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.

This is Alison Chrun's avatar and link to their profile

Alison Chrun

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

Hello, my name is Alison Chrun, MA, LMFT. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based out of California. I enjoy helping clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, coping with addiction, stress and career challenges. I also help individuals who have suffered from trauma and emotional abuse. My therapeutic style is warm and understanding. I believe in meeting my clients where they're at and allowing them to move at their own pace while simultaneously challenging them to work towards their treatment goals. My approach combines solution-focus, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic counseling and a heavy focus on mindfulness. I believe in molding every therapeutic approach to the needs of each specific client. My availability on the text boards is sporadic. You will hear back from me generally within 24 hours unless I am scheduled to be on leave, which you will know about ahead of time. I do become more active on the text boards in the evening time and can engage in a back and forth text exchange at times. I offer Live Chats, Video Sessions and Live Phone Sessions. If you are in need of an appointment sooner than my availability, please feel free to mention it to me on the boards and I can attempt to fit you in. Reaching out for support is the first step in healing and also one of the hardest. This process can feel overwhelming and difficult. I am happy to walk this path of healing with you and look forward to speaking with you soon.

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Daniel Romo

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

Welcome, My name is Daniel Romo and I am in the field of helping people feel that they matter. I was born and raised in Southern California. I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at California State University Fullerton and Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with a Specialization in Trauma and Latinx Studies at Pacific Oaks College. I started practicing therapy and completed my trainee-ship providing School-Based services to elementary and secondary schools in the Pasadena area and DIS Designated Instructional Services for a non-public school and a Non-profit organization in the Pasadena area in 2015. In 2011 I started working in the mental health field servicing at-risk youth and families at a residential level 14 facility as a Mental Health Wellness Specialist providing life skills and helping youth improve their cognitive functioning. I have utilized the skills I have gained through my education and prior positions as a Mental Health Therapist at various non-profit agencies and as a Community Wellness Specialist by assisting clients in planning short-term and long-term goals, while being sensitive to their backgrounds and specific needs. I believe that individuals of all backgrounds require assistance and support in setting goals and meeting them, from a professional who is cognizant and accommodating of limitations and diversity. My experience working at various non-profits has afforded me the opportunity to develop therapeutic skills and expand on personal attributes vital to the therapeutic process. Providing therapeutic services with various non-profits has also enabled me to interact with and assist at-risk youth through individual, family, and group counseling on issues ranging from severe mental health diagnoses like depression disorders, psychotic disorders, attention and impulse-control disorders, anger management, interpersonal relationship difficulties and substance abuse. As a result, I have become more adept at interacting with clients from a variety of backgrounds including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and have developed a passion for helping clientele that might not otherwise have access to therapeutic services, except through a community agency. I am dedicated to fostering a safe environment and working with each individual to develop customized plans to improve their quality of life. As a Mental Health Therapist, my approach is client and culturally centered. I have worked at various non-profit agencies and have been trained in a variety of approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Family Systems, Object Relations, Existential/Humanistic, and what I have found in working with individuals and families is approaching therapy by fostering a safe environment and working with each individual to develop a customized plan to improve their quality of life.

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Dr. Henry Venter

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I’m a psychologist with more than 25 years of experience. I love counseling and working with individuals and couples. The joy of discovering a solution for a problem with someone and see them grow and thrive excites me. No one is perfect and at times, we all need help. It is a mistake trying to solve problems alone. I see counseling as the undiscovered gem in human functioning – far too many people miss the opportunity of working with a trained and skilled counselor to aid them on the journey to figure out a plan through their challenge. I’m glad you are considering this option and there is a reason that you are reading my profile. I would love working with you.

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This is Lesley Schwam's avatar and link to their profile

Lesley Schwam

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
12 years of experience

My name is Lesley Schwam, I am from Los Angeles, California. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LMFT since 2015. I began graduate school in 2009 and started earning my counseling hours toward licensure during graduate school. My work experience varies from working with adolescents prior to licensing, to now working with adults 18 years of age and older. My treatment approach is from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy perspective. I believe individuals have the ability to change behaviors daily and I also believe in helping individuals find solutions to help move forward with life goals. I have experience working with Trauma, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, as well as Adjustment Disorders and phase of life transitions including finding a new job, a new career, entering retirement, or adjusting to a new role in life. I focus first on self care, coping skills, setting short and long term goals, and learning boundary setting skills, as well as positive communication skills. By setting and reaching goals we learn what we are capable of, and I know each individual person is capable of more than they believe.

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Donald Bliss

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

(Falo português também.) Hello, my name is Don. I have both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Social Work, and I have over forty years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions treatment, both in direct services and in program management -- even longer if you count the foster children I grew up with and the community work that I did as a teenager. I am endlessly curious and have lived abroad in Africa and South America, and in the North, South, East and West of the United States, and am fluent in Portuguese and have studied a few other languages. I love meeting people and learning their stories, and helping my clients find their joy again -- or to find it for what might be the first time. I believe in doing my part to make this a world that works for everyone, and doing what I can to help my clients feel happy and satisfied in their lives. Throughout the years I have been employed or volunteered in private and public-benefit ("non-profit") corporations and in government agencies, and have worked in various clinical settings ranging from outpatient treatment facilities and private practice to inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community agencies and employee assistance programs. I have worked in direct services as well as case management and program management, design and evaluation. My experience encompasses an incredibly diverse range of client populations and problems, and includes individual, couple, family and group psychotherapy. My areas of clinical expertise include but are not limited to: relationship and family issues; brief, solution-focused therapy; workplace and organizational issues; addictions and unhealthy dependencies; cross-cultural communications and relations; sex and sexuality; and HIV/AIDS (and chronic illness). My Bachelor of Social Work degree is from George Williams College, now part of Aurora University, and I earned a Certificate in International/Intercultural Studies during those studies as well. My master's degree is from the University of Maryland at Baltimore, one of the largest schools of Social Work in the country. I am a firm believer in life-long professional development and have attended countless conferences and continuing education programs, and continue to do so. I have also served on several non-profit and government planning boards, and have managed a number of programs in the public-benefit sector. In addition, I help facilitate personal/spiritual growth trainings, and have published guest and relationship advice columns in newspapers and magazines. My educational and professional experiences have been broad and wide-ranging, but beyond that I have extensive life experience which I consider equally significant in terms of how it informs my approach with clients. As a therapist, my goal is to support, encourage and challenge you to find your joy. Your life is your own and you have your own dreams, wishes and desires. I want to help you achieve them, and to assist you in taking whatever positive steps it takes for you to get there. I don't believe that there is any particular road that you have to take to get there, as people are not made from cookie-cutters and what works for one person might not work for another. Therefore, my pledge is to help you find your path to happiness and contentment, and to explore with you new options for thinking, feeling, doing or being along the way. Thank you!

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This is Aureen Knauls's avatar and link to their profile

Aureen Knauls

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello, I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process and I look forward to meeting with you.

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Gina Romeo

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
33 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Stephanie Reyes

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California, Texas, Virginia and Colorado with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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. 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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This is Erin Bixel's avatar and link to their profile

Erin Bixel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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This is Eugene Yamamoto's avatar and link to their profile

Eugene Yamamoto

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker LCSW therapist in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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. 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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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 92170 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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