Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Optum insurance can make accessing mental health support more manageable and affordable. With 747 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: 4/18/2026

Warm
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Coping Skills
Depression
Women's Issues
+6
Hi! I am Jackie Maffett. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and have been in professional practice for 12 years. I have worked in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health centers, and schools. I have worked with a diverse range of clients including adults, teens, children, families, and couples. I consider myself an integrative therapist, meaning that I pull from different theoretical orientations based on my clients’ particular needs. I most often use cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help clients change intrusive thought patterns and develop healthy behaviors. I also use a psychodynamic focus to help my clients develop insight into the origin of their presenting problems. I am a solution-focused therapist and aim to foster practical change in my clients’ lives. I value my clients’ strengths and try to assist them in discovering those natural abilities to help bring about desired change. Finally, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance of creating a safe, trusting, and judgment-free space for my clients and I work to establish a warm, collaborative therapeutic relationship in which feedback is welcomed.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Empowering
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Chronic Illness
LGBTQ
+3
Hello, I am a therapist who focuses on improving the lives of his clients. I will help empower them to enrich their lives. Together we can explore methods on helping the individual deal with everyday life stressors and also past trauma. I am someone who wants to see their clients excel and be able to manage life's difficulties. Hoping to help my clients see positive results in therapy.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Hi there, I'm Steven. Do you feel that life has become hard to handle? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health, or maybe the things that used to make you feel productive? When was the last time you were kind to yourself? I help people manage their distressing mood changes and unexpected stresses. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. We'll use a holistic approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. We will work to uncover the "healthy" you that has been stymied by the tough circumstances you find yourself in. Let's do this together. 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 your challenges.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Are you a woman or man in your 30s or 40s feeling overwhelmed by work, parenting, or life changes? I am a psychotherapist who helps women navigate midlife transitions, manage anxiety, and reclaim confidence and balance. Having personally experienced the challenges of motherhood, demanding career, and divorce, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience to our work together. I integrate EMDR to process past experiences and reduce emotional distress, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to guide you toward a meaningful life, and values-based strategies to clarify what truly matters to you. I also use the Enneagram as a tool for self-awareness and understanding relational patterns. Together, we’ll develop practical strategies for stress management, self-discovery, and creating the life you truly want—whether that means thriving in your career, strengthening relationships, or finding more peace in your everyday life.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Fertility & Reproduction Issues
Perinatal Mental Health
Postpartum
+3
Many of the people I work with are navigating postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts after having a baby, or the emotional stress of fertility treatment. These experiences can feel overwhelming and isolating, even when everything looks “fine” from the outside. I’m Dr. Saira Jhutty, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in reproductive mental health, including postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts after having a baby, and the emotional challenges of fertility treatment. I work with individuals and couples navigating infertility, pregnancy after loss, third-party reproduction, and the complex transition into parenthood. My approach integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with a strong focus on self-compassion and values-based living. Rather than trying to “fix” difficult emotions, we work together to understand them and find ways to move forward that feel sustainable — especially during times when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded. Many of the people I work with feel exhausted, anxious, or unlike themselves after a baby or during fertility treatment. Therapy can be a space where you slow down, make sense of what you're experiencing, and begin to feel more like yourself again. Whether you’re navigating postpartum anxiety or depression, identity shifts after becoming a parent, pregnancy after infertility, or the emotional weight of fertility decisions, you don’t have to carry it alone.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Direct

Specialties

Career Counseling
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Self Esteem
+4
Through connection, empathy and a non-judgmental approach, I offer ways to help you discover what may be blocking you from finding your true path in life. By not seeing an individual for what symptoms they have or what is affecting them, I am more interested in helping you find what is the cause of symptoms and how to process them. I work with adults from all backgrounds. I am also open to any culture, belief, identification or orientation. All are welcome. I base all individual therapy on a client-focused approach and adapt sessions to the needs of each person.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Anger Management
+8
My name is Deenne Houston.  I have been a License Clinical Social Worker for over 13 years, in Los Angeles, California.  I have extensive experience as a Director, Trainer, Administrator and Clinical Supervisor in Intensive Services within Los Angeles County Mental Health Services.  My work is strongly grounded in wellness, resiliency, the promotion of self sufficiency, and support. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, self-esteem, depression and relational issues. I have also assisted many people who have experienced trauma or emotional, physical abuse, PTSD, anger, communication issues, and family members impacted by addiction.  My goal is to assist in the  process of establishing coping skills to help individuals achieve, their therapeutic goals, overall fulfillment and wellness.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Trauma and PTSD
+4
I work with adults navigating chronic illness, medical trauma, and the emotional impact of ongoing health stress. My approach is calm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with attention to nervous system safety and pacing. I aim to create a space where clients don’t have to explain or minimize their experience. I also have managed a chronic illness and have a lot of personal experience with the Medical Industrial complex.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

