Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 890 verified therapists in California who accept Optum insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and solution-focused therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, or relationship challenges. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you have access to quality care that fits within your Optum insurance coverage.

Availability updated: 8/17/2026

Empowering
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Life Transitions
Racism
Trauma and PTSD
Experiencing adversity is part of the human experience, and everyone deserves a safe space to heal and thrive. Whether you're facing communication challenges, wanting to further develop insight, or managing traumatic responses, I am here to support. Together, we will work towards solutions that promote resilience, connection, and well-being. At the foundation of all goals, I hope to instill and restore a sense of safety, trust, and empowerment in your life. In addition to my clinical work, I am passionate about advocacy and education surrounding trauma-informed care. I believe in the importance of raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health and trauma, and I actively engage in community outreach and attend regular training initiatives to stay abreast current events.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+4
Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Robert Nwanganga, a licensed therapist. I have been a Social Worker since 2003. I also need to let you know that I am more interested in finding out why a certain behavior is occurring than I am in demonizing you for exhibiting the behavior. I have worked with a diverse populations and I have learned that therapy has to be personal if it is to be effective. I am committed to working with you in finding what modality works with your personality and focus on your strength in dealing with the situation that brought you to us.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Intelligent
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Hello, my name is Asher and I am a Licensed Mental Health Therapist that specializes in trauma, addiction and anxiety disorders. I specialize in working with children ages 10-18 years of age. I also specialize in working with adults with an emphasis on memory and aging disorders. I am a brainspotting practitioner which is a trauma/anxiety treatment in the same family of EMDR.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hello, my name is Miguel, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I graduated with my Master in Social Work from California Baptist University. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's challenges by providing a supportive and safe space for exploration and healing. Together, we will work to identify your goals, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience so that you can lead a fulfilling and balanced life. I am here to listen, understand, and assist you on your journey toward growth and well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Welcome! Seeking help and support is a huge first step that can be scary and I am honored to be considered to join you along your journey of healing, self-improvement, and working towards achieving your goals. I have worked in mental health for 19 years and have experience working in residential treatment centers, homeless shelters, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, juvi, jails, prisons, ERs, County crisis work, and private practice settings providing individual and group therapy in person and now virtually. I earned my Master's Degree in Marriage, Couple, Family, and Child Counseling at CSUS with my undergraduate degree in Psychology.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Postpartum
Women's Issues
+1
Hello, my name is Maria Genter Hester I am a licensed marriage family therapist they have been in private practice on and off for about 20 years. I love working with families and teens I have a specialty in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, I also have training in dealing with perinatal loss, abortion, miscarriage and grief. I love helping people who are interested in using their faith background to further their healing and achieve the life that they want. Most of my training has been in cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems. I earned my Masters in Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco, I reside in San Diego. I love the outdoors, hiking beach, art, cooking, and activities with my family and friends.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
Hi, my name is Ariane and I am a California-based LCSW. Outside of therapy, I love being active to stay sane including running and hiking, as well as crocheting when I'm inside! I've always got a a novel I'm working my way through as well. I earned my Masters at the University of Illinois but returned to my home-state to further my career. I've been licensed for 4 years, but have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I provide a safe space for clients to work through their struggles without judgement and guiding clients toward their goals. I meet clients where they are at and work together while providing an outside perspective and psycho-education as needed.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
+1
Hello, I am Julie. We often are doing the best we can with what we are given, and I am here to help improve daily practices, routines, and maintain a life worth living. I help clients who struggle with Acute and Chronic Trauma, Borderline Personality Disorder, Anxiety disorders, and Depressive disorders. I am trained in utilizing Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Reprocessing Desensitization (EMDR) therapy. Although, I have training in specific therapy modalities I take time to incorporate client goals and address the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and art to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. I am excited to begin working with individuals in their journey to self-exploration and healing. "What we don't need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human." -Brene Brown
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). In 1991, I obtained a B.H. in Social Psychology from The Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (Mexico). In 2008, I graduated from University of Phoenix with an M.A. in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. I have more than 22 years of experience working with patients—including adolescents, parents, adults, and couples. My focus is on improving relationships and addressing mental or emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, phobias, trauma, psychosocial stressors, life challenges, and personal goals.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+9
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California and have been practicing for 8 years. I have experience assisting clients from many different backgrounds from eating disorders to anxiety/depression to trauma. Through my education and my experience, I have been able to implement different therapeutic modalities that have assisted my clients on their treatment journeys.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Life Transitions
Spirituality
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Nicole Widman is the founder of Eden Therapy Group, a private practice based out of Southern California that functions to restore and equip God’s sons and daughters for this time. Nicole operates from a deep conviction to raise up men and women who are led by the Spirit (Galatians 5) by creating a space for her clients to discern God's voice and encounter God’s transformative love.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+10
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who helps adults ages 18 to 65+ navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship stress, and emotional overwhelm. I provide a warm, supportive, culturally sensitive space where you can feel understood and empowered. My goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, heal past wounds, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Holistic
Open-minded

Specialties

Addiction
Bipolar Disorder
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I bring both professional and personal experience to my work as a therapist. Having a Bipolar 1 diagnosis has given me a unique perspective on the challenges of navigating the institutional and often stigmatized aspects of mental health and the impact on life. This lived experience allows me to approach therapy with empathy, a genuine curiosity and appreciation for each client’s journey, while also emphasizing overall holistic living for optimal wellness of mind and body. Professionally, I’ve worked in psychiatric residential treatment, addiction medicine, youth detention and private practice settings. These experiences have strengthened my ability to support clients through a wide range of concerns from mild to severe forms of mental health challenges and their impact on daily living. I integrate a lot of somatic and sensory-based tools focusing on emotion and nervous system regulation, including brainspotting, drumming, sound therapy, aromatherapy, meditation and shamanic techniques and other mindfulness tools, along with an emphasis on nature therapy, nutrition in relation to mental health and sleep hygiene. Alongside these approaches, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to examine and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen emotion regulation, and collaborate with clients to develop the most applicable coping strategies in those areas. I have extensive experience supporting clients with addictions, complex PTSD/trauma history, ADHD, BPD, bipolar and schizophrenia, among others. "Based on your exceptional client engagement and outstanding care, you’ve officially qualified as a 2026 Grow Therapy Thriver! 🎉 (roughly 600 out of 25,000+ providers) This recognition reflects the meaningful relationships you build with clients from the start and the trust you inspire through your work. Becoming a Thriver places you among a select group of providers who set the tone for excellence across the Grow platform. We’re honored to celebrate this milestone with you."
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Humorous
Direct

