, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm Susanna Franchi. I have been working in the mental health field a total for twenty years. I received my Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University, Northridge. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am very dedicated in doing my best work in sessions with clients to help them improve and lead satisfied lives. It has been rewarding seeing my clients improve and grow which has given me continued motivation to continue my work as a therapist.

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.

Kory van Unen

Kory van Unen, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Kory van Unen, LCSW. I am a licensed clinical social worker and I earned my master's degree in social welfare from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered. I work with adults in individual therapy to support treatment goals in areas such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and self-esteem. My goal is to guide clients on a journey toward deeper self-awareness, resilience, and a more fulfilling life. As a clinician, I provide comprehensive psychotherapy services tailored to a client's unique needs. This includes a thorough assessment, diagnosis, personalized treatment planning, and individualized therapy. I draw on an array of therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), trauma-informed therapy, and solution-focused therapy, among others. Modalities are chosen to align with treatment goals and empower clients toward lasting change.

Steven Frank

Steven Frank, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
30 years of experience
Virtual
I’m Steven Frank. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), licensed in California and living in Seattle, Washington. The way the law works is that if I have a California license, I can live outside of California, but can only work with California residents. For that reason, all my work is perforyemed online through telehealth. I see primarily adults and seniors in my practice and while I work mostly withindividuals, I will also see couples when needed. I’ve been licensed since 1983 but actually began to “grow” a private practice beginning in 1990. While most of my experience has been with clients dealing with depression and anxiety, over the last 4-5 years I’ve been more focused on the treatment for symptoms of trauma and abuse. I’ve been trained in EMDR (a specific treatment for trauma), and will use that method as needed, when appropriate, and with your understanding of the process, and consent. By the way, my first job experience (before beginning my schooling for the MFT license), was in the California State Hospital system as a psychiatric technician. I was a member of a hospital inpatient treatment team that treated people with severe mental disorders. This was excellent training for working with clients who are seeking help, but on an outpatient basis.

Anthony Williams

(he/him)

Anthony Williams, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
17 years of experience
Virtual
I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Donald K Schubert

(he/him)

Donald K Schubert, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
45 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Dr. Schubert and I’m a clinical psychologist with 45 years of experience. For the past 37 years, I have been in full-time private practice, helping individuals from all walks of life navigate their personal challenges. My approach integrates the most effective Western psychotherapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), alongside Eastern spiritual practices. This unique combination allows me to guide clients toward a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

Star Haley Baird

(she/her)

Star Haley Baird, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am an LCSW (License Clinical Social Worker) with over 19 years of experience in the field of mental health and I have been licensed since 2010. I have worked in crisis behavioral health hospitals with both adults and adolescents, outpatient community mental health clinics and in hospice. I have also worked at the University of Michigan counseling center with undergraduate and graduate students. I have extensive experience in relationship/communication issues, trauma work, infertility and miscarriage counseling, parenting, grief work, life transitions, depression and anxiety. I studied social work at the University of Michigan and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Washington.

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.

Denise Harlan

(she/her)

Denise Harlan, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Denise. Do you feel anxious, worried, or depressed and overwhelmed with your life? Are you struggling to feel happy? Do you feel past trauma is affecting your ability to heal? Is it hard to be kind to yourself or to tell yourself that you are doing all that you can? Together, we can build a safe place so that we can find what's not working for you and get you back to a place where your mind, body, and spirit feel at ease. We'll use a mindfulness approach and identify those negative thoughts and come up with a balanced adaptive thought that can help you feel better. I integrate mindfulness and an Eye Movement Desensitization Approach (EMDR), along with Cognitive Behavioral Theory and several other approaches to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. All of this comes from a strength based, trauma informed, culturally informed perspective where we will identify your strengths and your plan to help yourself heal. I'm here to help and understand that seeking therapy can feel overwhelming and scary but you're making the right choice. 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 thoughts and habits holding you back.

Cesar Garcia Herrera

Cesar Garcia Herrera, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
9 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I’m Cesar. Do you feel overwhelmed with life’s challenges and feel you are being pulled in a million directions? Are you looking to restore balance to your life and mind? Has your self-esteem taken a hit due to the constant changes and expectations of society? Are you looking to improve or change the trajectory of your life? I work with adults who experience mental health concerns that range from anxiety, depression, impulse control, inattentiveness, trauma, behavioral concerns, relationship challenges and difficulties with establishing healthy boundaries. Together, we can restore your psychological and emotional health along with devising a plan to help achieve your goals. We will explore underlying concerns that are driving destructive behaviors and develop effective ways to improve overall functioning in all environments.