Specialties

Eating Disorders
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
+10
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I’m a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, OCD, and healthcare worker stress/burnout. At this time, due to caseload, I am only accepting new patients who present with one of the aforementioned areas of concerns. I have extensive experience across many levels of care (from inpatient to residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings) so I’m comfortable supporting patients with different levels of severity and complexity. I’ve also spent years working in utilization management, which means I understand insurance systems well and can help you navigate them as part of treatment. I hold an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas State University and a B.S. in Economics & Management Science from MIT.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Depression
Addiction
Anger Management
+3
Congratulations on taking steps to better yourself. My name is Vincent, and I'm a licensed therapist based in California with over 20 years of experience. If you are ready for positive change, then let’s begin the journey. I've helped everyone from high school teens to older adults overcome life challenges and gain a better understanding of their situation. I bring a wealth of experience and I'm here to support you.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Empowering
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Family Conflict
+3
Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master Degree from California State University and I've been practicing therapy for over 12 years. I grew up in Italy and moved to the US 42 years ago. I work with adult men and women struggling with trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationships. I'm passionate about helping them live more fulfilling relationships and peaceful life.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Crisis Intervention
I am a Clinical School Social Worker with over two decades of experience supporting adolescents and their families within a large school district. Since 1999, my work has focused on helping families navigate crisis, strengthen relationships, and build the skills needed to move forward with confidence and stability. I approach this work with empathy, cultural humility, and a commitment to empowering both youth and caregivers.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Solution oriented
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Janet Distefan, PhD LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received a B.A. from the University of California, San Diego; an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from National University and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Epidemiology from the University of California, San Diego. She has been licensed since 2006 providing comprehensive clinical care for issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, relational difficulties, grief and loss, and major life transitions. Her clinical practice is collaborative and strength-based, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, object relations and attachment theories; and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
VirtualAvailable
Direct
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Mood Disorders
+4
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations in different community settings. I have adapted different approaches in my clinical work to fit with the populations that I serve. As a therapist, I work to help make clients feel grounded and supported in our session appointments. I strive for authenticity when working with others. I try to help clients value honesty within themselves and in others. I hope to be able to facilitate growth and change in our time together.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
LGBTQ
Trauma and PTSD
+2
As a compassionate and affirming therapist, I strive to create a warm, accepting space where clients feel seen, valued, and empowered in their unique identities. My practice is deeply rooted in trans-affirming and LGBT-inclusive care, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life are met with respect, validation, and understanding. Grounded in anti-oppressive principles and a strong commitment to social justice, I work collaboratively with clients to navigate life’s challenges while honoring their lived experiences. I believe that healing is not only personal but also deeply connected to the broader systems in which we live. My approach fosters self-compassion, resilience, and empowerment, helping clients cultivate meaningful change in both their inner worlds and their communities. Whether you are exploring your identity, seeking support for life’s transitions, or working through personal struggles, I am here to walk alongside you with warmth, authenticity, and unwavering support.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Open-minded
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
LGBTQ
+10
I am an alternative, openminded, non-judgmental therapist for those folks who have felt marginalized, ostracized, bullied, and judged for expressing parts of themselves that may be deemed "weird" or misunderstood. I am educated and experienced in LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma recovery, grief, relationship issues in unconventional relationships (poly, kink, platonic, etc.) I seek to help clients explore their values that have likely been buried by trauma, shame, and people-pleasing, and help form a structure to living a life that feels more genuine.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Coping Skills
Grief
Women's Issues
Hello, I’m Dr. Cami, a psychologist providing telehealth services to adults in California. I am a native of the Central Valley in California and come from a diverse cultural community. I currently reside in the beautiful country of Norway and enjoy downhill skiing, hiking, gardening, traveling, and learning new languages. As a psychologist, I am passionate about helping individuals develop helpful strategies to effectively navigate their path and the roadblocks that may arise on their journey in life. Upon feeling effective, it is a beautiful experience to walk with the individual as they re-story past hurts, emotions, and experiences into a story of empowerment and growth. As a therapist, this is the gift of therapy: a transactional experience of growth in the therapeutic relationship in which both I, and the client walk along the path of reclaiming self-compassion and identity. In my work, I use warmth, humor, and a nonjudgmental approach to develop a strong alliance with my clients, grounded in authenticity and acceptance. I view therapy as a collaborative experience in which I encourage clients to approach challenges with curiosity and self-compassion. My clients have described me as open to learning and understanding their cultural values and beliefs, warm, easy to talk to, empathic and humorous in session. If I were to use one sentence, to sum up my view of a healthy therapeutic treatment experience, it would be: Therapy, in its purity, is a place where an individual is validated, supported, and empowered to thrive on their path in life.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Authentic
Warm

