Blue Shield Therapists in California

Accessing mental health services with Blue Shield can simplify the path to quality, affordable care. With 16 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: 7/2/2025

Mannya Sharma

(she/her)

Mannya Sharma, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Mannya Sharma, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 4 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about providing empathic and unconditional support to individuals, couples, and families in their recovery. My expertise lies in treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. I am committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all clients, and I tailor my approach to meet each individual's unique needs and goals. Whether you are seeking support for a specific challenge or simply seeking personal growth, I am here to listen and guide you toward healing and well-being.

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.

Ashley Reed

(she/her)

Ashley Reed, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, thank you for coming to my web page, and I want to help you with whatever journey comes our way. I have 8 years of experience, with combined internship and as an LMFT in dealing with anxiety, depression and trauma. Being married, I believe that I can relate when married couples have struggles and they need my help with a tune-up or their restart. I empower clients to use different ways of thinking to whatever life situations come your way, by giving many different ways to solve problems, and improve communication and strive for assertiveness and self-confidence, and let go of past hurts. I strive to listen to clients at their lowest lows and highest highs and bring Christian views and values whenever possible.

Nica Gaona

(she/her)

Nica Gaona, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Do you have an an issue or concern that you're currently going through and want to be able to feel heard and understood? As a licensed Clinical Social Worker I can provide a safe and welcoming place where you can feel open to share those concerns or worries. Together we can work toward creating more balance in your life. I use a collaborative style to build on your strengths and resources and use them as the foundation of the helping process. I have 21 years experience working with children, families, and individuals as a social worker, eight of them as a licensed clinician! Prior to training as a therapist I worked as and advocate for children, youth and families in various community based non-profits. The peace I felt in helping lift burdens for individuals and families was the energetic drive that led me to the path of clinical social work! I consider it a privilege to be invited and entrusted with the task of walking alongside you during a challenging moment in your life. Seeing you grow and succeed is one of the greatest reward I could ask for!

Rebecca Gomez

Rebecca Gomez, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
22 years of experience
Virtual
Everyone's journey is different and that is why I tailor my approach to meet your unique needs and goals. I specialize in helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges. Therapy is not about having all the answers. It is about creating space to ask the right questions, explore what matters and building a stronger, more grounded version of yourself. Whether you are looking for clarity, direction, or simply someone to walk alongside you for bit, I am here to assist you in making meaningful progress.

Diana Abrams

(she/her)

Diana Abrams, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
My ideal client is someone who needs help reaching their highest potential and decrease emotional suffering. They should be ready and willing to begin receiving guidance on how to reach their peak. I believe in self-determination and that individuals can find solutions with the right support. I offer a person centered approach that relies on the client's self-determination. I am experienced working those with dual diagnosis, mood disorders, and anxiety compassionately to help them manage symptoms. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have more questions. I am always willing to answer questions to make sure my services are a good fit.

Dr. Dena Galinato

Dr. Dena Galinato, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
7 years of experience
Virtual
I have extensive experience in working with a diverse population of individuals, including those struggling with substance abuse, dual diagnoses, codependency, trauma, and other mental health issues. I consider myself to be an assertive and direct psychologist who prioritizes effective communication, healthy boundaries, and self-care. My ultimate goal is to help people gain the insight and coping skills necessary to live meaningful lives filled with a positive sense of self and healthy relationships. I consider myself to be a culturally sensitive psychologist who treats each client as a unique individual. I am an action-oriented psychologist that listens with empathy while helping the client gain insight into patterns of thoughts and behaviors that can be used to make healthy and meaningful changes in their lives. If you are an individual who is motivated for positive change and self-growth, then I encourage you to reach out to me, as I would be honored to be a part of your journey. I believe that therapy is a collaborative approach in which the end goal is always in your best interest.

Terry Porter

Terry Porter, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
17 years of experience
Virtual
I have been in private practice since 2012. I mostly see clients suffering from depression and anxiety, but I am open to other disorders. My goal from the start is to EMPOWER my clients. I only work with ages 15 to 65 years old. I work from a very practical base and help clients either change their circumstances or adjust to it. My background is in forensics as I have worked with inmates and people with criminal cases, judges, attorneys and probation officers for over 14 years. My style is nondirective in therapy. I let the client lead me as they are experts on themselves.

Deneen Maria Asuncion

(she/her)

Deneen Maria Asuncion, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
23 years of experience
Virtual
Do you have others around you who support you? Has there been any change in your sleep, physical activity, and/ or diet? How would you rate your current stress level? Lastly, is it a constant battle to maintain a semi-positive outlook on life due to unresolved grief and loss issues? * Current Certifications: 1. ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP). 2. Certified Mindfulness- Informed Professional (CMIP). • As a psychotherapist, I work towards building effective relationships with my clients. The care that I provide is collaborative, coordinated, and attainable. • My patients' and their family members' preferences, values, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic conditions are always respected. • My patients will consistently receive emotional support to relieve fear, behavioral issues, anxiety, and depression. • My qualities as a highly skilled psychotherapist are as follows: patient, solution-focused, empathetic, confident, observant, excellent listening skills, and respect for diversity. • My primary goal is empowering you to create or maintain a healthy sense of emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being. My specialties are as follows: 1. ADHD - Children, Adolescents, and Adults 2. Women's issues 3. Men's Issues 4. Abortion, Pregnancy Loss, Miscarriage, and Infertility 5. Stress Management 6. Anxiety Disorders 7. Depression 8. Sleep Disturbances 9. Relationship Problems 10. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Social Anxiety, and Phobias 11. Fully Remote Work/ Hybrid Workers 12. Stay-at-Home Mom/ Dad 13. Individuals with Disabilities such as Chronic Pain, Dwarfism (Children/ Adolescents/Adults), Musculoskeletal Injuries, Cancer, Blind, Immune-Disorders, Down Syndrome, Specific Learning Disorders, Epilepsy, etc. 14. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Issues 15. Addiction and Substance Misuse Issues You deserve a consistently safe place to heal and grow. In our sessions, I will join you with compassion and evidence-based practices - so that you can get through this very difficult time in your life. * Please note that I do not write the following letters: Letters for Emotional Support Animal (ESA) or Letters for Court-related matters.

