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 Rachel Ford's avatar and link to their profile

Rachel Ford

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,MSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and have been practicing social work and counseling for the past 13 years. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma and issues around work life balance. My style is client focused with a holistic approach as I believe that we have to address all parts of our being (socially, emotionally, physically and financially) to be the best versions of ourselves. Through my evidenced based, compassionate yet challenging style, I am able to move individuals from a place of "just surviving to thriving." I work with individuals to help them "get out of survival mode," through decreasing feelings of stress, anxiety and strengthening the inner spirit. My treatment modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Performance Psychology and Mindfulness based therapy. I always meet my clients where they are at and work with them towards their own definitions of success, fulfillment and emotional health. Life is HARD. Taking that first step to ask for help or assistance shows courage, strength, and a desire to change. We all deserve to live abundant lives in all aspects of our being and I am glad that you have taken the first step in achieving that! I look forward to working with you.

Get started View profile
This is Rika Lopez's avatar and link to their profile

Rika Lopez

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hi, my name is Rika Lopez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with adults, couples, and families. I am currently a candidate for CSAT (Certified Sex Addiction Therapist) where I am learning tools and techniques to work with those who struggle with compulsive and repetitive behaviors such as pornography addiction, infidelity, "hook up" apps, and other sexually impulsive patterns. Not only do I work with individuals who struggle with these sexually acting out behaviors but also partners who have been betrayed or hurt in their romantic relationships/marriages. As a Christian therapist, I find it also of value to work with faith based clients who feel immense guilt and shame due to their sexual addictions. Sadly many churches do not offer a safe environment for people struggling with sexual addiction to be heard, noticed, or even counseled. This is such a tragic reality. My hope and prayer is that many spiritual communities will begin to expose themselves to real issues and start having difficult conversations with their congregation so people will not silently suffer and drown in their loneliness and isolation. There are tangible and practical resources to help you with your sexual addiction. Let's begin this new journey today! You are not alone in this. You are seen, you are noticed, you are heard. Allow me to walk alongside you so that we can begin to unfold your pain and hurt and get the help that you need! Aside from sex addiction clients, my work with those who suffer from depression, anxiety, and trauma have allowed me to gain further insight into their world which thus helped me become more effective in providing tools and techniques into their day to day functioning. Thru my approach of CBT, Attachment based, and Systems theory, let's get to the bottom of these cycles and patterns you are dealing with. Therapy is a process so there are no quick fixes or changes that happen over night but I guarantee you that as you stay focused and committed, you will begin to see incremental changes in your life. Let's do this already! ONE DAY AT A TIME!! I believe in you!

Get started View profile
This is Sharlese Jones's avatar and link to their profile

Sharlese Jones

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
18 years of experience

I've been doing therapy for over 10 years, helping various needs. I'm a licensed LMFT that has assisted children, teens and families in learning new skills to manage, anger, depression, anxiety, stress, build confidence, self esteem building, transgender issues, and various other situations. It's a joy to walk help people within their search for healing, insight, and empowerment. Sometimes it is hard to access the inner guide we have due to outside influences, fear, doubt, or from being out of alignment. Asking for help is one of the hardest things you can do, but can be very rewarding. As a therapist, I strive to help you connect to your authentic self in order to help you have more for filling experiences on your life journey. I applaud your courage for taking the first steps towards positive change through therapy. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Lacy Utterback's avatar and link to their profile

Lacy Utterback

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Lacy and welcome to BetterHelp and taking an important step in meeting the challenges life can present. I would be happy to help you do this at your own pace and tailored to your specific needs. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Colorado and California with over 10 years of experience. I have had the opportunity to provide empathy and support to individuals and couples that have struggled with a wide range of challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relationship issues such as communication and conflict resolution plus many others. My therapy style is to provide warm, compassionate, empathetic and positive support. Like most of us I have experienced my own share of life's challenges. I believe what sets me apart is my ability to be down to earth which makes it easier to develop a connection. My clients have expressed reasons they feel most comfortable with me is because of my positive approach and sense of humor. Cultivating a therapeutic relationship and building trust is imperative to the helping process. Feeling supported, heard, validated and understood with no judgement is essential. Making the decision to seek support through a qualified counselor is a courageous step in making your health and well-being a priority and I commend you. I look forward to discussing what brought you to this site and individualize a plan that works best for you. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you!

Get started View profile
This is Joyce Tanner's avatar and link to their profile

Joyce Tanner

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified in the following areas: Life and Career Coaching, Family Group Conferences, Couples Communication, and Parent Facilitator with a successful consulting and psychotherapy practice. I have had the experience of practicing extensively in many States in America and more recently provided counseling, and training as a Child and Youth Behavioral Military and Family Life Counselor, working with military individuals and families. One of my niches is assisting blended families in creating healthy relationships and making them work and assessing foster and adoptive families. I am honored to listen to your life stories, witnessing increased self-awareness, be encouraging, and observe the identification of strengths, healing, transformation, and change. I continue to be inspired by the strength, resilience, and grace of our human spirit. I have done extensive work in the areas of grief, trauma, Gestalt, crisis, and stress management, Re-decision Making, self-care, Reality therapy, compassion fatigue, career management, goal setting, family reunification, anxiety, and life transitions. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree from Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, and my Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking, engaging in great conversations, listening to music, singing, playing games, thinking positively, and laughing uncontrollably. I am the mother of three successful daughters. Living in several states and traveling extensively has required me to exert my courage in adjusting to change and enhanced my use of resources and coping skills. I genuinely believe that "No Man is An Island, No Man Stands Alone". As a seasoned mental health professional and educator, I continue to grow and enjoy the myriad of experiences that life offers and want to begin where you are on your life journey.

Get started View profile
This is Kristina Datrice's avatar and link to their profile

Kristina Datrice

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Virginia Mintzlaff's avatar and link to their profile

Virginia Mintzlaff

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Bruce "Bryce" Thompson's avatar and link to their profile

Bruce "Bryce" Thompson

Offering therapy in CA
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming issues and concerns that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Maria Littleton's avatar and link to their profile

Maria Littleton

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Arielle Manganiello's avatar and link to their profile

Arielle Manganiello

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS,MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. I have experience with family and couples therapy. I have worked with many different age populations including parents, couples, adolescents, and children, for example. I have worked with clients bringing a wide range of concerns to the table including relational and intimate issues, depression, anxiety, addiction, self-esteem, parenting problems, career change and life transitions, among others. My therapeutic style is warm and interactive and tailored to your needs at the time. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment, Mindfulness, and Eco-systemic structural family therapy. I also draw on Positive Psychology and the Jungian Approach. With my many hats, my plan is to utilize a unique approach, drawing on my experience and expertise, that works and fits best for you. Through our work together, in therapy, I am committed to helping and supporting you to make the changes you want to see in your life. Collaboratively, the essence of our work includes making meaning of your experiences and relationships and the thoughts and feelings that accompany them. My goal is that through our work, struggles and patterns will become illuminated, and by identifying these areas change becomes possible. Together, we can identify the areas that you wish to improve in your life and come up with a plan together on how to address them. Our work together will adapt as your life changes and progress occurs. We are in this therapeutic dance together. It takes a lot of bravery to show up to do the work in therapy. You should be proud of yourself for wanting to take this step. I look forward to working with you in this space.

Get started View profile

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 92014 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

Popular cities near San Diego, CA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist