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 940 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: 7/17/2025

Dennis Kraemer

(he/him)

Dennis Kraemer, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome to my practice! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with more than 20 years of experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, anger issues, and self-harm behaviors. I want to get to know you and what might be happening with you that you are seeking counseling for. Most people come to therapy when they are in some type of distress. Sometimes this is conscious and sometimes not. If you are feeling powerless or distressed for some reason or grieving a loss in life, I would like to see how we can work in therapy. The way we work will depend on the issues you bring to therapy. I have experience with different approaches to therapy including but not limited to HUMANISTIC THERAPY (includes the importance of personal responsibility, and a positive, non-judgmental approach), STRUCTURAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (includes the importance of family structure and healthy boundaries), GOTTMAN (includes helping couples communicate better, resolve conflicts constructively, and create a shared sense of meaning), CBT (generally includes a short-term approach that helps you identify and change negative or unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior to improve your mood and overall well-being). All the above types of counseling styles point towards change or growth. Many times, there is a creative element to counseling and many times the counseling can give you more of a sense of purpose for yourself in life. Please see my calendar with Grow to sign up for an appointment today.

Anne Sims

Anne Sims, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual
I am licensed in California . I have 20 years of professional work experience . I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work , from California State University Long Beach. I thrive in the opportunity to help clients move through the counseling process , with the goals of adaptive coping and wellness in the management of their issues and stressors. I enjoy educating clients on Wellness Practice and extending supportive psychotherapy to clients .

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.

Amy Ratkovich

Amy Ratkovich, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
My hope is that you feel truly seen and at ease as we explore what brings you to therapy. I listen with care and intuition, drawing from both lived experience and clinical knowledge to support your healing. At the core, my work is about helping you build resilience in a world that can feel overwhelming—so you can show up more fully for yourself, and maybe even help make the world a little kinder, too. If it reads that I am fully book or the time you desire isn't listed, please reach out. I may have space not visible on this site. I look forward to hearing from you.

Lilli Rouleau

(she/her)

Lilli Rouleau, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a psychotherapist practicing in the LA area for 15 years. I went back to school when my youngest was in kindergarten to get my LMFT license. I meet clients where they are emotionally and help them discover what is getting in the way of them living a more successful and happy life. I use deep listening and a sense of humor to fully support those i work with.

Brandon Rodriguez

(he/him)

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

Fariba Kooklan

(she/her)

Fariba Kooklan, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
29 years of experience
Virtual
I have been in the field of mental health for 29 years. My goal as a therapist is to help you achieve ultimate happiness and peace in your life. As human beings we can not go back and change our past but we can find the tools that can help us live our lives fully and find the ways to use our full potential. I will listen to you and will try my best to support you in finding the path to happiness by practicing and using the tools and methods that are helpful and tangible.

Angela Hicks

Angela Hicks, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
9 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there! I look forward to meeting you. I am a License Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) based in California. I have been practicing for over 8 years, which includes non-profit and community based work. I help a vast variety of individuals and families that have different sets of challenges in order to overcome their obstacles to achieve balance and growth.

Rhianna French

(she/her)

Rhianna French, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPCC
4 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Rhianna French and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Nationally Certified Counselor. I have training in many different approaches and techniques to service clients in unique ways that best fit their unique concerns and personality. I take an eclectic approach to counseling matching various approaches and theories to every client's specific need. I often utilize humanistic approaches, which focus on each person's uniqueness and potential. I also have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) in addition to many other techniques.

Steven Schwartz

Steven Schwartz, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
11 years of experience
Virtual
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.

Tony Aceves

(he/him)

Tony Aceves, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm Antonio Martin Aceves Santiago... But I go by Tony. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from California who currently resides in Santa Barbara. I got my BA at UCSB and my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch Universtiy-Santa Barbara. I have been practicing since 2021, I've researched therapeutic work through video game therapy in college (yes I even gave my class a 101 on my approach working with kiddos and adults through this method), I've worked in Community Mental Health, Group Practice and was the clinical coordinator for a crisis residential unit. I've provided Individual therapy to children, teens, adults, couples therapy and family therapy. However I specialize working with children,teens and adults.

Penny A. Oliveira

(she/her)

Penny A. Oliveira, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
14 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Penny, and I have been in practice for 13+ years. I am here to help you grow and heal. I enjoy meeting a client where they are, and I take a client centered approach to treatment. My approach is rooted in respect, empathy and confidentiality. I value the courage it takes to be vulnerable and ensure clients are comfortable sharing their unique experiences.

Kristy LaMar

(she/her)

Kristy LaMar, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated with my Masters from the University of Southern California in 2014. I work with people who are struggling with their self identity due to anxiety and depression. I lead with understanding and commitment toward seeing the fullness of my clients. I enjoy working with clients to see the dualities that exist within our world in order to help them meet their goals.

Angeline Hsu

(she/her)

Angeline Hsu, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California. I received my Masters from Azusa University and have been practicing for 7 years. I help young adults experiencing emotional distress, burnouts, and life stage challenges overcome their difficulties and reach their goals. Additionally, I enjoy working with individuals facing cultural issues within their family of origin and with partner.

Snow Lee

Snow Lee, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! This is Snow Lee, I have over 10+ years working with individuals and providing human service. My background consists of working in different settings such as inpatient, outpatient, and crisis. I have experience and understanding of working with individuals from a diverse background. I start my work by collaborating with my clients working through their current issues and helping them identify its root cause. We work together by becoming aware and conscious of their thoughts, behaviors, & emotions and it its influences and relation to their root issues.