Courtney L. Ransom

(she/her)

Courtney L. Ransom, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
Do you suffer from constant anxiety and or panic attacks? Do you have a history of loss, difficult relationships and other traumatic experiences that hurt when you think about them today? Well, you are not alone. Seeking counseling can be an anxious time for many people, yet I believe it can be the start of a positive and productive experience. I believe joining with my clients to create a therapy experience tailored to their individual needs is important. The therapy sessions will be a safe place to gain new skills to help you live a more prosperous and fulfilling life. I offer online therapy which provides convenience, privacy and affordability all in one place. There are so many different types of situations or experiences that can create a need for therapy. I have experience successfully helping people feel less depressed or anxious, build their parenting skills with strong-willed children, get through difficult life changes, improve their relationship with their partner or friends, and create a less stressful environment for themselves. I am trained in a few research-based treatments for trauma and parenting. I am a Faith Based Christian Therapist. I received my Bachelor's in Social Work from Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland and my Master's in Social Work from Stanislaus State in Turlock, California where I served 5 years as a Professor in the MSW Department teaching on The Effects of Childhood Trauma.

Bethany Kelley

(she/they)

Bethany Kelley, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
23 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings to You! I am Bethany and am thankful you have made the decision to live your most phenomenal life! Do you feel utterly lost, stuck or even misunderstood? Do you feel like you know what to do but don't have the will-power or tools to execute it? I help marginalized individuals identify how to show up as their most authentic selves and get the life they deserve. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness, yoga and art to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, racism, transphobia or addiction, I'm here to help and comfort. Seeking therapy can feel unnerving but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal, grow, try on new perspectivesand just BE. 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. Let's work together and get you to the next level of your healing journey!

Jennifer Adderly

Jennifer Adderly, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California with 15 years of experience. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and take an empathetic approach to building strong client relationships, fostering personal growth, and promoting healing. My experience ranges from working with individuals facing severe mental health challenges to those navigating life events for the first time.

Richard De La Garza

(he/him)

Richard De La Garza, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
18 years of experience
Virtual
Richard De La Garza is a licensed clinical social worker. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, and he is currently in pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership from the University of San Diego. His research intersects multicultural facets of underrepresented first-generation, non-traditional, veteran, and disabled persons and is committed to social justice and culturally competent care. His experience includes working in a variety of settings including the US Army, as a direct commissioned officer for active-duty servicemen. Richard has provided consultation for a non-profit board of directors, case management for a community mental health clinic, and facilitated government partnerships across the military and Palo Alto VA. Richard aligns with a holistic therapeutic approach that is person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral, solution-oriented, integrative systems, and storytelling. Richard's leadership style reflects traits like being bilingual, amiable, and tenacious. Richard strives to expand self-awareness to recognize everyone should be a learner who is capable of growth and redemption. Richard is also trained to provide EMDR therapy.

Tristin Victor

(she/her)

Tristin Victor, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
Vulnerability is the foundation of human interactions and relationships. Let me help you become comfortable with your vulnerabilities in a compassionate and non-judgmental therapeutic environment. Finding a sense of love and belonging can help us build relationships when we dare to be imperfect. My ideal client is one who is motivated, open, and willing to commit to the therapeutic process to gain personal insight and reduce current symptoms that are negatively impacting their functioning. Allow me to partner with you and help you understand that you are worthy of connection, love, and belonging.

Alisa Williams

Alisa Williams, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Alisa! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and I specialize in treating interpersonal concerns and have helped people adjust to life changes, decrease anxiety, and alleviate depression. Working with me, you will find our therapy sessions will be a safe place to be authentic and vulnerable. I aim to utilize appropriate interventions to help you achieve your goal from evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based, and Psychodynamic. I cater my approach to each of my client’s individual needs.

Melba Morales

(she/her)

Melba Morales, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
23 years of experience
Virtual
Mi lengua materna es Espanol y soy fluente en Ingles y espanol. I am a dedicated and highly emphatic therapist. My style is Eclectic therapy because it allows me to utilize multiple theoretical orientations and techniques. I have been exposed to different cultures and I am grateful that I was able to connect with a diverse population from around the world. I believe that each person is unique and their experiences and needs are also unique and that’s why I use the technique that will fit the moment and the need. I am very flexible and will explain what and why I am utilizing the approach at the moment. I believe that patients already bring the answers or solutions within and my job is to help them identify their strengths and to work through their weaknesses. I have been working in the mental health field for twenty years. My personal experiences have made me the person I am today and also helped me to connect with people’s experiences. I believe in what I do because I know that people can change their circumstances all they need is willingness and a conscious personal awareness. My strengths are adults male/female (relational, self-esteem, domestic abuse, family issues, vocational, work problems/stress, couples, PTSD, trauma)., anxiety, panic attacks, trauma - PTSD. I was born in Nicaragua and have been living in California for the past 40+ years and I connect and understand the immigrant first/second generation culture and the struggles they may face. I am fluent/bilingual in English/Spanish.

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 Racism?

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, Racism, 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.