If you’re looking for a therapist in San Diego, CA, BetterHelp can help you find a licensed, vetted professional with experience in behavioral medicine or psychotherapy. Regardless of the reason you are seeking the support of a therapist, there is a vast community of qualified professionals in San Diego County. 

When you sign up for BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist from a diverse group of mental health professionals experienced in various approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or interpersonal therapy. Whether you need help navigating trauma, coping with an underlying mental health condition, or focusing on your own well being and self care, talk to a San Diego-based therapist to see how they can help you.

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Sarah Frohock

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
21 years of experience

Do you feel stuck in a relationship, career, or pattern? Are you struggling to find a way to manage a difficult situation? I can work with you to develop the skills to help you regain control of your life and conquer your problems. I will bring all of my experience, compassion, and humor into the process of supporting you in finding solutions. I utilize a strength-based approach to work with you in identifying your natural abilities to tackle your current challenges. I can help you identify your goals, tap into your strengths and create a plan to move forward. I have a wide range of experiences with couples and individuals of all ages. Whether you are struggling with one of life's many changes or a complex and traumatic past, I can help you develop insight and coping skills that will lead to a happier and more fulfilled life. I specialize in helping those who have developed ways of coping that are no longer serving them, particularly addictions of all kinds. I have specialized training in EMDR, Perinatal Mood/Anxiety Disorders, and treatment of sexual issues in both individuals and couples.

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Mary Cabarles

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Trauma and abuseSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California and have 17 years of post-graduate professional work experience. Welcome to my page. My name is Mary and I have been in the social work field since I was a sophomore in college. My experience has varied from group homes, residential facilities, job coaching, comorbid disorders, homelessness, domestic violence, working in the criminal justice department, trauma, abuse, family dynamics and working in the public sector. I have worked with elementary school aged children, adolescents, teens aging out of the system, adults, elderly and hospice. I started my private practice in the midst of the pandemic as stress levels rose from fear, job changes, financial issues, childcare/eldercare, relationship issues, racial injustices, air quality, displacement by the wildfires, climate change, the list goes on. I wanted to provide support to those impacted by any and all above combined with interpersonal issues. How do we handle all of this? By providing a listening ear, someone to vent to, plan with. I'm here. More availability on weekends.

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Gregory Barringer

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
GriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California and Colorado. I received specialized training as a fellow at Stanford Children’s and Adult Hospitals. I understand that starting therapy can be daunting, but I am here to listen to my client’s needs without judgement and incorporate your goals to establish a holistic treatment plan to address your individual situation. My counseling style revolves around authenticity and genuine interaction. Treatment begins with mutual respect, compassion, and where you currently are in your life. My approach combines ACT, motivational interviewing, and task-centered therapies. Best of luck in your search for counseling options, and look forward to working with you!

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David Gottlieb

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,MFT,PPS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
30 years of experience

Change can be difficult, and you are taking an important step by reaching out for support. I am going to work with you to develop a path toward positive change. Our time together will honor who you are while targeting the challenging areas of your life. I will treat you with respect, warmth and compassion as we take on your negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without stigmatizing labels to make you feel better. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in Northern California with 30 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of problem areas including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, career transitions, acting out behaviors, ADHD as well as learning and developmental disabilities. My therapeutic approach intentionally combines client-centered, relationship and communication-based, solution-skill based, cognitive-behavioral, and family systems counseling. As I get to know you, we will map out together a specific plan of treatment that fits who you are, what you want to accomplish, and how best to get there. I look forward to connecting with you.

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Miranda McKinley

Offering therapy in CA
License: LICSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

My therapeutic style is holistic, inclusive and trauma informed. I support folks with connecting to their most authentic and resilient selves. I work with folks wanting to process, reframe and change behaviors; individuals interested in exploring their generational trauma and how it relates to their anxiety and fear-based behaviors; and those experiencing social justice, burnout and compassion fatigue.

