Find a therapist in California — covered by insurance
Top therapists in California accepting new patients
Headway brings mental health support to California residents with 8,436 empowering providers ready to help. With sessions available virtually or in-person and accepted by 70+ insurance plans, many clients save significantly on their mental health care.
Hi! I'm Ava, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in self-esteem, depression, and trauma in women. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology & Education from UCLA and my Master's of Marriage & Family Therapy (clinical psychology) from USC.
Women who find me often describe feeling disconnected from themselves in ways that are hard to explain.
Most are in their 20s, many of whom are Latina, navigating identity shifts and redefining who they are after major life transitions. They may have ambition, potential, and clear goals, yet still feel held back by something invisible. That “something” often goes by many names: depression, low self-worth, insecure attachment, abandonment and rejection wounds, and unresolved relational trauma from childhood.
I am dedicated to helping teens struggling with trauma and self-harm behavior. My experience working with Orange Unified School District, running groups from grade 6-12 for students struggling with emotional and behavioral problems has given me unique insight into not only helping teens, but also working with the families, schools, and community to provide more effective treatment. I have partnered with Western Youth Services in helping at risk teens and low income families in helping adolescents to overcome academic barriers and families cope with serious defiance and drug use.
I have been a counselor for more than 30 years. I remain passionate about making a difference in the lives of others and believe that genuine caring is an essential element to an effective counseling relationship. Over the years I have worked with clients with significant trauma and loss. I consider it a privilege to stand with another individual as he or she resolves great pain. I specialize in treating clients with trauma, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder.
Life can be challenging and at times unbearable, I want to help you find and develop life-enhancing qualities that you need in order to live the life you envision for yourself.
I received my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the Univeristy of Pepperdine. With over ten years of varied experience, I have the ability to work with a wide range of people who come from different walks of life, and I would love to help you.
I’m a licensed therapist who understands that life’s journey can be filled with both joy and challenges. With experience working with clients facing anxiety, depression, and identity struggles, I prioritize creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can feel heard and validated. My passion lies in guiding individuals through their emotional landscapes, helping them find purpose and self-confidence to handle life’s challenges.
Dr. Aw primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy, one does not exist outside of the other. Furthermore, Depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues feels significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on the road to recovery.
Dr. Iyican completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Houston, where her graduate research focused on interventions for distressed couples as well as risk factors and treatment for intimate partner violence. In addition to studying and working clinically with couples, she received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for individuals dealing with anxiety, trauma, stress, and depression.
After finishing her doctorate, Dr. Iyican completed an APA accredited postdoctoral fellowship at the UC San Diego/VA San Diego Healthcare System residency program. As a fellow at the VA’s Family Mental Health Program, she provided Veterans and their partners with couple and individual therapy. This fellowship provided further intensive training in evidence-based psychotherapies, including Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Couple Therapy for PTSD, and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD.
In addition to providing psychotherapy services to couples and individuals through the Couples Wellness Center, Dr. Iyican previously worked as a staff psychologist at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and as an Assistant Health Sciences Clinical Professor at UC San Diego. She has co-authored publications and professional presentations focused on the topics of couple therapy and intimate partner violence.
Dr. Iyican is certified in Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy, has completed advanced Level 3 Gottman Method Couple Therapy Training and the Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Externship.
Dr. Iyican is also a mother of two and brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work with new parents. Her personal journey sparked a deep interest in perinatal mental health and inspired her to pursue advanced training (PMH-C) in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
About our therapists serving California
- 98%Anxiety
- 92%Depression
- 88%Stress management
- 82%Relationship issues
- 79%Trauma
- 98%Aetna
- 79%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 76%Cigna
- 75%Anthem Blue Cross California
- 66%Blue Shield of California
- 97%English
- 17%Spanish
- 2%Farsi
- 1%Mandarin
- 1%Hindi
- 89%Online only
- 11%In-person or online
- 1%In-person only
- 80%Woman
- 19%Man
- 1%Non-binary
- 48%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 31%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 7%Clinical Psychologist
- 7%Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
- 6%Nurse Practitioner
- 100%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 23%Couples therapy
- 15%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in California
Searching for therapists in California means choosing from a wide and varied mental health care landscape. Available therapists and areas of focus can differ across urban, suburban, and rural parts of the state, so it helps to start with what you want support for. You might look for a therapist with experience in anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, grief, or major life changes. From there, review each therapist’s listed specialties, therapy style, and background to see whether their training matches what you want from care.
Location and format also shape your search. In Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and other parts of California, you may find therapists who offer in-person sessions, virtual sessions, or both. Some people prefer meeting in an office, while others choose virtual appointments for schedule fit or access outside their immediate area. As you compare therapists, look at appointment availability, whether they offer a free phone consultation, and how they describe their approach. A therapist’s bio can help you understand what sessions may be like before you book.
The cost of therapy in California varies, and using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower session costs. Headway helps you find California therapists who are accepting new patients, match your preferences, and may take your insurance. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, and you can enter your plan details to see your estimated out-of-pocket cost before booking. From there, you can browse therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
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