Positive Psychology Therapists in California

Positive Psychology emphasizes building on strengths, cultivating optimism, and fostering well-being to help individuals thrive. This approach shifts the focus from challenges to possibilities, encouraging gratitude, resilience, and personal growth for a more fulfilling life. With 21 positive psychology therapists in California, you can find support designed to help you flourish and embrace a strengths-based perspective. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is welcoming new clients, offering timely access to an empowering and uplifting path to mental health.

Diana Plotnikova

(she/her)

Diana Plotnikova, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LMFT
9 years of experience
Virtual
I believe that everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life’s challenges and create positive change in their lives. As a licensed LMFT therapist, I support clients towards their self-discovery process through the transformative power of psychotherapy to create meaningful changes in life, empower unique gifts and purpose, and enhance mental and emotional well-being. I believe that each of us possesses an internal source of insight and wisdom that can be cultivated through therapy. My approach is warm, relational, strengths-based and trauma-informed. I work from a place of compassion, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Whether you are looking for guidance, improved relationships, insight, or to develop healthy coping strategies, you can make meaningful changes in your life one step at a time. So I encourage you to take time for yourself to nurture your mental and emotional well-being, activating your innate ability to cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Alfonso Carbajal

Alfonso Carbajal, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$120/session
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a therapist who focuses on improving the lives of his clients. I will help empower them to enrich their lives. Together we can explore methods on helping the individual deal with everyday life stressors and also past trauma. I am someone who wants to see their clients excel and be able to manage life's difficulties. Hoping to help my clients see positive results in therapy.

Kathy Cunningham

(she/her)

Kathy Cunningham , LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$125/session
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, my name is Kathy. I am licensed in California as a marriage and family therapist. I have been practicing for six years. I work with adults that struggle with depression and anxiety. I have extensive experience working with individuals that have problems with substance use. I believe that you are the expert in your life. My role is to help you recognize your strengths and learn how to build on those strengths to help you become the best version of yourself.

Milena Melkonyan

(she/her)

Milena Melkonyan , LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$175/session
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles. I received my Masters degree from Columbia University in New York and have been practicing for 12+ years, serving individuals with complex traumas, relational challenges, anxiety, mood disorders, you name it. I enjoy working with young adults to move through life's various seasons to find inner peace, deep joy, and to live at the highest potential.

Yana Kaminsky

Yana Kaminsky, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$200/session
LMFT
13 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm a licenced marriage and family therapist, practicing in CA. I have been in practice since 2011 and have treated a wide range of clients from various cultural backgrounds. Issues that have been presented in my practice are anxiety, depression, trauma, self esteem, life transitions, parenting, perinatal and postpartum issues and more. I strive to create a safe space to allow clients find and strive on their positive and creative energy, discover and develop their goals, empower in their strengths, as well as collaborate on the skills for emotional and behavioral self-regulation.

Travis Buchanan

Travis Buchanan, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$200/session
LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm a kind and caring person who values relationships and social connections. I live and practice out of Orange County, California. My licenses are in Marriage and Family Therapy (relationships) and Advanced Drug Alcohol Counselor (Substance misuse treatment). I have been practicing for 15 years. I been helping adults and older adults struggling with family stress and phase of life issues so they can improve quality of mental health and achieve best possible relations.

Luke Barrett

(he/him)

Luke Barrett, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$100/session
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Luke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in emergency medical services, hospital emergency departments, and health care for the homeless. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran located in California. Luke has a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree in social work, and a master's degree in public administration. Luke believes in solution focused therapy, positive psychology, harm reduction, and cognitive behavioral therapy to improve quality of life and achieve goals. In therapy, Luke emphasizes healthy habit development, consistent focus on goals, and accountability.

Evan Jones

Evan Jones, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hi! I'm Evan and I'm a licensed therapist (LMFT) based in California. I believe that everyone has unique strengths that can be harnessed to overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. In our sessions, we'll work together to identify your goals and create practical, actionable solutions tailored to your specific needs, whether you're dealing with stress, depression, relationship issues, or anything in between. My therapeutic approach is rooted in solution-focused therapy and positive psychology, utilizing a strengths-based perspective to help you navigate life's challenges and transitions. Together, we’ll focus on fostering a positive mindset to help you create meaningful and lasting change. My aim is to provide a supportive and encouraging environment where you feel understood and motivated to take charge of your life. Let's work together to unlock your potential and build a fulfilling, balanced, and happy life.

Belen Gonzalez

Belen Gonzalez, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with underserved populations, including individuals and families navigating complex mental health challenges. My approach integrates evidence-based therapies, faith-based principles (when desired), and a deep commitment to understanding each client as a whole person. Through my private practice, Avodah Counseling, I provide compassionate, individualized care to help clients achieve emotional well-being and personal growth.

