UnitedHealthcare/Optum Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts UnitedHealthcare/Optum insurance can simplify access to mental health support that fits your budget. With 761 verified therapists in California who accept UnitedHealthcare/Optum insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal therapy to address concerns like anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring you receive timely, quality care that is covered by your UnitedHealthcare/Optum insurance.

Availability updated: 4/16/2026

Empowering
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+8
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I believe healing happens through connection, compassion, and understanding. I partner with clients to explore patterns, build coping skills, and develop greater self-awareness in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment. My work is informed by trauma-informed care and a holistic perspective that honors each client’s lived experience. My goal is to help clients feel more grounded, confident, and aligned with their values.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Empowering
Intelligent

Specialties

Addiction
Grief
Trauma and PTSD
+9
My therapeutic style is grounded in a holistic and integrative framework, which empowers me to provide personalized care that aligns with each client's distinct situation and clinical needs. I am committed to cultivating a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. As I walk alongside clients on their path to healing, I remain flexible and responsive, adjusting my approach to support their growth and development at every stage.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
+8
My name is Jason Newman and I am a therapist that loves DBT skills. In my therapy practice I use a lot of these skills along solid’s narrative techniques to help clients find new ways of being in the world. I enjoy being able to help my clients grow and figure out what they need to do to feel more successful. I always believe everyone is doing the best they can with the skills they have, and we will learn new ones!
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Direct
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Women's Issues
+10
You might be moving through life feeling weighed down by grief, shaken by trauma, or working hard to stay sober while the world keeps spinning around you. Maybe certain memories linger longer than you'd like, or emotions show up in ways that feel too big—or too numb. These experiences can make it hard to feel grounded, especially when you're trying to make sense of who you are now. I know how heavy that can feel. In our work together, I bring warmth, respect, and lived understanding—meeting you wherever you are with care and curiosity, and holding space for who you’ve been and who you’re becoming.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Solution oriented
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
My focus is to provide support and guidance. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy (ages 5+) using a client-centered approach. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), etc. I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I provide a client-centered approach with motivational interviewing. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches.
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
Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Women's Issues
+9
Do you feel overwhelmed with life, with yourself and can't seem to organize your thoughts/worries? I am a strength based clinician with a specialty of working with women who are struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. I love helping women feel centered, present in their lives and help them to identify ways to care for themselves in mind, body and spirit. As a practitioner, I believe we all are encouraged to pursue things based on thought. Challenging negative thoughts and understanding them is a critical part of your journey. To believe every thought that enters your mind could be debilitating, and I work to identify which thoughts are causing strife in your life. The client is able to explore their conscious thoughts with my guidance in a safe, non-judgmental space. There is a lot of mindfulness work done, how to stay in the present, allowing clients to work through issues that are impacting their lives. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, especially the family as a whole. My goal is to create hope and coach you through challenges that exist. My work also entails working individually with adults who are looking to increase self-esteem, which may stem from poor body image or past trauma. The connection between mind and body is crucial, so exploring how we care for ourselves directly connects to how our body and mind feel. I will help you expand your mind and work at its best potential by finding solutions, so you are more grounded in life on your own and with your family.
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

Often rebooked

Solution oriented
Intelligent
Direct

Specialties

Coping Skills
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
+9
My name is Anna Grabarczyk (grah-bar-chick). European-born and raised, I bring over 12 years of clinical experience. My approach is engaging, action-oriented, and solution-focused, while always grounded in compassion and empathy. I value working with people from diverse backgrounds and strive to integrate a broad psychological and cultural perspective into therapy. With deep respect for different belief systems, I also recognize and thoughtfully address the spiritual dimension of emotional healing when it is meaningful to the client. I focus on several approaches, including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Solution-Focused therapy Trauma-Informed care Attachment-Based theory EMDR Ericksonian techniques
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+2
Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California and hold a Master of Social Work degree from the University at Albany, State University of New York . I have an extensive background in community and school-based mental health and over the course of my career have served adults, adolescents and families with diverse backgrounds and life experiences in a variety of settings. I believe very strongly in each person’s capacity for growth and change and strive to find ways to help people live with greater meaning, satisfaction, and choice.
VirtualOffers in-person in Petaluma, CA - Accepting clients in CAAvailable
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
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
Solution oriented
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
Hi, my name is Desirae Giraldes and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a Social Worker for over 25 years. I have worked in a variety of communities and settings throughout my career including schools, medical placements, adult protective services, conservators office, and crisis residential. My focus throughout my career has been working in the area of Mental Health. In 2020 I focused on private practice therapy and found that this area of work is where I belong. I love working with others one on one in a supportive and compassionate setting. I have worked with clients who come looking for support with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues, and codependency.
VirtualAvailable
Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic

