Marian Cao, Therapist
Marian Cao, LMFT, provides compassionate and collaborative mental health support to children, adolescents, and adults across California. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families, Marian works alongside her clients to help them achieve their personal goals at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable. Her practice focuses on creating a safe and welcoming space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Whether addressing childhood behavior issues, managing anxiety, or navigating complex family dynamics, Marian’s approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and mutual trust.
Marian is particularly passionate about treating ADHD, childhood behavior issues, and PTSD/trauma. She helps clients better understand these challenges while fostering resilience and growth. Marian’s expertise extends to school avoidance and academic stress, supporting children and teens in overcoming obstacles that interfere with their education and well-being. Additionally, she brings a nuanced understanding of cultural diversity and acculturation, helping immigrant families navigate the complexities of balancing cultural values with life in a new environment.
In her practice, Marian incorporates a range of evidence-based therapeutic modalities tailored to her clients’ needs. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She also offers Christian Counseling for those who wish to integrate faith into their mental health journey. Marian serves diverse populations, including women and individuals in adoption or foster care, ensuring a personalized and inclusive approach for every client.
Fluent in Vietnamese, Marian is uniquely equipped to support clients from Vietnamese-speaking communities, providing culturally informed care to meet their specific needs. Her ability to communicate across languages enhances her capacity to build strong therapeutic relationships and address the unique experiences of each client.
Outside of her professional life, Marian enjoys coffee shop hopping, hiking, and cleaning as forms of self-care. These activities reflect her appreciation for balance, mindfulness, and connection, which she brings into her therapeutic work.
Provider Introduction
Types of Care & Ages Served
- Individual Therapy: Ages 6-40
Areas of Focus
Individual Therapy
Get help addressing challenges and improve well-being with a clinician's guidance.
- Childhood behavioral issues
- School behavioral issues
- Social skills & communication
- ADHD
- Adoption & foster care
- Anxiety
- Attention & focus
- Depression/feeling down
- Early adulthood: Independent living or relationships
- Early adulthood: Starting college or career
- Family conflict
- General relationship issues
- Grief & loss
- Immigration/cultural status
- Learning challenges
- Marital stress or divorce
- Panic attacks
- Premarital counseling
- Religion & spirituality
- School avoidance
- Self-esteem
- Sexual trauma
- Stress management
- Trauma & PTSD
Insurances Accepted
- Aetna
- Blue Shield of California (D)
- Carelon (Beacon)
- Centivo
- Central Health Plan of California
- Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)
- Devoted Health Plan
- Elevance Health (Anthem BC) (D)
- Evernorth (Cigna)
- Health Net (MHN)
- HealthSmart
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)
- Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)
- Lucet (SCAN Health Plan)
- Magellan (D)
- MediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)
- Medicare
- Northwell Direct
- Optum (UnitedHealthcare)
- Partners Direct Health
- Provider Network of America (PNOA)
- Quest Behavioral Health
- Sana Benefits
- TELUS Health (BHS)
- Tricare West (TriWest)
Languages
- English
- Vietnamese
Education
-
California State University - Dominguez Hills
-
Hope International University
-
Golden West College
New patient?
View AvailabilityFrequently Asked
Questions
Please use our online form to schedule an appointment with Marian Cao. You can also call 925-282-1778 to have someone assist you.
Marian Cao generally accepts new patients but there could be a waitlist.
Please call 925-282-1778 to find out Marian Cao's schedule and availability.
LifeStance Health providers accept most commercial insurance plans that are offered in the states where we offer services, including telehealth. Please see the following list of insurances accepted by Marian Cao:
- Aetna
- Blue Shield of California (D)
- Carelon (Beacon)
- Centivo
- Central Health Plan of California
- Claritev (MultiPlan PHCS)
- Devoted Health Plan
- Elevance Health (Anthem BC) (D)
- Evernorth (Cigna)
- Health Net (MHN)
- HealthSmart
- Humana
- Kaiser Permanente (NorCal)
- Lakeside Medical (Regal Medical)
- Lucet (SCAN Health Plan)
- Magellan (D)
- MediNcrease Health Plans (MHP)
- Medicare
- Northwell Direct
- Optum (UnitedHealthcare)
- Partners Direct Health
- Provider Network of America (PNOA)
- Quest Behavioral Health
- Sana Benefits
- TELUS Health (BHS)
- Tricare West (TriWest)
If you don't see your insurance listed, please contact us at 925-282-1778 to see how we can help.
Marian Cao is a Therapist and cannot prescribe medication. However, most LifeStance offices have a Psychiatrist or APN on staff who can prescribe medication if needed.
Marian Cao works at:
Yes, Marian Cao does offer online telehealth visits.
Yes, Marian Cao is currently offering in-office visits at the following location:
- English
- Vietnamese