Natasha Collins

(she/her)

Natasha Collins, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LMFT
14 years of experience
Virtual
Are you feeling drained and challenged by one or more relationships in your life? I will help you recognize and break unhealthy or unsupportive relationship patterns, identify your needs, feel more empowered to navigate the natural ups and downs that exist within relationships and learn how to set healthy boundaries. I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for nearly 15 years. I am passionate about helping individuals learn and develop the skills necessary to support a life that is healthy and fulfilling. Participation in therapy can help one gain insight, find clarity, replace self-defeating patterns with more supportive ones, build on strengths, learn new skills, and improve relationships. Relationships are a central part of our lives and can be challenging to navigate. Let me help you learn the skills to create more fulfilling connections.

Gisela Gonzales

Gisela Gonzales, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LMFT
11 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist based in California. I have a Masters in Counseling/Marriage, Family, & Child Therapy and have been practicing for 10 years. I help individuals (adults, young adults, adolescents) struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and unresolved traumas. I also work with families and couples struggling with relational distress. I'm a warm, highly empathetic, personable, high energy, and conscious therapist. I will help you find your power, take charge, action, and create change.

Olena Prokopenko

(she/her)

Olena Prokopenko, LPCC - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$135/session
LPCC
7 years of experience
Virtual
My goal in my counseling is to help my clients live deeply fulfilling lives. I help clients increase their psychological flexibility through various tools and approaches including evidence-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to change their thought patterns. I use experiential approaches including Hypnotherapy to work with subconscious minds and remove blocks that are deep in their psyche. I also provide mindfulness training, which is one of the key techniques for the clients to be more present and accepting in their lives, rather than react reflexively. Each individual's struggles are complex and tied to many factors including their social environment, their physical health, the phases of their lives, skills they already possess, etc. In other words, change can happen in a variety of ways and that's what counseling can help with, pointing out the direction and even the next steps that can help the client to get to their goals and intentions. I work with clients experiencing sleep disorders, chronic pain, anxiety, mood issues, ADHD, career counseling, and those who simply need a tune-up.

Gaia Akopian

Gaia Akopian , LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LMFT
12 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I help individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life, balancing responsibilities at work and home. I work with youth and adults, facing challenges related to intimacy, communication, or personal fulfillment. My ideal client can also be a parent, juggling the demands of raising children while maintaining their own well-being. Together we can explore a deeper understanding of self and emotions, desires to develop healthier coping mechanisms, build resilience, and enhance your self-esteem.

Shayan Mehdi

(he/him)

Shayan Mehdi, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$161/session
LMFT
9 years of experience
Virtual
I'm BIPOC & culturally sensitive. You may be reading this at a time where you're going through a crisis & need moral support. Perhaps you're starting to doubt yourself and dimming your flame. My name means "Light" so my greatest gift to you is us shedding a 'light' on your problems and finding compassionate solutions to help you. I offer compassionate therapy, rooted in the transformative power of holistic healing. We will apply principles of mindfulness, spirituality, psychoanalysis and faith based counseling in our conversations. I specialize in guiding individuals through transformative healing journeys, drawing from my personal experiences and a compassionate, holistic approach. My therap offerings encompass self-discovery, spiritual exploration, and culturally sensitive support. Through a blend of psychotherapy and holistic healing practices, I assist clients in reconnecting with their true selves, fostering resilience, and illuminating their path to personal growth and well-being. I can assist you with issues around anxiety, trauma and depression. I focus as well on men's issues. I believe that each person is a distinctive individual, brimming with untapped potential. My goal is to hold a nonjudgmental space that fosters genuine comprehension of your goals & values. I invite you to take the reigns of your life in your hands by turning over & examining every stone to reveal your authentic self & spark a sense of direction & purpose. You may be reading this while at your lowest point in life but don't worry, I'm here to guide you back to your true self ("Remember Who You Are"). I've had a spiritual near-death experience & lost my loving mother to Cancer and through it all still believe that we are all meant to shine our light in this world. I believe in the transformative power of healing through a holistic approach. I'm here to help you grow.

Jodi Paris

(she/her)

Jodi Paris, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$350/session
LMFT
25 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Jodi Paris. I'm a licensed marriage & family therapist in both California and Florida. Over the last 25 years, I have helped my clients improve their lives and become the best version of themselves. By utilizing various therapy techniques, I increase my clients confidence, personal strengths, self esteem, resilience, as well as strengthen their relationships . My style of therapy is warm and personal. I believe in treating every individual with respect, sensitivity, and compassion while building a strong trustworthy rapport. Together, we will come up with goals and solutions that are going to work best for you, so that you can overcome the personal hurdles which are stopping you from achieving what you want and desire. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Kristin Schinella

(she/her)

Kristin Schinella, LP - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$250/session
LP
15 years of experience
Virtual
I'm so glad you're taking this step to prioritize your mental health—it's the foundation of everything else in life. As a mother of three young adults, including boy-girl twins and a neurodivergent daughter, and with experience as a psychologist, coach, and leader in both tech and education, I bring a wide range of lived experience to my work. I work with individuals and families at all stages of life, helping them release outdated mindsets and adopt empowering new ones by uncovering the root causes, patterns, and obstacles that hold them back. My approach integrates neuroscience, cognitive psychology, positive psychology, and depth psychology, always focusing on creating meaningful connections that unlock new possibilities. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Instead, I hold an unwavering belief in each person’s boundless potential. By focusing on what truly matters, we can always transform challenges into opportunities.

