Golden Rule Therapists in California

Finding a therapist who accepts Golden Rule insurance can make mental health care more affordable and accessible. With 115 verified therapists in California who accept Golden Rule insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and motivational interviewing to address concerns like anxiety, mood disorders, or personal growth. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring timely access to quality support that aligns with your Golden Rule insurance coverage.

Availability updated: 7/15/2025

Ghazaleh Hanukai

Ghazaleh Hanukai, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
14 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, and welcome. I’m a licensed psychotherapist with a deep commitment to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and self-compassion. I work with facing a wide range of concerns—including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and life transitions—and I tailor my approach to meet each person’s unique needs. My style is collaborative, grounded, and compassionate. Drawing from evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based approaches, I work with clients to uncover patterns, build insight, and develop practical tools for lasting change. At the heart of my work is the belief that healing happens within a safe, trusting relationship. I strive to create a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported—whether you’re working through a difficult period or seeking deeper self-understanding and growth.

Jillian Jeffries-Mali

Jillian Jeffries-Mali, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
As an LMFT, I focus on seeing men and women with anxiety and depression by helping them feel more independent, develop their self confidence, set new boundaries with family, and bring new joy and peace back into their daily lives. I am licensed in both Texas and California, and love to see clients remotely for virtual sessions. In addition to my clinical experience, I also have a background in religious studies and am passionate about seeing clients from various cultural backgrounds. Whether you are starting therapy for the first time, returning, or looking for a better fit, all clients are welcome.

Apollo Frausto

(he/him)

Apollo Frausto, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been practicing for 7 years. I graduated with my master’s in social work 15 years ago and have a wealth of experience working with clients that are battling with depression and anxiety. I’ve dedicated my career to helping people from all walks of life overcome their mental health impairments. I have a fervent passion for seeing my clients succeed in life by virtue of gaining self awareness and learning healthy coping skills.

Luisiana Kyriakides

(she/her)

Luisiana Kyriakides, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Luisiana. Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted by the challenges that life throws your way? Would you like to enhance the quality of life you deserve? A safe space to process difficult thoughts and feelings? I empower individuals to thrive in their environments by working on tough emotions, feelings and actions that may be preventing one from living their fullest potential. I enjoy utilizing a hollistic approach to support you to organically reach your therapeutic goals healing the mind, body and soul. Together we can analyze and address the root and help you fulfill your desired goals. I lean into a more client centered approach ensuring you to feel safe, comfortable, and authenticity. *I am also Spanish Speaking*

Lorah Joe

(she/her)

Lorah Joe, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years clinical experience working with children, families and adults across a variety of settings including outpatient mental health, school based, crisis intervention, inpatient psychiatric facilities, large non-profit, and private practice. My goal is to assist my clients to feel comfortable in reducing their symptoms and helping them to be their optimal selves.

Elizabeth Rehfeld

Elizabeth Rehfeld, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
33 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. I am an LMFT and I have been practicing for over 30 years. I specialize in life transitions; how to look back to move forward, how to become unstuck and unafraid, how to find strength and courage to face whatever comes next. I meet and honor each client where they are without having an agenda of where they should go. That is up to them and hopefully, through our work together, they will dicover their path.

Kim Herburger

(she/her)

Kim Herburger, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LPCC
11 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and have been practicing for almost 12 years. I am passionate about supporting adults through various mental health symptoms and challenging life circumstances to discover hope, experience growth, and find healing. I believe in working together with my clients to identify treatment priorities and create a plan that is personalized to their needs to support them in feeling better and making progress towards their goals.

Sharon Vargas

(she/her)

Sharon Vargas, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
11 years of experience
Virtual
My approach is based on who you are and what is relevant for you in order to be your best self. I collaboratively work with clients in re-connecting with their innate strength and resilience in their journey to face change and heal unresolved issues. I use a variety of modalities that support a client's ability to reconnect with their inner-self and identify ways in which they want to make positive changes. I treat a number of issues including unresolved complex trauma, addiction, co-occurring disorders, life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship difficulties, low self esteem, Adult Children of Alcoholics, impact & insight into historical trauma, and sexual abuse. I am warm, empathetic and supportive but not afraid to challenge clients when necessary. I utilize evidence based and creative approaches such as CBT, Strength-Based approach, Trauma Informed CBT, Family Systems, DBT, Jungian art based skills and concepts, Assertive communication skills, and Mindfulness Based. I currently hold active LCSW licenses in both California and New Mexico.