Specialties

Addiction
Anxiety
Depression
+4
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with 25 years of clinical background. I have worked with clients in navigating crisis, addiction, isolation, anxiety, life transitions, and unresolved conflict. I provide safety, hope, understanding, and a way forward when dealing with clients' challenges to help them build resilience and move toward meaningful change. I advocate a philosophy of acceptance, compassion, empathy, and a respectful, non-judgmental style with all my clients. Through open and honest conversations my clients gain insight into their thoughts patterns, emotions, and past experiences to cultivate deeper insight and self-awareness. To experience, and be with another human being through the process of struggle, change, and healing is the greatest reward for me as a therapist.
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

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
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
Authentic
Warm
Direct

Specialties

Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
+9
Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7 years of experience. I have earned two master’s degrees from California Baptist University and am currently pursuing my Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology. I truly love the work I do and feel honored to walk alongside my clients as they navigate life’s challenges. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and free to be yourself. I’m also a therapist who is honest and direct—I will gently challenge you at times, because I believe growth happens when you are supported and encouraged to step outside of what feels comfortable. Together, we’ll build a strong connection and work toward the goals that matter most to you. I believe in your ability to grow, heal, and create meaningful change, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
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

Open-minded

Specialties

Depression
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+8
I’m passionate about helping clients navigate life’s challenges and build emotional well-being. I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, and major life transitions. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to each person’s unique needs, creating a safe space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered. In therapy, I focus on helping clients gain clarity, increase self-awareness, and develop practical strategies to cope with life’s difficulties. Together, we explore patterns that may be holding you back, identify strengths you can build on, and create tools that support meaningful and lasting change. I particularly enjoy supporting clients through periods of transition, such as career changes, relationship shifts, or navigating uncertainty, as well as helping those seeking to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, and achieve a greater sense of balance in their lives. My goal is to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where you feel comfortable sharing openly and exploring your thoughts and emotions. I aim to partner with you in a way that fosters insight, resilience, and personal growth so that you can move forward with confidence and purpose. Whether you’re struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, feeling stuck, or simply want a supportive space to reflect and grow, therapy can provide clarity, guidance, and tools to help you thrive. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward understanding, healing, and personal growth.
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
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
Open-minded
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Self Esteem
Serious Mental Illness
Being a therapist is a lifelong passion for me and is rooted in my dedication to supporting adults, children, families, and communities in building safety, resilience, and hope. My journey has taken me from my home county of Santa Cruz where I advocated and ran groups for youth living in situations including domestic violence from 2011-2013, to working as a shelter counselor in Oakland for youth 13-21 from 2016-2018. I worked in serving famillies with San Francisco Child and Family Services, where I partnered with families navigating reunification with their children while providing psychoeducation and crisis counseling during critical moments from 2018-2022. I have been licensed with my LCSW since May 2025 and focused my prior professional development around harm reduction and culturally focused treatment, aligning with my commitment to social justice and culturally responsive care.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Open-minded
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Hi, welcome! I am Jennifer Soriano. I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, and a range of emotional or relationship challenges. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or unsure how to manage daily stressors, transitions, or expectations in their personal, academic, or professional lives. I strive to create a warm, supportive, and culturally responsive therapeutic space where clients feel safe, understood, and respected. I believe therapy is most effective when clients feel empowered and actively involved in their own growth. In our work together, I offer practical, evidence-based tools to help strengthen emotional regulation, increase self-awareness, build confidence, and improve day-to-day functioning and relationships. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each client’s unique developmental stage, background, and cultural identity. I recognize the impact of life experiences, family systems, and culture on emotional well-being, and I integrate these perspectives into treatment. My goal is to support clients in developing healthier coping strategies, fostering resilience, and creating meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels comfortable and sustainable for them.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Open-minded