Specialties

ADHD
Child or Adolescent
Life Transitions
+9
Hello! My name is Randy , and I am a clinician dedicated to providing a compassionate, inclusive, and highly adaptable therapeutic experience. My practice is built on the belief that every individual’s journey is unique, and I am committed to meeting you exactly where you are. With extensive experience working with diverse populations—including Children, Families, , Transitional Age Youth (TAY), and postgraduate professionals—I pride myself on high multicultural competence. I offer a safe, affirming space that respects all human and social backgrounds. Whether you are navigating a life transition, exploring your identity, or managing a personal crisis, I exercise the utmost tact and sensitivity to support your unique lifestyle. My clinical approach is holistic and multifaceted. I integrate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Behavioral Interventions to help manage immediate symptoms. Simultaneously, I utilize Attachment-based and Narrative approaches to explore the deeper stories of your life, alongside Solution-Focused therapy to help you achieve tangible goals. Because safety is the foundation of healing, my practice is rooted in trauma-informed care, ensuring your past experiences are handled with dignity. Beyond individual counseling, I have a deep background in group and family therapy, IEP facilitation, and mentorship. My experience in coaching and employee development allows me to support clients through workplace challenges and professional growth. Whether we are working through the hurdles of community reintegration or the complexities of professional life, my goal is to empower you with the resilience needed to thrive. I look forward to partnering with you to create a plan that honors your identity and supports your path toward healing and fulfillment. Welcome to a space where your voice is heard and your journey is valued. You can also peruse my web page @ https://www.randysimslmft.com
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+9
Hello, I am an older adult who came to this career after a long career in the non-profit sector. Over the years, I have worked with a wide variety of clients with a wide variety of issues and circumstances. The bulk of my previous experience in the nonprofit world was in substance use disorder treatment programs. My training as a therapist includes specialized training for a wide variety of disorders. I am known for being empathic, honest and insightful and a relentless cheerleader for my clients. I am very interactive and I will offer liberal doses of feedback and suggestions. I will provide psycho-education and will look to you for feedback about how you are feeling about the therapy. We will address the therapy as a team. My ideal client is someone motivated to improve their life. I work with clients who can benefit from 1 month to 1 year of therapy.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Substance Misuse
+8
I’m Dr. Andy Davis, a licensed psychologist with 18 years of experience in the mental health field. Thirteen of those years were spent serving in the U.S. Air Force, where I had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. My clinical focus includes depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, grief, personality disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, and concerns related to sex and pornography addiction. As a sex-positive therapist, I provide a safe and affirming environment for clients to explore sensitive areas of their lives without fear of judgment. My therapeutic style is both solutions-focused and rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). I believe therapy should be proactive and goal-driven, helping clients not only gain insight but also develop strategies for change. Clients often describe me as direct and honest, while also compassionate and collaborative—I strive to give practical feedback and advice that can be applied both in and outside of sessions. I especially enjoy working with veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and young adults. These groups often face unique challenges, and I consider it an honor to walk alongside them as they navigate life’s complexities. In addition to my clinical work, I have an extensive background in clinical research. While serving in the Air Force, I conducted sleep studies and developed modern treatment approaches for PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. This research continues to inform my practice, and I place strong emphasis on developing healthy routines, quality sleep schedules, and consistent self-care as foundations for mental health. I often work with clients to build structure into daily life, recognizing these habits play a powerful role in resilience and long-term well-being. Above all, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to face challenges, discover new perspectives, and build lasting resilience.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Open-minded
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+4
Are you feeling stuck and unable to move forward? Are you ready to make a change? It takes courage to ask for help. Therapy can be rewarding and lead to a lifetime of fulfillment. I have experienced the emotional challenges of life and can understand and empathize. In working together, we can cultivate growth by understanding the obstacles that you face and developing solutions that can help you gain control over your life and achieve your goals. Ultimately, therapy can lead you to greater self-esteem, self-awareness and most importantly, a more fulfilling life. As your therapist, I will provide a safe, caring, non-judgmental and confidential environment. I use an integrated approach to meet the specific needs and goals of my clients. I have experience working with adults, couples, teens and children
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Solution oriented
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Coping Skills
+5
Hello! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with extensive experience helping individuals navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties. I utilize evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), I guide clients on a journey of healing, personal growth, and transformation, empowering them to lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Empowering
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
+9
Hi and welcome! We all struggle with the human condition from time to time. As your therapist I’m here to meet you with genuine connection, to truly see and hear you. It's only in a safe, supportive space that we can truly unpack the thoughts, feelings, and patterns that shape our lives and create lasting, intentional change. I offer a unique blend of motivational coaching and in-depth therapy. Together, we’ll take a holistic look at your unique humanness - your strengths, struggles, values and patterns - while working toward practical, goal-oriented solutions that help you reduce emotional suffering and move forward in your life, relationships, and career.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+4
I have been working with clients for many years. I am honored to work with you and to be with you through the process of self discovery and personal growth. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to push ourselves to grow. It can be difficult; however, it can also be a transformative experience that can provide great personal freedom.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+5
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I have been practicing for 11 years. I help young adults and adults in their healing journeys by identifying and addressing the root thoughts and triggers contributing to their negative thought and behavioral patterns. I help them develop the skills to heal from them and be their best version.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Crisis Intervention
Serious Mental Illness
Suicidal Ideation
+7
Therapy for anxiety, depression, psychosis, and self-doubt. For the curious, the sensitive, and the ones who've been told they're “too much.” If you’re here, maybe you’re carrying a lot. And maybe you’re finally ready to understand why. I work best with clients who are curious, self-aware, and ready to get into the real stuff — not just the “I’m fine” script. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, self-doubt, or the aftershocks of a mental health diagnosis like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder — you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I work with adults (mostly 26–46) who are insightful, emotionally intelligent, and ready to explore the patterns beneath their symptoms. My clients often identify as women, queer, gay, or somewhere in between. I also love working with family members of folks with serious mental illness (SMI) — and with people living with SMI themselves. You might be a student juggling survival and identity, or a person who’s held it together for too long. Maybe you've been misunderstood by providers in the past — labeled “too much” or “treatment resistant.” I see you differently. I’m pro-medicine, pro-choose-if-you-want-medicine, and pro-you-get-to-decide-what-healing-looks-like. (And honestly? Medication saved my life.) We’ll work together to figure out what works for you — whether that’s weekly therapy, biweekly check-ins, or monthly deep dives. This is a space for unlearning shame, untangling patterns, and giving yourself permission to take up space — even when it feels hard. Let’s get into the layers. Let’s do the work.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
School Issues
+3
Hello. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California. I received my Masters degree from California State University, Long Beach and have over 15 years of experience working in outpatient and school-based mental health settings. I provide services that help young people, adults and families see how their feelings, thoughts, choices, and actions affect each other in order to improve their quality of life.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Warm
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
+3
Hi, I’m Sandy. I have a passion for working with children and teenagers who are facing challenges in school, dealing with anxiety, depression, anger issues, peer relationships, or family struggles. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood. You don’t have to go through this journey alone. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and explore strategies to help navigate life’s ups and downs. I’m excited to work with you and help you achieve the growth and change you're seeking. I look forward to meeting you!
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Trauma and PTSD
Addiction
Anxiety
+8
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (TX LPC #88209, CO LPC#0024066) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (CA LPCC #16170) based in Dallas, TX with over 15 years experience in mental health and recovery-oriented work. I dedicate my practice to helping individuals navigate life's complexities and find their own path to well-being. My approach is warm, collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I believe that counseling is a partnership, and I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. My goal is to empower you to build resilience, cultivate self-compassion, and create a life that feels authentic and meaningful to you.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in California. 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.

Yes! If you use Optum you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Optum you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

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.

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.

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.