EAP:United Healthcare Optum Therapists in California

Utilizing mental health support through UnitedHealthcare/Optum’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide you with convenient and affordable access to care. With 356 verified therapists in California who accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum EAP, you have options across therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and supportive counseling to help address work-related stress, personal challenges, or life transitions. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently open to new clients and has availability in the coming weeks, ensuring timely access to quality, EAP-covered care tailored to your needs.

Gamze Caltekin

Gamze Caltekin, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
EAP:UnitedHealt...
LMFT
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I obtained my master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, where I cultivated a deep understanding of relational dynamics and therapeutic interventions. My practice centers on providing compassionate and holistic therapy to individuals, and couples. I believe in fostering a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their concerns openly and collaboratively work towards healing and growth.

HIBA ABUDAMOUS

(she/her)

HIBA ABUDAMOUS, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
EAP:UnitedHealt...
LP
9 years of experience
Virtual
Dr. Hiba AbuDamous is a licensed clinical psychologist based in California, specializing in working with adolescents and adults. She offers evidence-based psychotherapy and psychological/cognitive evaluations, all provided securely through an online video platform. Dr. Hiba is fluent in both English and Arabic, offering services in both languages to California residents. Dr. Hiba holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration and Management. She is a Certified ADHD Clinical Services Provider and has advanced training in ACT for ADHD and Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy. Her clinical journey began with volunteering on a sexual assault hotline during her undergraduate years, and she has since worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and community health clinics.

Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis

Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
EAP:UnitedHealt...
LP
27 years of experience
Virtual
Dr. Elena Balashova-Shamis is a highly experienced, licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adults, and the elderly. She is trained as a psychoanalyst and provides integrative, personalized treatments. She teaches at five local universities, including UCLA’s medical school. She is known for her presentations, publications, and dissertation advising. She also works with family and criminal law courts as an expert witness.

Donna Angel

Donna Angel, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
EAP:UnitedHealt...
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello and welcome to my page! My name is Donna Angel and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I specialize in self love, self compassion, depression, anxiety, body image issues, eating disorders, addiction and mindfulness. It is my passion and joy to work with individuals and families seeking to improve their emotional well-being and live a fulfilling life.

Fernanda Burger

(she/her)

Fernanda Burger, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
EAP:UnitedHealt...
LMFT
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a LMFT based in California! I have my Master's degree from National University and have been in the behavioral health field for 17 years. I have found a passion in helping those in crisis, struggling with self-esteem, relational challenges, athletic performance and mood/eating disorders. I want to be able to make change and guide those to focus on thought patterns, feelings and emotions to challenging situations and improve their daily living.

Ryan Jordan

(he/him)

Ryan Jordan , LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
EAP:UnitedHealt...
LPCC
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! Welcome to Grow! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor & hold a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Hope International University. My academic curriculum specialized in: family systems, biopsychosocial thought, psychodynamic approaches, and person centered interventions. Therapeutically, I specialize in substance abuse counseling/addiction, as I am also certified as a substance use counselor and have worked in substance abuse treatment as a residential treatment technician before becoming a therapist. Further, I specialize in working with kids & adolescents who struggle with emotional defiance/conduct disorders & developmental disabilities. Further, I have experience in dual diagnosis treatment and exploring grief/loss issues. My style to therapy comes from a Rogerian, CBT, and Humanistic approach and embracing the “entire self”. My passion in being a therapist is to see and embrace progress, meeting people where they are at, being present during “aha” moments, and serve altruistically. Outside of being a therapist, I enjoy participating in ministry work, being active in recreational sports, volunteering as a crisis counselor & hospice volunteer. Some of my past work experience has included: working in special education as a substitute teacher, in the public-school sector as a tutor/instructional assistant, and as an in-home behavior interventionist working with kids who have developmental disabilities.

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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 EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum?

Yes! If you use EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum 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.