Morgan Brizendine

(she/her)

Morgan Brizendine, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
7 years of experience
Virtual
Have you fallen out of love with yourself because of difficult or challenging life experiences? Perhaps you are finding you are becoming a version of yourself you don't appreciate because your ways of coping with life are no longer effective. I specialize in treating addiction and have a strong focus of working with attachment trauma/PTSD. I have a unique way of incorporating my years of experience as a therapist with EMDR, resulting in individuals feeling seen, heard, and honored. I have availability during the day and will be offering in person sessions 2x/weekly. My office is locatted in Thousand Oaks and I will be available in the office Tuesday and Thursday's.

Jessica Monicco

(she/her)

Jessica Monicco, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
Hello/Hola and welcome to my therapeutic space. I am a bilingual Latina psychotherapist, committed to providing a safe and welcoming space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and life experience. My name is Jessica Monicco and I am here to accompany you on your journey towards emotional well-being, personal growth and healing. I understand that each person brings with them a unique story and an invaluable perspective. As a Latina woman, I am rooted in the rich cultural diversity and complexities of the identities we share. I recognize the importance of considering how culture, family, and traditions can influence how we see the world and how we relate to ourselves and others. I bring forward my experiences as a compassionate and dedicated Social Worker who holds experience in Medical Social Work as well Child Welfare Social Work. My therapeutic approach is based on respect, empathy, candidness and collaboration. Together, we will work to explore your goals, challenges, and concerns. I use evidence-based approaches and therapeutic techniques that are tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're looking to overcome obstacles, manage stress, improve your relationships, or simply find a space to reflect, I'm here to support you on your journey to mental and emotional well-being. I understand the importance of creating an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself and sharing your deepest thoughts. My goal is to help you develop tools to face life's challenges and promote self-knowledge and personal growth. Together, we will explore your strengths and areas of opportunity, and I will work with you to develop strategies that allow you to achieve greater satisfaction and balance in your life. I understand how difficult it may be to seek help and I welcome you at any stage you might find yourself as you read this profile and contemplate therapy. Thank you for trusting me as your therapist. I look forward to working with you and accompanying you on this transformative journey to a fuller and more meaningful life. It is an honor for me to serve you and be a partner in your journey.

Melissa Avina

(she/her/ella)

Melissa Avina, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMFT
4 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I support women who feel stuck in unfulfilling relationship patterns, carry the weight of childhood wounds like feeling unseen or not enough, and are exhausted from trying to hold it all together. My purpose is to help you heal your past, build self-trust, and feel empowered to create the life and relationships you deserve. With a warm, compassionate approach, we’ll explore what’s been holding you back and work to break free from old patterns. Together, we’ll strengthen your emotional tools and deepen your sense of worth, guiding you toward a more connected, confident, and fulfilling life.

Loc Vu

(she/her)

Loc Vu, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hi there, I'm Loc. Do you find yourself struggling with life's challenges and in need of support to move forward? I help clients manage anxiety and depression while also preventing burnout. Together, we can identify what isn't working in your life and get you back to a state of balance and on track. Whether you're facing overwhelming relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. Seeking therapy can feel daunting, but it's a positive step to take. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll provide a trusting environment and focus on practical solutions to help you overcome the obstacles and habits that are holding you back. Let's work together!

Melissa Hudson

(she/her)

Melissa Hudson, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been working as a therapist for 10 years. My goal is to provide guidance, support, and feedback in a safe therapeutic space to ultimately help you heal and strengthen your resilience. I help my clients identify areas they would like to develop and learn new coping skills in order to enhance strengths and abilities which can help them achieve a greater degree of happiness and contentment in their lives.