Specialties

Anger Management
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+17
My name is Susan Madson, I am a LCSW. I specialize in depression, anxiety, anger issues, identifying coping skills, build relationship skills, identify client strengths, increase self care tools, build self esteem, teach meditations skills, grounding, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. I help to reduce trauma symptoms by helping clients to learn self regulation skills. I encourage client to participate in homework assignments to build skills to stabilize a clients emotional and behavioral functioning. Further, specialties include addiction issues, grief work and couples therapy. My most common therapy techniques that I use first is client centered therapy approach. I start where the client is most comfortable and work on building a safe environment for the client. My first goal is to build a therapeutic relationship with my client. Then my goal is to work with strength based, cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, solutions focused, interpersonal therapy, narrative therapy, and mindfulness therapy techniques. I use an eclectic approach as each client is different and has different needs. My goal is to help the client's to identify the fact that sometimes therapy is identifying the small steps that client is making towards their treatment goals.
VirtualAvailable
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Grief
Life Transitions
+6
Hi, I'm Ana, a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's transitions, heal from trauma, and build emotional resilience. I work with young adults who are seeking understanding, clarity, and meaningful change. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their emotions, strengthen their sense of self, and move toward a life that feels more balanced and authentic.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Welcome! I'm Silvie Wilson. I'd like to acknowledge the strength it requires to take that first step of reaching out for help with your mental health from a therapist. I know it's not easy to begin the journey to better self understanding, compassion, and mastery. My aim is to create a safe environment in which we can explore your own personal history, themes, and challenges, in order to find resources and solutions to the obstacles that hold you back from being exactly the person you've always wanted to be. I will pay attention to who you are as an individual, reflect back your strengths, and help you to tie together the seemingly disparate aspects of your life so that you realize how much sense you make, have compassion for all phases of your development, and leave behind what no longer serves you to find the life you've always wanted. Together we can build up your sense of self, your resilience, and your ability to find peace of mind.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Authentic
Open-Minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Life Transitions
+7
Jazmin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who provides virtual therapy for clients across California. She works with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and eating disorders. Using a warm, client-centered approach grounded in CBT and ACT, she helps clients reduce negative self-talk, build practical coping skills, and move toward greater self-acceptance. Jazmin creates an inclusive space where everyone feels supported on their journey toward lasting resilience. Through extensive training and clinical experience, she integrates evidence-based therapy approaches to support clients with a wide range of mental health concerns. You can learn more at JazminAlarconTherapy.com
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
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
Empowering
Holistic

Specialties

Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Women's Issues
+7
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with clinical and social services experience - along with years of experience and knowledge of spiritual care (MDiv) - I enjoy partnering in the whole-person healing process. Understanding the person in their environment as well as being enlightened to a person's intrinsic qualities, informs the healing process and facilitates an effective healing journey .
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

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
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

Often rebooked

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
+9
I’m someone who believes that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in relationships where we feel safe enough to be real. As a therapist, I show up with warmth, honesty, and deep respect for your story. I’m especially drawn to working with people who’ve had to hold it all together for others, often at the expense of themselves. If you grew up feeling unseen, like you had to shrink yourself to stay safe or lovable, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep doing it that way. In our work together, I’ll meet you with curiosity and compassion. I’m here to help you understand where your patterns come from, reconnect with the parts of yourself that got buried, and figure out what healing actually looks like for you. There’s no pressure to be perfect—just space to be honest, explore what matters, and feel a little more free.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Empowering

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Grief
+6
At a young age, I came to the United States from Pakistan through an arranged marriage. My experience as a young woman fresh to this country inspired my journey to making a difference in the community through activism and therapy. I went through my own therapeutic journey and now am excited to help my clients empower themselves in their narrative paths.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

