Last edited 12/15/2025

Grace Dryden
Accepting New Clients
Online in California

Identifies As
Black/African American
Get To Know Me
What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?
My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t linear, but every step felt purposeful. I’ve always known I wanted a career centered around helping others, though I wasn’t initially sure what that would look like. Throughout my education, I was exposed to therapy both academically and personally, and it opened my eyes to the power of being truly heard and supported.
Over time, I realized how naturally I connect with people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Those conversations—whether casual or deeply vulnerable—highlighted how meaningful it is to sit with someone in their story.
Completing my MSW and engaging in a rich internship experience brought everything full circle. The work didn’t just challenge me—it fulfilled me. It confirmed that therapy wasn’t just a career path, but the right one for me.
What would be important for someone to know about working with you?
When someone works with me, I want them to feel seen, heard, and genuinely respected. Our therapeutic relationship is central to the work we’ll do together, and my hope is that over time, we build a foundation of trust, safety, and mutual understanding.
I don’t come into sessions with all the answers — instead, I bring curiosity, clinical knowledge, compassion, and a collaborative mindset. Therapy with me is a shared process. We’ll explore what matters to you, identify what feels challenging, and work toward meaningful change at a pace that feels right.
Ultimately, I want clients to feel empowered, supported, and confident in their own growth.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients can expect to leave sessions feeling supported, understood, and genuinely valued. My approach isn’t one-sided — it’s collaborative. Together, we’ll explore what matters most to you, at a pace that feels safe and grounded.
You can expect a therapeutic space where your thoughts, emotions, and lived experiences are taken seriously. Early on, we’ll focus on building rapport, trust, and a strong foundation so you feel comfortable showing up authentically.
Over time, my hope is that you walk away not only feeling heard, but also gaining insight, clarity, and practical tools you can carry into your day-to-day life.
Location
Loading...
Specialties
Specializes in
DepressionAnxietyWork StressRace & Cultural Identity
General Expertise
Sexuality Based IssuesSocial AnxietyADHDAdoption & foster careBipolar disorderCultural adjustmentGender identity & transgender healthLGBTQIA related issuesMen's healthObsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)StressWomen's issuesBehavioral IssuesTrans+
Treatment Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Brief Therapy
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Individual Therapy
Serves Ages
Young Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)Adolescents (13-17)
Languages
English
Insurance & Fees
Insurances Accepted
AetnaAnthemBlue Cross Blue ShieldBlue ShieldBlue Shield of CaliforniaCignaUMRUnitedHealthCare (UHC)Anthem Blue Cross CaliforniaCarelon Behavioral HealthCigna EAPOptumOxford Health PlansUnitedHealthcare
Cash Pay Rates/Out-of-Pocket
| First Session: | $80 |
| Individual Therapy: | $80 |
Professional Background
Licensure
Under Supervision: Grace Dryden, Associate Clinical Social Worker, 134439 is practicing under the supervision of Damian Robledo (California, LCSW, 66152) at Core Therapy.
Please, note: A clinician listed as being “clinically supervised” is completing clinical hours toward their licensure. They have one or more fully licensed clinical supervisors that often have special training. They consult with their supervisor(s) on all of their cases.
Education
University of Southern California, Master of Social Work, Social Work, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy.
Grace Dryden, ASW, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
Is Grace Dryden accepting new clients?
Yes, Grace Dryden is accepting new clients for online therapy in California.
Does Grace Dryden accept insurance?
Yes, Grace Dryden accepts insurance, including Aetna, Anthem, Anthem Blue Cross California, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Cigna EAP, Optum, Oxford Health Plans, UMR, UnitedHealthCare (UHC) and UnitedHealthcare.
What types of therapy does Grace Dryden offer?
Grace Dryden offers therapy for individuals.
Does Grace Dryden offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in California can book Grace Dryden for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Grace Dryden offer online therapy?
Yes, Grace Dryden offers online therapy via video sessions and phone sessions to people in California.
How quickly can I see Grace Dryden?
Grace Dryden typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Grace Dryden speak?
Grace Dryden conducts therapy sessions in English.
Can I book an appointment with Grace Dryden online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Grace Dryden online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.