Gail Bradley

(she/her)

Gail Bradley, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
7 years of experience
Virtual
We were never taught how to be in a relationship. Yes there are tons of books of how to, however to put them to practical use can be very difficult. If you want to be in a relationship that last 50 yrs then communication and empathy has to be at the core of a successful partnership. This can also relate to a relationship with a family member, friends or co-workers. Sometimes our own mental health can influence all of our relationships, and you may need coping techniques for anxiety and or depression type symptoms. I am here to help beit coping strategies for anxiety and depression symptoms or learning how to communicate more effectively with others.

James Noftle

(he/him)

James Noftle, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
My career as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and university professor served me well in my current practice as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I earned my Doctorate in Education/Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. As a university professor, I became the Multiple Subject Program Director, Graduate Reading Director, and Supervisor of Student Teachers with both national and international publications.

Cheryll Gilbert

(she/her)

Cheryll Gilbert, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
9 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome, my name is Cheryll. Are you feeling exhausted or overwhelmed? Do you sometimes feel hopeless, helpless, or worthless? Do you ever wonder what your purpose in life is? Does your mind race or do feel like your life is spiraling out of control? Maybe you have experienced a life altering event that has deeply effected how you live your everyday life. Or do desire to break free from suffocating beliefs about yourself that keep you from leading a thriving healthy and happy life? If you can relate to any of these experiences, I am here to help guide you to work toward the life you really want.

Jania Sommers

(she/her)

Jania Sommers, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
32 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome to my practice. I am a seasoned therapist and have worked in many different settings over many years. All I ever wanted to do is help people have their best lives. I practiced social work with a Bachelors degree in prisons, community agencies for the disabled, a state hospital, a state facility for people with cognitive challenges, child and family welfare work and working with folks in community care homes. I also developed and led a community program for Guardians ad Litem in child abuse and neglect cases. Then I went back to school and earned my Masters in Social Work and then my therapy credentials after many hours of supervision. I truly enjoy listening and encouraging clients to embrace strategies for wellness and self-compassion using mindfulness and compassion and strength based materials. I am actively engaged in consult groups with other therapists focusing on trans and queer issues. For several years I taught at the graduate school level in South Carolina and then Utah, teaching social work students skills for working ethically and compassionately.

Lamont Hernandez

Lamont Hernandez, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist for the past 13 years. I graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies in expressive arts therapy. I also have lived in a Zen Buddhist temple to do residential practice for five years. My goal is to help people feel better as soon as possible. Usually by the time a person enters therapy they have been under stress that has been building for a while. I help people identify and clarify what their goals are and present interventions that I have supported people using that help them feel better.

Sydney Shaevel

(she/her)

Sydney Shaevel, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
4 years of experience
Virtual
The therapeutic relationship is one that I hold close to my heart, as it is a piece of the puzzle that allowed me to flourish into my true self. I know firsthand what it is like to struggle and feel as though the obstacles ahead appear to be near impossible, whether big or small. While in the moment they may seem insurmountable, truly these experiences become the seeds of transformation and the foundation for stepping into our greatest possibilities in life. I invite you to explore your struggles collaboratively in a non-judgmental and safe space to cultivate greater self-acceptance, empowerment, and strength as you reclaim your inner knowing. I’m looking forward to supporting you as you step into new possibilities in this healing and transformative journey.

Bella Lurie

(she/her)

Bella Lurie, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
I am a psychotherapist, a meditation teacher, and an amateur naturalist. In my home country, I am licensed to conduct learning disability evaluations. My growing up was first-hand impacted by 3 very different languages and cultures. These cultures informed the style of my relationships and my esthetic preferences. For as long as I can remember, I have been mystified by human memory functioning, first as a scientist, then as a meditator. Having gone a long way from trying to remember everything I deemed worth remembering to a more effortless and drama-free attitude toward memory-creating moments, I am still making sense of what it means to integrate each moment of life as it comes. Approaching this subject experientially and relationally informs who I am as a practitioner and as a person. If topics like cognitive functioning, memory styles and focus make your curiosity antennas hum, this is a place for you. My approach to psychotherapy is highly relational and somewhat didactic. I love to explain everything I see and say at every step of the process. With me, you will never experience a blank screen characteristic of traditional psychoanalytic approaches (from which I draw inspiration in the realm of dream interpretation and theory).

Nicole Rose

Nicole Rose, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I take a flexible, client-centered approach to therapy, focusing on immediate concerns while exploring deeper issues at a comfortable pace. Sessions are tailored to individual needs—some clients use the full time for in-depth work, while others prefer a more solution-focused approach, shorter sessions. To support progress between sessions, I provide practical tools, coping strategies, and reflective exercises to reinforce lasting change.

Adrienne Yam

Adrienne Yam, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
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.

Jonathan Bach

(he/him)

Jonathan Bach, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
19 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Jonathan, a licensed marriage and family therapist. Congratulations on taking your first step toward wellness and recovery! I specialize in helping people with issues like anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger management, marital/pre-marital issues, and more. It is my personal and professional commitment to assist and support you in any way possible on this journey of change. I have been practicing therapy since 2005 and completed my Bachelor's degree at Appalchian State University in Boone NC (class of 2003). I completed my Master's in MFT Psychology at Phillips Graduate Institute of Psychology in Chatsworth, CA (class of 2005).

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 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.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.