Surest Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Surest (formerly Bind) insurance can make accessing mental health support both convenient and affordable. With 521 verified therapists in California who accept Surest, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy to address concerns like anxiety, stress, or relationship challenges. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you receive timely, high-quality care covered by your Surest plan.

Availability updated: 7/12/2025

Leslie Lange

(she/her)

Leslie Lange, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
30 years of experience
Virtual
I help clients who are struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as stress, with poor self-esteem and relationship difficulties. I have been in practice for 30 years, and support clients in gaining skills to help themselves to quickly feel better. I also help teens ang young adults who are depressed and anxious. I help people to feel better and live with more joy.

Dr. Thu Dang

(she/her)

Dr. Thu Dang, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LP
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am a bicultural and bilingual (fluent in Vietnamese) licensed clinical psychologist. I am second generation Vietnamese American (I was born in the US and my parents immigrated here during the Vietnam War). I have a Ph.D. and MA in clinical psychology and have been practicing since 2005. I have worked in such settings as university counseling centers, community mental health clinics, a rape crisis center, and most recently, Kaiser Permanente. As your psychologist, my role is to validate and support you, help you learn healthy coping strategies, and guide you towards your own discoveries and insights. This will allow you to connect your awareness to healthy and helpful action.

Rebekah Williams

(she/her)

Rebekah Williams, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I offer clients over 20 years of experience working with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families. I specialize in providing a holistic environment that is collaborative, client-centered, and strength-based for clients. Whether you are seeking tools to help you face current challenges or looking to improve your mental health, I am here to support you.

Jillian Jeffries-Mali

Jillian Jeffries-Mali, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
As an LMFT, I focus on seeing men and women with anxiety and depression by helping them feel more independent, develop their self confidence, set new boundaries with family, and bring new joy and peace back into their daily lives. I am licensed in both Texas and California, and love to see clients remotely for virtual sessions. In addition to my clinical experience, I also have a background in religious studies and am passionate about seeing clients from various cultural backgrounds. Whether you are starting therapy for the first time, returning, or looking for a better fit, all clients are welcome.

Gwendolyn Tyson

Gwendolyn Tyson, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
30 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am Gwendolyn Tyson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California. During my 29 years of experience, I have worked with a diverse range of people aged 3 to 95, providing individual, child, and family counseling. My therapeutic approach consists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused, strength-based, grief and loss, and Christian-based counseling. I also enjoy working with families with issues related to trauma, terminal illnesses, blended families, and phase of life issues. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is paramount for growth, meaning the relationship between therapist and client is of the utmost importance for success. I have been told that I have a gentle, soft demeanor that makes clients feel relaxed and easily engaged during sessions. By using self-reflection, one becomes more aware of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My desire is to help you achieve your goals by exploring interventions you can use for a lifetime. Let's start this journey together. My approach I generally use Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral, trauma-focused, grief and loss, and Strength-Based therapy. My focus I provide treatment to patients from 3 to 95 years of age. Providing support around anxiety, depression, grief and loss, blended families, phase of life issues, and dealing with terminal illnesses. With my early education background, I provide family and parenting support.

Apollo Frausto

(he/him)

Apollo Frausto, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing for 7 years. I graduated with my master’s in social work 15 years ago and have a wealth of experience working with clients that are battling with depression and anxiety. I’ve dedicated my career to helping people from all walks of life overcome their mental health impairments. I have a fervent passion for seeing my clients succeed in life by virtue of gaining self awareness and learning healthy coping skills.

Felicia Williams

Felicia Williams, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I’m Felicia Williams, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. I am grateful you’re here to see me. I am a highly compassionate, empathic social work professional dedicated to exceptional mental health services including effective treatment to diverse population including children, youth, and families struggling with persistent mental illness. I enjoy working with individuals who are also or was a part of the foster care system, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, and trauma.