Karl Williams

(he/him)

Karl Williams, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
28 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 28 years of clinical experience. I have worked in County Mental, Substance Abuse, and Health Care settings with a wide range of individuals throughout the age spectrum. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming. It takes courage and strength to reach out, yet it is the beginning of the healing process. I work from a client-centered whole-person approach that draws on your strengths to collaborate with you to bring about healing. If you are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, struggle to stay focused, not being able to complete tasks, unable to find time to enjoy the things you like to do, and/or struggling with relationships; now is the time to take that step. Let's work together to create solutions to bring about a better quality of life. Today is the day to change your tomorrow.

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.

Sally Del Vecchio

(she/her)

Sally Del Vecchio, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Sally Del Vecchio I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of CA and NV. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family, And Child Therapy. I am an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), Domestic Violence Counselor, Prevention Early Intervention Specialist, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapist, which allows me to understand your current situation more in-depth.

Carol Crabson

(she/her)

Carol Crabson, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
32 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in the State of California. I graduated with my Masters Degree in Social Worker from UCLA and have been practicing for over 20 years. I began my career working with seniors experiencing early symptoms of dementia as well as providing their family with resources and support during this challenging time. Events happened that altered my career resulting in me finding that my life's passion is to help people recover from childhood and/or current trauma so they can experience a life filled with a sense of peace and joy.

Mary Jerome

(she/her)

Mary Jerome, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
9 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters degree in Mental Health from Christian Theological Seminary in Butler University at Indiana. My Masters program is a Four year special degree program which is integrated with Psychology, Philosophy and Theology, that provides holistic approach to Psychotherapy. I work with adults who struggle with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Grief, Anger, Trauma events such as military combat, physical and sexual abuse, neglect and Racism.

Edelmira Guerra-Alfaro

(she/her)

Edelmira Guerra-Alfaro, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
18 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a bilingual ( Spanish +English) and bicultural ,CA based and - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 18+ years of experience working in community behavior mental health. I hold a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and a Master degree in Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy. My approach in providing therapy is person- centered with a supportive stance, while addressing: interpersonal relationships, school, work/career and overall mental health issues that has gotten in the way of reaching a desire full potential.

Melissa Mott

(she/her)

Melissa Mott, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome and thank you for taking a bold first step toward your wellness and recovery journey. My goal is the prevention and reduction of risk factors for emotional and behavioral problems and the promotion of mental health wellness. Utilizing evidence-based practices, I will work with you to help you learn to manage your difficult emotions and develop tools that work for you. I believe once something becomes shareable, it becomes more bearable. I have experience working with diverse populations including children and families, adolescents, homeless, veterans, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, addiction, co-occurring disorders, personality disorders, and life challenges.

Tamara Weaver

Tamara Weaver, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
With over twenty years of experience in the mental health field, I am a seasoned clinician versed in evidenced based practices tailored to your individual needs. I will work with you collaboratively to ensure not only symptom relief, but improvement in relationships, communication and your specific goals. I will focus on helping you find your path according to your unique story and goals while helping you learn new coping skills and gain insight along the way.

John Zhang

John Zhang, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
23 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I'm Dr. Zhang, Do you feel overwhelmed by life stress? Do you have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or getting motivated? Depression and anxiety are common reactions to chronic or acute stress. It's important to take time and care for ourselves. I help clients understanding their current difficulties and developing effective strategies and solutions. Seeking therapy can be a scary process. It's difficult to be vulnerable with a stranger. I believe clients should be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect. I encourage you to reach out and begin the healing process.

Marc Kitano

(he/him)

Marc Kitano, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of Texas, California and Florida. I hold a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. My baccalaureate studies included Human Development and Christian Ministry. I am an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Air Force. I specialize in counseling adolescents and adults with mood disorders, anxiety, depression and traumatic experiences.

Ellen Suski

(she/her)

Ellen Suski, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. I am a licensed social worker in California. I began practicing in the mental health/behavioral health field in 2011. I originally was licensed in Maryland in 2015 but then returned to California in 2016. Since starting in the field, I have worked with individuals ranging in age from 4 years old to 75 years old; most experience working with individuals between the ages of 10 and 35. I have experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, depression, anxiety, parenting problems, and relationship issues. I am an ally of the LGBTQI community and can provide a safe, telehealth space for them. Unfortunately, at this time, I cannot accommodate individuals seeking letters for emotional support animals or those mandated by the court or legal system for therapy. With that said, my goal in being a counselor, is to assist my clients in meeting their identified treatment needs. I am flexible and willing to do whatever I need to do to assist you and help you in any way that I can. If when viewing my profile, you feel as though I am a good fit, but my schedule does not meet your scheduling needs, please feel free to send me a message as I may be able to fit you in at a different time.

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 Mood Disorders?

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, Mood Disorders, 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.