Specialties

Depression
Grief
LGBTQ
+14
Considering counseling is a big step and takes courage. I want to offer you that safe space for you to share in a caring and understanding environment. I can help you through your challenging journey to overcome your angst. My name is Myrna Vargas-Evert and I an LCSW. My experience ranges from working with adults in empowering them to overcome the burden of Anxiety and Depression. I have also worked with children and families providing communication, parenting, and relaxation skills, CBT and Strength Based approaches. My specialty is grief, gerontology, and TBI (traumatic brain injury). I also work with the Gerontology (older adult) population in Home Health & Hospice and persons who experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) through a specialized return to Home & Community Program by providing education and support to the patients and their families so that they can have a more meaningful life.
VirtualAvailable
Humorous
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+9
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 12 years of professional experience. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders and a wide range of adult mental health concerns. I work with individuals navigating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and experiences of abuse, as well as challenges related to self-esteem, motivation, and self-worth. I support clients who are coping with major life transitions, caregiver stress, illness, disability, workplace challenges, and communication difficulties in relationships. I also help individuals work through feelings of guilt and shame, isolation and loneliness, questions of life purpose, midlife concerns, forgiveness, self-love, and women’s issues. Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, I help clients better understand their emotional patterns, develop healthy coping strategies, and build resilience. My approach is compassionate and individualized, and I strive to create a supportive space where adults can heal, grow, and move toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+10
Hello! I'm Will, a dedicated therapist with seven enriching years of experience in the field of mental health. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with diverse individuals, helping them navigate through challenges and achieve personal growth. I am currently pursuing my doctorate in clinical psychology, a journey that further fuels my passion for understanding the complexities of the human mind. My therapeutic approach is firmly anchored in compassion and evidence-based practices, ensuring that the support I provide is both empathetic and practical. I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where my clients can explore their thoughts and feelings openly. Guided by a Catholic worldview, I place a strong emphasis on the inherent dignity of every individual, believing that everyone deserves respect and understanding in their healing journey. I am deeply committed to facilitating transformative experiences that empower clients to realize their potential and lead fulfilling lives.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct

Specialties

Eating Disorders
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
I am an LPCC in California and an LPC in Texas. My educational background consists of earning my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master's in clinical counseling, and a Master's in Addictions. I am a National Certified Counselor and am a certified addictions counselor. My past clinical experience includes working for a crisis center where the majority of clients experienced issues related to suicide, homicide, domestic violence, and child and elder abuse. These issues impact people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. I have also worked for a county-based permanent assisted housing development where all of the clients have experienced episodes of homelessness, and have been significantly impacted by issues of trauma, depression, addictions, domestic violence, and child abuse.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+10
Hi, I’m Leah Yeshnik, LMFT. I specialize in supporting adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. My approach is honest, direct, and grounded in presence. I listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and bring compassion, respect, consistency, humor, and accountability into the therapeutic space. My work is especially attuned to the emotional and relational experiences of women. I incorporate a range of modalities to meet different learning styles and needs, including expressive arts, journaling, self-reflection, skill building, and somatic practices
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+6
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides thoughtful, insight-oriented therapy in a supportive and collaborative space. My work is grounded in psychodynamic principles, helping clients understand patterns rooted in past experiences that impact their present relationships, emotions, and sense of self. I tailor treatment to each individual, integrating depth-oriented work with practical tools to support meaningful and lasting change.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Depression
Self Esteem
Women's Issues
+3
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Fontana, CA. I graduated with a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University in Malibu in 2020. I work with various age groups to help them find healing, manage their symptoms, and achieve their treatment goals- and I am so honored to be part of that process with my clients.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
+3
Hello, and welcome! I've been a therapist for 30 years, firmly believing in everyone's potential for growth. If you're experiencing frustration, depression, anxiety, or confusion, know you're not alone. I'm dedicated to empowering clients with a tailored, evidence-based approach, focusing on building resilience. Together, we'll identify stressors and create a plan to meet your goals. I'm honored to be part of your journey.
VirtualAvailable
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 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.

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.

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 happens during the first therapy 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.