Ashwini Gupta MFT- Licensed MFT, Advanced Shamanic Practitioner, Akashic Records and Soul Channeling

(she/her)

Ashwini Gupta MFT- Licensed MFT, Advanced Shamanic Practitioner, Akashic Records and Soul Channeling, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$180/session
LMFT
20 years of experience
Virtual
Namaste, my name is Ashwini Gupta and I am Therapist/Intuitive Life Coach specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as well as Vedanta and Mindfulness-based practices. With 20 plus of experience helping individuals navigate life's challenges, I am passionate about empowering my clients to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives truly being in touch with the essence of soul identity. Using ACT as my primary therapeutic approach, I create a warm and non-judgmental space where we can work together to address difficulties such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship issues. ACT combines mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change strategies to guide clients towards psychological flexibility, allowing them to better handle distress and align their actions with their deeply-held values. What is ACT? At its core, ACT is a behavioral therapy: it’s about taking action. But it’s not about just any old action. First, it’s about values-guided action. There’s a big existential component to this model: **What do you want to stand for in life? **What really matters, deep in your heart? **What is the legacy do you want to create for yourself? ACT gets you in touch with what matters in the big picture: your heart’s deepest desires for who you want to be and what you want to do during your brief time on this planet. You then use these core values to guide, motivate, and inspire behavioral change. What is Vedanta? Vedanta is one of the world's oldest philosophies which affirms the oneness of existence and the divinity of the soul. A close look at the word "Vedanta" is revealing: It is the combination of 2 words: "Veda" which means 'knowledge' and "anta" which means 'the goal of'. In this context, knowledge refers to understanding one's own divine nature- meaning and purpose in life.

Eve Libertone

(she/her)

Eve Libertone, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

$125/session
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the Bay Area in California. I received my MA in counseling psychology in 2018 and have been providing therapy since 2017. I have am holistically trained and have an orientation towards alternative medicine, mind/body and natural/traditional healing. I focus primarily on adults dealing with a variety of issues: men's I have done additional research on men's issues) and women's issues, depression, anxiety, life transitions, stress management, interpersonal skills/relationships, healing unresolved trauma and others. I also enjoy supporting people in discovering their life purpose, connecting with their passions and creating lives of meaning and fulfillment. I work adolescents, young adults, adults, elders and couples.

Shawna Fishman

(she/her)

Shawna Fishman, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$150/session
LMFT
30 years of experience
Virtual
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Addiction Counselor. I have over 30 years' experience I assist adults of all ages (18 and beyond using a collaborative process. We can work together to heal past and present conflict, emotional disturbances, and learn new coping strategies. My goal is support you in living your best life.

Leslie Cost

Leslie Cost, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$195/session
LMFT
11 years of experience
Virtual
I help driven, anxious and overwhelmed people be more at ease in their world. If you are: - At a crossroads in life and unsure of what direction to take. - Feeling unfulfilled despite having built a successful career. - Paralyzed by anxious thoughts and imposter syndrome. And these: - Keep you from the life you want to live. - Cause you to struggle in your relationships at work, home, community/friends. - Making you feel burned out and overwhelmed, like there is no escape or joy anymore. Then, you have come to the right place. If you are ready to learn how to tune into your mind and body, which will result in breakthroughs, organized thoughts and a regulated body, you have met your therapist match. Get ready to swipe right.

Carla Franco

(she/her)

Carla Franco, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
$250/session
LMFT
25 years of experience
Virtual
Are you a high achiever but frequently feel you're "faking" your way to success? Do you find yourself stuck in a situation you haven’t figured out how to change? Do you have unhealthy negative thought patterns and bad habits? Let me help you let go of old messages that tell you that you're not good enough or that you'd be better if your relationship, weight, career, or circumstances were different. The key to overcoming life's numerous obstacles is showing up and being present for yourself. I'll assist you in developing and utilizing your inner abilities so that you can lead a happy, fulfilled life. I strongly desire to provide each person with the tools to identify their assets, develop fresh perspectives, and adopt constructive behavioral habits. I believe psychotherapy should be approachable, accessible, and results-driven. My goal is to empower individuals, couples, and families to define and claim the lives they were meant to live. This means starting by getting clear about hopes and dreams. I take a collaborative and holistic (mind/body/spirit) approach, meeting you where you are. Let's broaden your support network and level up to view and interact with your situation in new ways with expanded support and energy.

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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 insurance?

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available 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.