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Rebecca Hanson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepressionCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & depression. Working for the military since 1992, and having been in the military (way back in 88), I got a richness I didn’t expect (both because of how bad it can be, and how good it can be). I am grateful even with the ugly parts. Every moment makes us who we are. I love working with as many different cultures, beliefs, ages and oddities as I can experience. If you feel very much a part of the world, then I am fascinated with how you did that, and can share in the joy of how it feels to take a strong role in making one self a part of the world….and if you feel isolated, I can very much relate to that, having spent decades feeling that way. I tend toward tailoring the experience toward the individual, so if you are logical we can go that way, or spiritual, or sensual, or artistic in your endeavors, all that appeals to me. Even each session can be different depending on what your sense is that day. I have some training in various therapeutic efforts such as Coaching style, EMDR, Somatic Experiencing (body-based therapy), mindfulness and meditation. I love the challenge of making the session your very own and will ask for your input and feedback each time, if you want to give it. If you want to explore and excavate and get curious, we might be a match for teamwork on your counseling experience. Bring your story, your cherished values, your strengths and your weaknesses. Let’s begin a heroic journey about your life and toward what truth and authentic self you will return.

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Silvie Wilson

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in California with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have extensive experience working with teens and young adults, as well as Spanish speaking clients. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, building motivation, self esteem, and confidence. My specific area of interest is in using somatic (body awareness based) approaches to find individualized strategies to help my clients overcome fears, traumas, negative beliefs, abuse, and other struggles that affect people and stop them from reaching their potential. I also utilize various respected personality tests (such as Meyers-Briggs and Enneagram) to gain a deeper understanding of my clients, and help them make sense of their experiences. I have also studied astrology and can offer insights pertaining to that depending on my clients preferences. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My goal in therapy is always to empower you, shine a light on your unique strengths, and help you to gain belief in your purpose and faith in your future. It takes courage to open up and ask for help to seek out a more fulfilling and happy life, and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Diana Fischer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesADHD
35 years of experience

I’m a marriage and family therapist practicing in California for over 30 years. I also provide coaching to families and parents as I see this as an effective way to move through the challenges families face today. I aspire to help parents feel confident and empowered as they become the agent for positive change in their family. I have stayed current as the times have changed and am aware of the ever-changing struggles the next generations are facing. The foundation of my work is to help individuals and families overcome the impact of multigenerational and sociological patterns of violence and addiction. My approach is heart centered and strength based with a firm belief that when one or all feels heard, supported, and believed in, a safe environment is created that leads to working collaboratively to build confidence and hope to create goals and achieve them.

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Jessica Bromley

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Steven Gaddis

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger management
20 years of experience

Greetings! I am a counselor, currently licensed in California and Texas, with approximately 20 years of experience. My experiences include working with individuals to address topics such as anger management, relationship issues, alcohol and other drug related concerns, personal development, and mood disturbances. I have also worked with criminal justice involved individuals. My style primarily utilizes a Cognitive Behavioral perspectives with an understanding that the connection and trust between counselor and client is paramount in an effective and productive partnership. I believe that by working to create a safe and authentic environment the stage is best prepared for creating healthy change and movement towards ones goals. Although the specific methods utilized will be based on individual details and interactions, my interactions are personalized and focused on an individual's strengths. I typically review incoming messages at least twice a day, at least once in the AM and once in the PM. I appreciate you and your interest in counseling as an opportunity to create or maintain the life you envision. I hope to have the opportunity to partner with you in your next steps and I look forward to hearing from and working with you.

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How to find counseling in San Diego

Finding the best therapist close by in San Diego can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in San Diego. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in San Diego, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in San Diego or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater San Diego area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of San Diego, elsewhere in San Diego, or in the greater state of California.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the San Diego area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed San Diego therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in San Diego due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in San Diego may not take health insurance, some in the state of California may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in San Diego, California working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in San Diego above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in San Diego helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified San Diego therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a San Diego therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A San Diego therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in CA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 92154 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a San Diego counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A San Diego licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in San Diego, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

San Diego has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of San Diego.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in San Diego:

92014, 92025, 92027, 92037, 92038, 92039, 92071, 92072, 92092, 92093, 92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92106, 92107, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92112, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92119, 92120, 92121, 92122, 92123, 92124, 92126, 92127, 92128, 92129, 92130, 92131, 92132, 92134, 92137, 92138, 92139, 92140, 92142, 92143, 92145, 92147, 92149, 92150, 92152, 92153, 92154, 92158, 92159, 92160, 92161, 92163, 92165, 92166, 92167, 92168, 92169, 92170, 92171, 92172, 92173, 92174, 92175, 92176, 92177, 92179, 92182, 92186, 92187, 92190, 92191, 92192, 92193, 92195, 92196, 92197, 92198, 92199

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