Kathy Kelly

(she/her)

Kathy Kelly, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
17 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Kathy Kelly, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been licensed since 2009 and have experience working with individuals, adolescents, and families in crisis. I specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, adjustment disorders, and understanding behavior patterns that are set from childhood. I have extensive experience working with individuals who are experiencing difficult life changes, stress, and chronic mental health disorders. The most common approaches that I use are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, emotionally focused, mindfulness, solutions focused, grief, and trauma focused therapy. I am confortable working with various levels of life experiences, including childhood trauma, current stressors, life transitions, and I appreciate using psychodynamic and family systems therapy to help my clients understand and identify patterns of behavior, and negative thought patterns that originated from their past experiences. I provide a safe space with the goal of making my clients feel welcome, comfortable, and at ease. I have been very successful at teaching clients coping skills, and helping clients process their feelings and emotions with the goal of finding peace, happiness, and an overall sense of well being. Your journey begins today and I will be there with you to guide you and support you.

Sharon Hill-Anderson

Sharon Hill-Anderson, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I’m Sharon Hill-Anderson, LMFT. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who takes a person-centered, collaborative approach to working with adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. My goal is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where you can begin your journey toward healing and personal growth. I value open, supportive, and non-judgmental conversations. My style is rooted in active listening, ensuring you feel heard and understood. This space is for you—to reflect, explore, and grow at your own pace.

Adrienne Yam

Adrienne Yam, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual
As a therapist, I am committed to helping you have healthier, more balanced, harmonious lives and relationships. My therapy approach includes traditional and holistic healing techniques that involve mind, body, heart and spirit as well as things unseen. My years of experience in community mental health include individual, child, couples, co-parenting and family therapy. I am able to relate well to many different cultural, ethnic, socio-economic groups. With an M.A. in transpersonal psychology and an M.B.A. from University of Chicago plus 25 years of corporate experience, I use a broad range of skills to help my clients explore their needs and goals. As a certified yoga and meditation teacher, many of my clients have learned mindfulness techniques that enhance their recovery. All of us need confidential support for different things at times. My job is to compassionately support you in what you need, with your values, to have the life that you want.

Leonor Donayre

(she/her)

Leonor Donayre, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offers therapy in both English and Spanish. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, low self-esteem, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in both emotional insight and practical tools. I help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves, shift unhelpful patterns, and feel more steady and confident in their day-to-day lives. Therapy with me is a supportive partnership where your goals guide the work we do together. También ofrezco terapia en español para quienes se sienten más cómodos expresándose en su idioma natal, y adapto mi enfoque para que se sienta culturalmente sensible y accesible.

Sydelcis Mendez

(she/her)

Sydelcis Mendez, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
9 years of experience
Virtual
Sydelcis Mendez (Syd) is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in crisis, trauma, anxiety, and stress management as it relates to individuals, couples, and families during life transitions. Raised in the Bronx by her Dominican family, she witnessed the gaps in resources and opportunities for individuals of different backgrounds. Syd became a therapist after seeing the mental health strains in her community and noting the underrepresentation of qualified providers who provided culturally-sensitive treatment and systems-oriented support. Throughout her career, she has served individuals grappling with substance use challenges, homelessness/transient issues, health concerns, developmental needs, sexual assault, domestic violence, addiction, military service/veteran affairs issues, as well as family or marital challenges.

Samantha Stermon

(she/her)

Samantha Stermon, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Do you wonder if your life could feel better than it currently does? I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, including postpartum anxiety and depression, grief, trauma, life transitions, and other life challenges. In this therapeutic process, we work together to help bring you closer to what truly matters to you and help create change and healing in your life. I use evidence-based techniques, which includes EMDR along with a variety of other treatment modalities. I am EMDR Trained and currently working toward EMDR certification as well. Therapy can help you create a sense of safety and nurturing within, whether you’ve lost that feeling along the way or never had it to begin with. I strongly believe in the brain’s tendency towards resilience and its innate ability to heal itself with support. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, open-minded, and respectful environment, and I believe that a collaborative relationship is critical to therapeutic success. Let’s work together to help you find the healing you are needing. Here is my website if you want to read more about what I offer: www.SamanthaStermonTherapy.com