Anxiety
Child or Adolescent
Coping Skills
+9
Hi! My name is Mai Yang (she/her). I am a licensed clinical social worker CA #113056. I have over 8 years of experience providing counseling to students in the school setting and 5 years of experience providing counseling to women and children who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I enjoy working with all age ranges. Each age range brings on their own unique challenges and growth. Besides schools and dv and sa work, I am also passionate about working with the AAPI community and military. I am a military spouse and personally understand the hardship of the military life.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+7
Hi! I'm Angelica, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Mount St. Mary's University in Downtown Los Angeles. I work with adults struggling with symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as with clients who are having issues with low self-esteem and trouble in relationships with friends, family, coworkers or partners.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Warm
Empowering
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+9
Holistic-Mindfulness. Supporting your therapeutic journey, brain-based & embodied reprocessing. Trauma-Wound-Growth. Hello and a warm welcome to you, I'm Karre, she/her. Over 20 years ago, through my massage therapy practice, I discovered the healing that is possible for both myself and my clients. Inspired by the many years of personal narratives, shared with me during bodywork sessions, I continued my journey into mental health. Healing of the whole person and overall well-being is central to my clinical practice. I love my work, helping you to discover, recover, and embrace your strengths and true self is a privilege. I invest daily in my skill set and bring into my work an incredibly strong desire to provide the best possible approaches. Those closest to me know me as an ardent mom, wife, and nana. I'm a traveler, and an arts-inspired social equality-loving creator.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
+8
Hello. my name is Diane Gibbs and i have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2008. I am Rogerian(carl rogers) focused. I am clt centered, start where the client is, creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment where a client feels safe to explore. any one of us can experience disturbance of mood, thought, or emotion; simply because we are human. I like to use a strengths based approach, empowering the clt to use their strengths in overcoming obstacles. I have used various modality interventions including CBT DBT Exposure Therapy, IFS, Strengths based, trauma focused, guided imagery, meditation, narrative, and visualization. I have worked with 5 yo to 80+ yr old. I feel blessed when clients open their life up to me and honor the oath to privacy and client needs. Let’s have a 15 minute meeting and see if we are a fit :)
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Open-minded
Humorous

Specialties

Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
I'm a graduate of Smith School of Social Work, and a licensed psychotherapist. Over the past 15 years I've worked in clinical and educational settings. I am flexible in my approach. I trust clients’ innate capacity to heal and emphasize their ability to notice, regulate, and build on their own bodily wisdom. At the same time, I take an active, attuned role—offering moment-to-moment guidance to help organize experience and support nervous system regulation.
VirtualAvailable
Open-Minded
Solution oriented
Challenging

Specialties

Addiction
Anger Management
Anxiety
+11
Hi, I’m Lucila Bravo, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with 14 years of experience. I take a humanistic, culturally responsive approach and work with children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and self-esteem. My background includes working with youth, foster care systems, and correctional mental health, which has shaped me into a grounded, solution-focused therapist. I offer a balance of compassion and honest feedback, supporting you while also helping you identify patterns that may be holding you back so you can move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Clients often experience me as warm, dependable, and adaptable. I’m here to support you while helping you set meaningful goals, find your voice, and build the confidence to advocate for yourself. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can show up as your full, authentic self. Taking the first step toward therapy takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone.
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
Direct
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

ADHD
Coping Skills
Couples Counseling
+10
Hello, I'm Heather, a seasoned counselor dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals navigating life's challenges. With over 20 years of experience in Social Work and Counseling, including service as a Navy Veteran, I bring a wealth of expertise and understanding to my practice. As an Author, I've authored books aimed at simplifying complex medical and mental health issues, such as Hospice, Home Health, and Palliative Care. My commitment to enhancing accessibility and understanding in these areas underscores my passion for empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being. In my counseling approach, I prioritize active listening and client-centered care. Your growth and goals are at the forefront of our sessions, as I work collaboratively with you to navigate the path toward healing and personal fulfillment. In addition to individual counseling, I specialize in couples therapy, helping partners navigate complex issues like communication breakdowns, conflict resolution, and rebuilding trust. Through tailored interventions and empathetic support, I assist couples in cultivating deeper understanding, connection, and resilience within their relationships. I also offer individual counseling for personal growth, healing, and support, providing a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore their innermost thoughts and emotions on their journey towards greater well-being and fulfillment. Insight and progress can often be achieved in just one session, though the benefits of ongoing therapy are profound. Whether you're stepping into counseling for the first time or continuing your therapeutic journey, my objective remains the same: to provide you with the compassionate support and guidance you deserve. Your willingness to engage in therapy is deeply appreciated, and I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Empowering
Warm

