Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 860 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: 11/8/2025

Jennifer Johnson

LMFT, 16 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
+9
“Just tell me what I should do!” Are you struggling with a specific issue, relationship conflict(s), or feeling stuck in a rut? Seeking support when you recognize that you can’t keep doing the same thing over-and-over is a brave, admirable step. Having your own personal, dedicated support will help you uncover your inner strength. Together we can define new ways to help move through situations with healthier outcomes. We all have the answers within, sometimes it takes a different perspective to help you recognize what your strengths are. Allow me to be that someone who helps you see yourself more clearly to allow yourself to make healthier decisions. My approach is driven by you. You will receive tools and techniques unique to you and your stage of change. My goal is to help you achieve your goals and help identify the steps that will get you there. With over 16 years of experience, you will have someone that listens to you non-judgmentally, will offer suggestions (and sometimes homework!) to help you improve and move through tough obstacles. Remember, “The only way to get through it is to go through it!” I would be honored to support your journey.
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Ashley Rafal

LMFT, 10 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Intelligent
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+10
Hello, and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. As a therapist, I offer a compassionate and nonjudgmental space where you can show up just as you are. I believe healing happens in connection, and my goal is to help you feel safe, heard, and understood as we navigate life’s challenges together. I work with individuals, couples, and families, and draw from evidence-based approaches in my practice. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, relationship struggles, trauma, parenting stress, or life transitions, I tailor our sessions to meet your unique needs and goals. I especially enjoy supporting clients through times of growth and change, helping them develop greater self-awareness, healthier coping tools, and stronger relationships. In our work together, you can expect warmth, honesty, and collaboration. My hope is that therapy becomes a space where you can reconnect with your strengths, find relief, and move forward with more confidence and clarity. You're not alone—and you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. I’m here to walk alongside you.
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Stacia Narasky

LCSW, 8 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Hello! My name is Stacia, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in therapy services in California. Providing therapy is my career, but it is also a passion of mine. To help another person learn to navigate their own struggles is a blessing in itself. "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". I would love to work with you to navigate whatever it is you are going through! ​ I have been providing therapy services since 2015, and have worked with all ages. I am currently providing online therapy services young adults (aged 18 and up) who are currently struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, work stress, life stressors and life transitions. Therapy sessions are conducted online.
Virtual
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Art Imla

LMFT, 10 years of experience

Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Self Esteem
+1
Hi, I'm a licensed marriage, family therapist out of California with over a decade of experience in therapy. I have my master's of counseling and a family man dedicated to helping others free themselves from their own trappings. Everyone has a unique journey in life and often times, navigating it on own is what we think we're supposed to do. What if there was another way? That's where I would love to come in and support you. I will be in your corner as you navigate life, where I can cheer you on and call you out. Too often, folks think the burden they have is only for themselves to bear. I want people to know that they are not alone and they don't have to face things alone.
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Deborah Sharman

LMFT, 17 years of experience

Warm
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+9
Deborah enjoys working together with her clients to form a strong therapeutic bond. She is motivated to help her clients live there best authentic lives. She has experience helping people develop strong coping skills to reduce, manage and or alleviate their anxiety, depression and work/relational stress. In her spare time Deborah enjoys spending time with her family and grandson, hiking, walking her dog, trying new recipes and planning for travel.
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Gustavo Olvera (Bilingual)

LMFT, 11 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+14
Hola! I'm Gustavo Olvera and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), serving clients via telehealth throughout the State of California. My long-time approach to therapy is to meet the client where they are and work with them to identify goals that will help them improve their quality of life while providing them with a safe place to be themselves in a safe environment. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is key to success, as we often have to make critical decisions daily. I believe we can all achieve our desired goals by increasing and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health. What attracted me to wanting to become a therapist was my true and honest desire to help others. Seeing how clients benefit from therapy, seeing how clients can truly overcome their mental illness, and seeing how clients can return to normal and healthy day-to-day living is what drives me to continue to do the work that I do. Today I invite you, to allow yourself to start your journey to a better tomorrow; I am inviting you to take a chance. Sadly we can't change what happened yesterday, nor do we know what will happen tomorrow, but we can hope for a better tomorrow by making positive decisions today.
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Becca Paushter

LCSW, 8 years of experience

Authentic
Empowering
Humorous

Specialties

Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Welcome! My name's Becca. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping others. I’m dedicated to creating a strong therapeutic alliance, founded in shared goals for a life worth living. I’ll provide a warm, supportive, safe, and professional space for you to feel comfortable delving into difficult past and present situations, in order to pave a new, happier, and healthier way forward. Making the decision to start therapy can bring up a mix of emotions. You have reached a point where you are ready to take control of your life and create meaningful change. For this, I greatly applaud your courage! While the work may be challenging at times, I am a firm believer that “The only way out is through.” And oh, will it be worth it when you break through. In working together, it is my ambition that you (re)gain a sense of empowerment in your life. If this is what you’re looking for, then let’s get started Inspired by the breakthrough moments I witness in my sessions everyday, I am proud to have established the private practice, Breakthrough Counseling! If you're interested in learning more, feel free to check out my website: mybreakthroughcounseling.com
Virtual
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Brandon Rodriguez