Amina Habib

(she/her)

Amina Habib, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am Licensed MFT and I help my client to explore their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions in a safe and confidential space. The goal is personal growth and improve mental wellbeing and navigate the client through anxiety, depression, addiction and relationship issues, through collaborative work my client able to gain the tools and insight to deal with the at hand problems and future issues. Developing rapport with my clients is a primary focus and understanding their struggles in their own words, by providing them with safe and nonjudgmental environment.

Kristal Bayer

(she/her)

Kristal Bayer, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
11 years of experience
Virtual
Hi I'm Kristal Bayer, I attended the University of California, Santa Barbara for undergrad where I majored in Psychology and minored in education and went on to complete my Masters degree in Social Work at Cal State Long Beach in 2011. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over ten years of experience working in California. I have worked with a wide range of clients in my practice, including Toddlers to the elderly. My therapy style is warm and client-oriented. I walk alongside my clients, helping them learn to cope with life stressors and bring insight into harmful coping mechanisms. To assist clients in developing positive problem-solving skills and positive social interactions to increase self-esteem and develop self-awareness. My approach is tailored to each client upon initial assessment. I applaud you for coming this far and seeking therapy, a decision that sometimes may not be the easiest. I look forward to meeting you and assisting you in your journey.

Lisa Criswell

(she/her)

Lisa Criswell, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I’m a California Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My goal is to create a safe and trusting environment for you to explore and overcome any challenges you face while providing the emotional support you need. I have worked with teens and adults to overcome their life challenges and develop the coping skills necessary to become the best version of themselves. I spent time practicing my therapeutic skills as an intern trainee at the California State University, Fresno university clinic. Here I began to focus on working with teens and young adults to overcome challenges associated with life transitions, burnout, relationship issues, and mood disorders such as anxiety, grief, and depression. Working as part of a grant program with parolees and then a group private practice, I also gained significant experience working with individuals who have trauma history. Through this work, I was able to learn and implement a variety of modalities to effectively address the impacts of trauma. I love my work as a therapist and would be happy to be part of your journey.

Deserae Wenk

Deserae Wenk, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Deserae, and welcome to my profile! As a licensed clinical social worker, I am passionate about supporting individuals in identifying their own path toward their mental health goals. With a Master's degree in Social Work with an Emphasis on Hispanic Culture from Our Lady of the Lake University, I bring a diverse background and skill set to my therapy practice.

Stacey Rydell

(she/her)

Stacey Rydell, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! My name is Stacey, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Denver, though I am originally from Santa Barbara, CA. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University and have been working with clients for over six years. I specialize in supporting young LGBTQ adults as they navigate the challenges of early adulthood, with a focus on treating anxiety, depression, and emotional well-being. My goal is to create a safe, affirming space where individuals can explore their experiences and work toward healing and growth.

Aron Sumii

(he/him)

Aron Sumii, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
I first and foremost adapt my style of therapy to meet your needs. We work together to identify what best supports you toward your goals or areas of focus in therapy. Some clients progress through insight and understanding about an issue while others progress through tangible present-moment skills and tools, all of which I can provide support you with. I also feel that Identity (race, gender, sexual orientation, etc) plays an important role about how we experience the world and how the world views us and I incorporate this into therapy. I see therapy as an equal and collaborative effort between us. I offer a broad range of personal experiences and clinical background to therapy. I enjoy working with people of color and I identify strongly with them. I have extensive experience working with couples, mixed race individuals, inter-racial relationships, the LGBTQQI community, and athletes. I believe I have a great feel for supporting you to be comfortable entering into therapy. Finding a balance of acceptance of you and where you are at in your life while also supporting you with the change you want to make. I offer inquisitive questions to inspire critical thought with tangible actions and tools that you can use.