Michelle McNeely

(she/her)

Michelle McNeely, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, My name is Michelle McNeely. As a LCSW I work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include both short-term solution-focused interventions and long-term psychodynamic approaches. I treat individuals ranging from youth to adults in trauma, including abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. Treating individual who have Depression and Anxiety who are looking to obtain the needed coping skills to manage their everyday lives. I utilize treatment modalities including Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My goal as a Therapist is to gently guide my clients through the therapy process to a place where they can better manage their symptoms, as well as to get to a place where they are more satisfied with their everyday lives. Through collaboration between the Therapist and Client we will work towards your goals that you desire to achieve. I am a strong believer of utilizing a client-centered approach, offering support and empowering clients to gain self-confidence through the recovery process. I look forward to hearing from you and starting your journey

Hector Madril

Hector Madril, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm Hector Madril, LMFT, Are you feeling worried all the time? Feeling down or depressed? Dealing with negative thinking that wont go away? Are you struggling to maintain a balance between responsibilities and everyday challenges? Let me help you! I will guide you to effectively manage anxiety, depression or elevated stress that may arise when dealing with past or present relationship issues, family conflict, divorce, separation, parenting difficulties, trauma, illness, loss, transitions or other life stressors. We will work with a humanistic approach, integrating evidence-based and mindfulness techniques that will bring a healthy balance and restore wholeness. I'm here for you! You don't need to tackle this alone. Let me assist you to bring about the changes and harmony you desire. I'll treat you with empathy and compassion while sharing the knowledge, skills, and strategies to help you conquer the obstacles on your life journey. Let's team up and work together!

Dr. Gabe Veas

(he/him)

Dr. Gabe Veas, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
3 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Dr. Gabe Veas, and I find joy in helping individuals, couples, and families pursue their mental health goals in a non-blaming and non-shaming manner. My primary work has assisted clients in exploring their identities by dynamically utilizing online psychotherapy. I incorporated photos, music, and art into the treatment to help clients deconstruct their narratives. I am committed to lifelong learning by holding membership with several professional groups, including the American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists, which assists me in helping clients experience sexual health, freedom, and healing.

Zirley Macias

Zirley Macias, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
9 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I’m Zirley Macias, LCSW, a bilingual (English | Spanish) therapist who meets with California adults via secure tele-health. For the past nine years I’ve helped clients untangle anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, and relationship pain points so they can return to feeling like themselves again—or discover an even healthier version. My style is warm, personable, and a bit quirky; clients describe our sessions as equal parts safe space and springboard for change. I weave evidence-based tools—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, strength-based work, and, when requested, Christian counseling—into practical “between-session” exercises that turn insight into daily life skills. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, rebuilding boundaries, or simply tired of feeling stuck, my goal is to partner with you in finding realistic solutions and sustainable hope.

Haley Baker

(she/her)

Haley Baker, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
12 years of experience
Virtual
I have been providing individual and group therapy for over a decade. I can support you in learning to regulate your emotions, developing self-awareness, identifying and communicating your emotions, practicing and developing social skills and awareness, increasing self-compassion, improving communication skills, clarifying your personal values, goals, and intentions, learning how to advocate for your needs, and improving your personal relationships.

Gustavo Olvera

(he/him)

Gustavo Olvera, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
11 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm Gustavo Olvera and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT), serving clients via telehealth throughout the State of California. My long-time approach to therapy is to meet the client where they are and work with them to identify goals that will help them improve their quality of life. I believe that we all have the potential to succeed in life and the potential to achieve greatness. A healthy mind is key to success, as we often have to make critical decisions daily. I believe we can all achieve our desired goals by increasing and maintaining a positive outlook on our mental health. What attracted me to wanting to become a therapist was my true and honest desire to help others. Seeing how clients benefit from therapy, seeing how clients can truly overcome their mental illness, and seeing how clients can return to normal and healthy day-to-day living is what drives me to continue to do the work that I do. Today I invite you, to allow yourself to start your journey to a better tomorrow; I am inviting you to take a chance. Sadly we can't change what happened yesterday, nor do we know what will happen tomorrow, but we can hope for a better tomorrow by making positive decisions today.