LMFT, 4 years of experience

Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+10
My name is Brandon A. Sandate Rodriguez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California with four years of professional clinical work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I have worked with adolescents and young adults in the juvenile justice system and with adults with serious and persistent mental health concerns. In working with marginalized communities my focus is toward enhancing self-awareness by emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s culture and identity. I aim to connect deeply with my clients and build professional and supportive relationships that can provide healing and growth.
Virtual
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Gail Bradley

LMFT, 8 years of experience

Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+7
I am not taking Couples, but I am taking individuals that are or are not in a relationship and need help. We were never taught how to be in a relationship of any kind. Yes there are tons of books of how to, however to put them to practical use can be very difficult. This can also relate to a relationship with a family member, friends or co-workers. Sometimes our own mental health can influence all of our relationships, and you may need coping techniques for anxiety and or depression type symptoms. I will work with you individually to help you gain insight to your own behavior that may be influencing your relationship. I am here to help beit coping strategies for anxiety and depression symptoms or learning how to communicate more effectively with others.
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Kristy Turner

LMFT, 22 years of experience

Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Grief
+10
Hi, I am Kristy. As a psychotherapist my approach to therapy for over the last 20 years with individuals, couples and families is rooted in some key elements including building a therapeutic relationship, uncovering unconscious processes, promoting self-reflection and insight, and facilitating emotional processing. As a psychotherapist while working with you, I am dedicated to helping you develop self-awareness, gain insight into your inner world, make lasting changes in your life and create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment. By creating a safe and supportive environment I allow you to heal and help overcome challenges, develop healthier coping strategies and achieve therapeutic goals.
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Brigitta Tedja

LMFT, 6 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
+11
Hello, my name is Brigitta. I empower individuals to take back their lives by identifying their strengths, identity, and learn useful skills to help develop a future with hope and expectation. Together, we will explore what is making you stuck by utilizing a holistic approach and address issues of the mind, body, and spirit to strengthen you as an individual. I utilize elements of various modalities with each individual to find out where the wounds began, to close the doors to an unresolved past, to reframe negative core beliefs and its maladaptive influence, and to work towards healthy goals for your future. I can integrate faith-based counseling to build resilience and hope at your request. Our sessions will be a place of safety, growth, and rejuvenation for your soul. I will meet you with a non-judgmental and compassionate approach. As we build our therapeutic relationship, the process of healing and restoration will come. I cannot wait to meet you!
Virtual
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Alyssa Guerrero

LMFT, 5 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Intelligent
Solution oriented

Specialties

Grief
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
Hello! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist, based in sunny California. For more than 10 years, I have worked with children, teens, and young adults. Have you ever wondered what therapy is like? Or “I just wish I had someone to talk to about this.” I’m that therapist who joins alongside you to help guide you through uncertainty and changing times. A discussion that brings insight, clarity, and understanding. We talk, we joke, we cry, and we grow.
Virtual
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Rebecca Kerr McWhorter

LCSW, 15 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Personality Disorders
+10
Rebecca McWhorter, LCSW # 87376 I have experience working with individuals across all age groups and within diverse multicultural settings. I begin by meeting clients where they are, whether they are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or grief. My practice is centered on compassionate, client-focused care. My journey began working with at-risk youth prior to college, which inspired me to continue outreach with individuals and groups facing significant challenges. This path ultimately led me to the field of Social Work. Through Telehealth, I have been able to expand my practice into new areas, taking on challenges that continue to drive my passion for this work.
Virtual
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Michael Chavez

LCSW, 12 years of experience

Authentic
Intelligent
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Substance Misuse
+2
Hi, my name is Michael (Mike) Chavez, LCSW, and I provide individual therapy to adults facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship issues. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and supported. Together, we’ll explore what’s not working in your life and develop practical tools and strategies to create positive, lasting change. Sometimes that means identifying and replacing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with ones that better align with your values and goals. My goal is to help you feel more empowered, balanced, and resilient.
Virtual
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Michelle Snapp

LMFT, 9 years of experience

Direct
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
Do you ever feel alone, overwhelmed, or stressed? You are not alone. All individuals experience life, and with life comes pain. It can be hard to talk to friends or family about painful emotions, and I want to help. I use an integrated approach with all clients. I believe in using an eclectic approach to help clients meet their goals for therapy. I am an Advanced Trauma Certified Practitioner and use EMDR and a trauma-focused approach to process past trauma that is impacting their lives today.
Virtual
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Noor Aljawad

