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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Ruben Martinez

Offering therapy in CA
License: MS, LMFT
LGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
15 years of experience

Ruben Martinez Jr. is an experienced Bicultural and Bilingual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Ruben is skilled in behavioral and mindfulness therapies and highly experienced conducting individual, family, group, and life-skills counseling. Ruben is also trained and experienced in early childhood services and has experience working with youth, adolescents and adults adjusting to important life domains including self-care, home living, academic, health, self-direction, leisure, spirituality, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, and vocation. Ruben is also an experienced Clinical Trainer on various overall wellness topics, including early childhood, trauma, and resilience at the university level. Ruben has worked with many individuals and families, seeking support in building resilience, positive coping, and managing challenging symptoms in his training and practice. Ruben helps his clients build awareness around what they are thinking, feeling, and doing while supporting the coping tools necessary to create change and build resilience. If you feel ready to connect with a professional who can provide specialized services tailored to your needs, reach out to Ruben for support. Ruben has a love for sports, travel, music, art, and animals.

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Meghan Todd

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Meghan Todd and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with experience working with children, teens, individuals, and families. I use a strengths-based, warm but direct approach. I pull from different models depending on each client's individual needs. I especially focus on motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, drama therapy, and strategic family therapy. With special training in drama therapy, I bring a uniquely creative lens to all of my work, whether or not you wish to engage with drama therapy in particular. Through it all, I believe in being client-centered and meeting the client where they currently are on their journey. I have familiarity with many areas, including depression, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, and life changes. In the past, I have focused on treating parenting issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and motivation and self-esteem. Please ask me if I can help with whatever you are currently needing! Life is constantly unstable, changing at every moment. I am here to support and guide you through it all. I work to empower you and highlight your strengths, to build up the resiliency that already exists inside you to help you face whatever may challenge you. I will be happy to walk in front of you as a guide, beside you as a companion, or behind you as a supportive follower on your path of healing. Thank you so much for sharing your time and energy with me! I look forward to getting to know you and helping in whatever therapeutic ways I can.

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Sherry Farrell

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

My name is Sherry Farrell. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I earned a bachelor's degree from San Francisco State University in Clinical Psychology and went on to earn a Masters in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. My story is unique in that I worked in the field of psychology for roughly 5 years and then turned to teaching young people while raising my own children. This allowed me to gain a broad understanding of how children and families operate in a clinical, educational and social setting. I am now prepared to take that knowledge and apply it once again toward my work with clients. I have provided therapy in a clinic, alternative and mainstream school setting. In my work with children, I have helped those struggling with Conduct Disorder, ADHD, depression, social isolation, anxiety, suicide ideation, abuse and family stress. I have worked with couples and families facing addiction, infidelity, parenting challenges, mood disorders, physical challenges and divorce. My work with individuals mainly dealt with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, and navigating life transitions. In session I rely on a variety of therapeutic techniques and styles which include Solution Focused, Client Centered, Narrative, Motivational, Existential and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. I thoroughly enjoy getting to know every client I meet on a deep level. I value creating a relationship built on compassion, understanding, safety and respect. I believe my role is to meet clients where they are and work as a team to process difficulties and create strategies that will lead to positive, lasting change. Seeking therapy can bring up feelings of fear and uncertainty. Once you make that first step, you are embarking on a journey of self discovery that will allow us to work as a team to move from a place of stress and discomfort to one of hope, relief and enduring change. I can't wait to meet you! Years of clinical experience: 5

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Ryan Glathar

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
17 years of experience

Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and read my profile. I believe that each of us have the ability and are deserving of living full, happy and healthy lives, however so many of us cannot say our lives fit that description. Together I feel we can identify what is creating the roadblocks to this and work on becoming the best version of yourself. In order for a relationship to be successful those people in that relationship need to establish trust. You are giving me the privilege of getting to know you and I want to make sure that we build our therapeutic relationship on trust and respect. I have over 10 years experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns such as but not limited to: depression, relationship issues, self-esteem/self-worth, parenting and domestic violence. I do not believe there is a one size fits all approach when working with clients so I like to try various approaches to see what is best suited for that individual. A few approaches that I do use, but again not limited to are cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused and motivational interviewing. Life can be a roller coaster. I look forward to navigating the ups and downs with you so that you can begin to make the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take the first step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Brenda Klass-Christopher

Offering therapy in CA
License: PhD,MA ,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
25 years of experience

Hello, my name is Brenda Klass, I am glad you stopped by. I have been involved in behavioral health for over 30 years in Los Angeles County. I help to heal psychic wounds and bring families closer to the harmony they desire. I have a PhD in psychology and licensed as a marriage family child therapist. My experience covers many areas: I have extensive training with Chronic illness, Chronic pain, Chemical Dependency, Depression, Anxiety. I have also worked with clients who just need someone to support them through challenging experiences, emotions, and life changes. Are you or your child or family struggling with a difficult life transition? Have you or your child or young adult come up against a situation that you think may be leading to depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges? Are you a college student having a hard time navigating a new world of independence and responsibility? Are you experiencing emotions related to Covid 19- job loss, grief loss family member, financial issues, Please allow me to assist in determining what I can do to help I am an empathic, serious listener when my role calls for it, and a simpatico companion in life’s journeys. My style is direct, positive, and warm with a focus on supporting clients but holding them accountable to their goals for treatment. I don’t look on my role as a “fixer” or “solver”, I believe I am here to help YOU find those solutions and fixes. You are coming here to gain the tools and understanding to deal with something in your life and I would love to be your partner in the journey. As we all know, it is frequently difficult to see the forest for the trees. I’m here to help you do a little hedge trimming so your vision is less obscured. If you have been in therapy before and are facing new challenges you think could be helped by therapy, then you know the drill. If you are new to therapy and feeling anxious or awkward about seeking help, you are not alone. Looking for a therapist you connect with can be an arduous process for some. For others it is easy; they connect with the first person they meet. Either way, I am skilled at making this part of the journey as smooth as possible, while allowing you the space to come to your own decisions. .

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Harout "Harry" Ohannessian

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

When human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors, it not uncommon for their lives to unravel. My great passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience. I help my clients who include young adults , couples and families, to find healthy perceptions of themselves and strengthen their relationships so they can know themselves as peaceful, complete, whole and safe. Moreover, I have been practicing psychotherapy since 2014. My approach to therapy is one of deep empathy and exploration. Life is challenging and can bring you overwhelming feelings of anxiety or depression. In utilizing mainly psychodynamic approach to therapy, I will work with you to understand and process experiences that are causing you pain and suffering. Through our work together, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, which will ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and gratifying life. Also, I know that no single approach is the right one for very individual, and so I have been trained in range of other modalities including Motivational Interviewing, Person-centered, Relational, Attachment, Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies, and Trauma Focused Therapies. My educational background includes a Master of Arts degree MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Also, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the California State University, Los Angeles.

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Stacy Benedict

Offering therapy in CA
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in California since 2017 and have been a social worker for the past 17 years in Child Welfare. I am a parent of a teenager and adopted young children that are 7, 8 and 10 years old. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I have done extensive training in race, equity and diversity. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Sloane Harris

Offering therapy in CA
8 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Georgia with 8 years of direct counseling experience and over 19 years of being in the helping profession. I enjoy helping people adjust to new life transitions such as parenthood, school issues, work/life balance, coping with a medical diagnosis, facing infertility, grief and loss, and trauma. 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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Ani Sargsyan

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf 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, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

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Amber Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
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, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion because I know what inconsideration and disrespect feel like. I walk with all religions as a spiritual person but admittedly have a primarily Christian background. I want to meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to go.

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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 92039 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

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