Fabian Clavijo

(he/him)

Fabian Clavijo, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
12 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children and their families at a community mental health agency, and psychotherapy in private practice to adults and adolescents. As a humanistic therapist, I maintain a positive approach to psychotherapy by focusing on strengths and positive attributes. I assist my clients with developing a stronger, healthier sense of self, and with making rational choices towards achieving their maximum potential.

Derek Nunn

(he/him)

Derek Nunn, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LPCC
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, my name is Derek Nunn and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California. My approach to our collaboration is a solution-focused therapeutic approach revolving around you being the expert with your desired outcomes and my use of specific questions to help identify and amplify strengths, skills, and resources moving you in the direction of your preferred future. Each session is driven by you as we will address your best hopes for each conversation to encourage a respectful collaboration between the two of us. We will also explore increasing psychological flexibility utilizing skills from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have worked with diverse populations in varying settings and programs such as schools, community mental health programs, crisis intervention team programs, and outpatient settings providing individual and group services to clients ages 8-75 both face-to-face and on telehealth platforms. Currently, I have availability to work with individuals ages 18 and older through telehealth only. After working in the fire service for 14 years and recognizing the need to bridge the gap between public safety and mental health services, I transitioned into the mental health field in 2014 and discovered passion for helping people of various ages and health needs. Therapeutically, I have gravitated towards solution-focused therapy blended with acceptance and commitment therapeutic work, mainly because of the drive I have to maintain hope for others, engrained in me from my fire service career. If you are looking for court mandated counseling, seeking letters for emotional support animals, work disability, custody, or other court related services, I do not provide those services, and refer individuals to other providers having those services as their specialties. I am looking forward to working with you to build solutions towards your preferred future.

Jo Petersen

(he/him)

Jo Petersen, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
5 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in California that believes mental health is an important aspect to maintaining balance in life. I've been practicing for 5 years with extensive experience working with adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I also help young adults with life transitions such as starting college and beginning careers. I can help adults develop emotional intelligence, improve communication skills, and build self-esteem.

Vanessa Cordero

Vanessa Cordero, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist and School Psychologist. Therefore, I am familiar with how academic struggles can impact mental health and how mental health can impact academic success. I received my Masters from Pepperdine University and have been practicing for 15 years. I am fluent in English and Spanish and enjoy working with individuals between the ages of 13 and 17. I specialize in Depression and Anxiety as well as family and peer relationships.

Pamela Montazer

(she/her)

Pamela Montazer, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
I spent the a decade working in the addiction treatment industry. Working in that industry opened my eyes to the need for adequate trauma treatment so I became trained as an EMDR practitioner. In studying mind- body approaches to trauma, such as EMDR, I learned about the effectiveness of Eastern Practices such as Yoga, Tai Chi and Meditation in treating a range of psychological challenges.Personally experiencing the benefits of a mindfulness practice led me to obtain formal training in the study of yoga, Tai Chi and mediation so I could bring those benefits to my clients as well. Currently, I specialize in treating a wide range of psychological challenges using integrative approaches such as mindfulness based and trauma informed approaches.

Laura Olson

(she/her)

Laura Olson, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Board Certified Registered Art Therapist. I received my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Notre Dame de Namur University. Classes in the MFT program also met the requirements for the American Art therapy Association for art therapy. I am also a Christian and provide therapy from that perspective for those who want their faith to be a part of the therapy process. I believe our spiritual well-being and relationship with God can have a significant influence on all other areas of our lives including mental health. I have a holistic approach to therapy looking at how mental, physical, and spiritual health impact each other in both positive and negative ways. I have experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supporting clients in gaining a healthier relationship with their thoughts and feelings. I have worked extensively with clients in coping with depression, stress and anxiety, as well as in processing grief, loss, and life transitions. I am passionate about making mental health services more readily available to those who need it and normalizing the need for them.

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 Golden Rule?

Yes! If you use Golden Rule you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Golden Rule 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 School Issues?

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. For example, your selected specialty, School Issues, is filtering therapists in California that work with patients with similar concerns.

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.