LCSW, 7 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Authentic
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Self-Harming
Suicidal Ideation
+3
Hello! As a licensed clinical therapist, I provide respectful and compassionate services to help you identify your goals, and support you in coping with challenges along the way to achieving them. I have a social justice orientation that recognizes the impact of oppression, discrimination, and marginalization on mental health. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and kindly, and that our behaviors serve a function, whether unhealthy or healthy, understood or misunderstood. I work with clients who struggle with various issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship problems, identity, and self-esteem. I use evidence-based approaches that are tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Some of the techniques I use include teaching skills around emotion regulation and distress tolerance, incorporating narrative therapy practices and cultural relational understanding of trauma and healing. My aim is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. I will listen to you with empathy and curiosity, and help you find new ways of understanding and effectively responding to what is coming your way. Together, we will work on developing your strengths, fortifying your resiliency, and further embodying your values in your day-to-day life. If you are interested in working with me, please contact me to schedule a consultation. I look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your journey.
Virtual
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Mica Grant

LPCC, 4 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Grief
Sexual Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Hello! My name is Mica and I am a therapist specializing in body-based trauma healing. Trauma and grief will touch all of us at some point in our lives. However, each person is impacted in a different way. If you are finding it hard to cope with life’s overwhelming experiences, you are not alone and I can help in your journey toward healing.
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Lisa Perkins

LMFT, 9 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+6
Hi, my name is Lisa Perkins, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in helping people overcome and manage the challenges in their lives. I empower people to see and reach beyond their circumstances. Who you are, where you are and what you are experiencing today does not have to be your tomorrow. Can you imagine becoming who you are meant to be? I can, "Piece by Peace."
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Rebecca Bogner

LCSW, 6 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Solution oriented
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
+5
About Me: As a compassionate mental health therapist, I believe that each person has the ability to unlock their own potential and create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. However, the challenges we face in life can sometimes cloud our vision and make it hard to see the way forward. My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you can reconnect with your true self and rediscover your path. In our work together, we’ll explore your personal experiences and uncover the patterns or beliefs that may be holding you back from living the life you deserve. Whether you’re facing past pain, trauma, or difficult emotions, I’m here to help you process, heal, and reclaim your narrative. We’ll also celebrate the strengths that make you unique, building on them to help you move forward with confidence and clarity. I’m committed to creating a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, we will work together to help you navigate these challenges and empower you to thrive. I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you build resilience and self-compassion every step of the way. Let’s work together to unlock your potential and create lasting positive change in your life.
Virtual
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Cristina Osollo

LMFT, 12 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
Hello, I’m Cristina Osollo! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 12 years of experience. My primary focus is substance abuse, depression, trauma, anxiety, and relationship discord. I take an integrative approach to therapy, using evidence-based frameworks to provide concrete tools and strategies for symptom reduction and deeper exploration. I believe we all have what it takes to create the life we are meant to live. I invite you to take the step of finding out what is possible for you. Through a process of discovery, awareness, and a commitment to self-understanding, there is a hope of embodying your truest self. Bringing a delicate balance of effort, care, and experience, it would be my privilege to accompany you on this intimate and very often, deeply satisfying journey.
Virtual
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Natsuko Jacobson

LCSW, 9 years of experience

Warm
Open-minded
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Grief
+9
Hello. I'm a bilingual English-Japanese Licensed Clinical Social worker based in Los Angeles, California. I've been practicing for 8 and a half years. The majority of my career is based on working for LA County mental health clinics. I've been working with adult clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, relationship issues, cultural assimilation issues and loss and grief (including loss of babies and infertility). I also work with adult clients who suffer from psychosis with the condition of medication compliance.
Virtual
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Yomaira Suazo

LMFT, 10 years of experience

Empowering
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+3
Hi! My name is Yomaira Suazo and I am a licensed Marriage Family Therapist in California. I identify as a Latina and am bilingual. My experiences include young adults and adults. My main focus is proving a client-centered approach along with other approaches that help to create a non-judgment space for clients to feel safe and unpack, learn, and begin the healing process.
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Christina Flynn

LCSW, 7 years of experience

Warm
Solution oriented
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Post Partum
+10
Hello, my name is Christina and I am passionate about serving those who have been suffering and are looking for real solutions to their problems. I look forward to helping you meet your long and short term goals through our collaborative and therapeutic work together. I have 7+ years of post grad experience treating children, adults, families, former foster youth and incarcerated adults in a variety of mental health settings.
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Cynthia Sloan

LMFT, 10 years of experience

Authentic
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+4
Hi there, I'm Cynthia. Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help individuals manage anxiety and depression. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a strength based approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and supportive therapy to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel 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 hang-ups and habits holding you back. Let's work together!
Virtual
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Dora I. Ramirez

LMFT, 8 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Warm
Intelligent
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 8 years of experience supporting teens and adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. As a Latina immigrant, I bring a culturally responsive lens to my work and specialize in helping clients navigate the emotional impact of immigration, identity, and systemic stressors. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in empathy—creating a safe space where you can feel understood, supported, and empowered to heal.
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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 Optum?

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.

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.