Anita King

(she/her)

Anita King, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
7 years of experience
Virtual
I am Anita M King, licensed marriage and family therapist. I work collaboratively with clients to help you get where you want to go. I received my degree from Chapman University and have been working with clients since 2018. I know what it is like to work harder not smarter and feel like for every step forward there are many steps back. I am fully passionate about getting you unstuck and where you aspire to be. I am passionate about helping people define and live your values to achieve a more authentic life and to help create stronger relationships.

Daniel Hernandez, Sr.

Daniel Hernandez, Sr., LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
27 years of experience
Virtual
Mr. Daniel Hernandez, LCSW-S has experienced enormous success helping his clients in his 36-year career in the human services field... 27 as a clinician. He has seen tens of thousands of clients in practice. He is a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP), which allows him to discuss the impact of dietary routines as it relates to one's mental health. He also has extensive experience as a Clinical Trauma & Anxiety Professional. Mr. Hernandez specializes in inspiring empowerment within people who have difficulties with trauma, grief & loss, and emotional burnout to move forward with the rest of their lives. He also specializes in helping people to develop anger management mastery skills. Mr. Hernandez often uses a mental-spiritual empowerment approach to help his clients develop the necessary skill of inner healing. Mr. Hernandez is a licensed clinical social worker-supervisor in Texas and has an LCSW in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and is authorized to conduct teletherapy in Florida. Mr. Hernandez completed his professional training as a master social worker from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1998 and his bachelor’s was earned from St. Mary’s University in social studies in 1988, both schools are located in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Hernandez has been married 30 years and has two adult children. He loves traveling for the enjoyment of nature and culture with his family and friends. He also loves spending time with people he meets and learns from everybody.

Ben Cobos

(he/him)

Ben Cobos, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
I believe that life is a beautiful thing, but at times, hurdles and trials can obscure us from seeing that vision. Do mornings greet you with anxiety or sadness? Have you noticed that your motivation within you has dwindled? Hi, I'm Ben, and my passion is collaborating with individuals like you to help them rediscover their very best selves. I thrive on connecting with my clients right where they are. Whether you're wrestling with depression, grappling with anxiety, or simply feeling adrift, I invite you to take the initial step and schedule an appointment with me! We will work together to chart a new course to rekindle your appreciation for the beauty surrounding us in life. My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which empowers you to unravel negative behavior patterns, allowing you to break free from thoughts and actions that might be constraining your happiness.

Sam Castillo

(he/him)

Sam Castillo, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I received my Masters from the University Antioch Los Angeles and have been practicing for 9 years. I help adults at different stages of life and transitions who are struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, and trauma to help nurture and restore a sense of balance. My approach to working with clients is centered around the individual as a whole - recognizing intrinsic uniqueness and reinforcing inner strength – supporting an individuals innate ability to grow and thrive.

Jaron Haynes

Jaron Haynes, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am Jaron Haynes, an African American/Native American licensed therapist with 20 years of clinical experience which includes working with families, adolescents, the chronically mentally ill, those struggling with substance abuse and addiction, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, domestic violence, and personality disorders. As an expert in Marriage & Family Therapy he brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and vast experience to provide the highest quality of care and patience necessary for even those high conflict parenting clients. Jaron is a licensed professional that exhibits compassion and empathy. His passion to help those in need and his desire to give back to the community that helped shape him has led him to work with clients from diverse populations and cultural backgrounds.

Patrick Fernaiz

Patrick Fernaiz, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed professional in California with extensive experience in the mental health industry. With 5 years of dedicated work and an additional 9 years of complementary experience, I have worked in various settings including the criminal justice system, high-acuity psychiatric units, applied behavioral analysis, geriatrics, substance abuse facilities, and PHP/IOP/RTC levels of care. Thank you for considering me as your therapist.

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 Surest (formerly Bind)?

Yes! If you use Surest (formerly Bind) you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Surest (formerly Bind) 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 Self Esteem?

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, Self Esteem, 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.