Specialties

Anxiety
Family Conflict
Parenting
+3
My Approach is non judge mental and client centered. I am passionate about helping others grow through mental health and realize that life can be challenging and creating change can be difficult. I have been providing individuals with mental health treatment for 10 years and find my clinical strength is with individuals who struggle with thinking patterns, anxiety, depression, anger, parenting, and marriage discourse. I focus a lot on thinking patterns, emotions, behaviors and their connections as well as building insight and awareness into thoughts and behaviors that create barriers in life or sustain challenges. I utilize CBT, DBT, EFT, SF, and Narrative therapy for the most part and also focus on the nervous system/polyvagal to assist with calming the body and rewiring what it has learned through distress. My objective is to create an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and to allow clients to feel safe while processing their thoughts and feelings while gently providing psycho education and techniques to assist.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Direct
Authentic
Empowering

Specialties

Coping Skills
Family Conflict
Self Esteem
+1
I’m Elizabeth Hughes, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to helping adults build healthier, more satisfying relationships. I work with individuals who are ready to make meaningful change and develop practical skills that improve daily life. I offer individual therapy for adult focused on lasting change. I use evidence-based approaches to enhance communication, boundary setting, and self-esteem. This will be a collaborative process where you will be provided with practical tools that can be used in between sessions.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented

Specialties

Couples Counseling
Domestic Violence
Parenting
+10
Hi! My name is Crystal Villanueva and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I have 11 years of experience working with adults, adolescents, couples, and children experiencing the challenges of anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, relationship challenges, and intimate partner violence. My approach to therapy is grounded in the spirit of Humanistic therapy. Humanistic Therapy is based on the core belief that people are good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves. In therapy, this belief leads me to focus on each individual’s unique point of view and how this view can impact their choices. It further emphasizes the importance of being our authentic selves to live the most fulfilling life. I strive to create a safe environment to help clients feel comfortable to express their thoughts/emotions. I am genuine, friendly, nonjudgmental, empathetic, and interactive. I believe I am easy to talk to as I am casual in my style, but direct and focused when it comes to our work together. My journey to becoming a therapist began with my own therapy that I received as a youth and young adult; it was life-changing. I worked with a therapist that was completely accepting and non-judgmental of my faults/shortcomings and helped me work past and accept them. Because of this experience, I wanted to give back and provide the same nonjudgment safe space, and acceptance to others.
VirtualAvailable
Authentic
Warm
Intelligent

Specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
+10
Hi, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California for 20 years and I hold a doctorate degree in the Philosophy of Counseling. I am in my second marriage for 30 years now, after my 24-year first marriage failed. We have seven children between the two of us, 31 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. I have had good success counseling couples who have given up on their relationship, especially those who have experienced infidelity. I don't counsel children until they are 18. I enjoy helping people understand how they became the way they are and therefore find ways to leave dysfunction behind.
VirtualAvailable
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Specialties

Anxiety
Eating Disorders
Mood Disorders
+3
Sometimes we get to a point in our lives where the way we were doing things is no longer working, and something has to change. Do you feel like you're stuck in the same pattern but not sure how to change it? I strive to create a warm, trusting, and safe relationship for you to be able to express your authentic self, without fear of judgement. I believe that healing and change are possible given the right tools. I work through a psychodynamic and person-centered lens, where we can explore your past experiences to learn how they have shaped who you are today and determine where to go next to create a more sustainable and fulfilling life. I utilize Mindful Self-Compassion tools and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to support clients in creating lasting changes.
VirtualAvailable
Empowering
Authentic
Intelligent

Specialties

ADHD
Anxiety
Coping Skills
+10
I empower my clients to become more confident, achieve the goals they set for themselves, and to better communicate with the people around them. I aid my clients in gaining a better understanding of themselves and help them explore how to solve problems while staying aligned with their core values. I approach my work from a person-centered lens, while also utilizing CBT and solution focused practices with a dash of narrative therapy and humor. This allows my clients to feel both seen and heard, while also enabling the creation of lasting changes in their lives.
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 UnitedHealthcare/Optum?

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

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

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.