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 Dr. Capri Cruz's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Capri Cruz

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I knew I was called to be a mental health therapist when I was an abused and confused 11 years old foster child sitting in a therapist’s office myself. It was the very first time I ever felt safe. Since then I've gone on to receive my PhD in Mental Health Counseling and a degree in Hypnotherapy. I completed my internship at a women's residential substance abuse facility assisting women to increase their self-esteem, self-worth, self-image, process their trauma and grief, manage their anxiety and depression, and taught various life skills. I then went on to work in an out-patient substance abuse facility with clients struggling with addiction, trauma, rejection, comorbidity (two or more diagnoses i.e. anxiety, depression, bipolar, or substance abuse, etc), and feelings of worthlessness. I've also worked in conjunction with the Division of Family and Children Services to help families regain custody of their children, facilitate adoptions, and counsel children in foster homes and in group homes. I authored From Foster Care to FABULOUS: An Imperative Movement, Maximize Your Super Powers & 6 Steps to 6 Figures; co-authored Ripping Gripping Fear Out of Your Story, have several other e-books on Amazon as a result of my own life experiences, and completed rigorous research on the protective factors that evolved foster children into healthy and effective adults. Having grown up in the foster care system myself, I struggled with my own challenges ranging from being controlled by fear to overcoming abusive relationships and self-medicating. I believe it is in the transparency of my personal challenges and triumphs that I am solidified as an effective therapist, not solely by my PhD. As a mental health therapist, public speaker, and life coach (see client feedback at www.capricruz.com), I've assisted thousands of clients in achieving greater awareness of their mind, body, and spirit connection, assisted in identifying the root of their challenges in order to regain personal power through solidifying their desired identity, created action plans to self-correct and resolve inner-conflicts, and helped my clients to identify and achieve their life goals. My therapeutic approaches include, but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems, Guided Imagery, Stress Reduction, Positive Psychology, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming. As a mental health therapist what I've learned is that my greatest gift to my clients is to be non-judgmental in my listening in order to help facilitate healing. I believe people want, and often need, to be heard, validated, cared for, accepted, and assisted with feedback. I believe my clients are the experts of their own lives; and I am their guide. Together we are a team. My job is to provide a safe and trusting environment that will help bring that awareness and confidence into their consciousness to empower their ability to meet their own needs.

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Luis Martinez

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

Hello, my name is Luis Martinez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have been in the Mental Health field for over 5 years and have worked in a variety of settings which has been able to provide me with the experience to better understand my clients. Using a client centered approach together we can decide on an appropriate treatment plan to help you overcome the struggles you are facing and tackle your challenges head-on. My preferred modality is Solution Focused Therapy, which is based on what you are already doing well an to help you realize that your strengths are the answer to your concerns and sometimes you just need help seeing them. Therapy in reality boils down to these few things, you want consistency, structure, and to an extent some predictability in your life. The uncertainty and the day to day stressors have all piled up and you just want to be free of everything getting in your way that's keeping you from your ideal future or perhaps your ideal state of mind. Weird thing is you already have what it takes to achieve your desired outcome, you just need someone to guide that process.

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Joseph Ryan

Offering therapy in CA
License: Master of Science, Family and Child Counseling
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementDepression
19 years of experience

Thank you for being here and taking this big step toward your lifelong happiness. I am Joe Ryan, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been serving people for nearly two decades. If you want someone to walk with you through the forest of life, I am a good companion. Life is filled with challenges, uphill struggles, and crossroads where difficult choices must be made. When your path ahead is perilous and uncertain. we will walk forward together with courage to explore your world. I will listen with empathy and give you my all, so that you can discover where you are now, where you have come from, and where you ultimately wish to go. I believe that at some point down the road, you will find yourself unburdened in a way you never imagined possible. When that beautiful day comes, I will be there to applaud you for all you have done for yourself and for our world. As for my counseling experience, individuals, couples and families have trusted me with their most difficult challenges for the past two decades. Often people seek out help when they are going through a crisis and working through this challenge is the first order of business. I have worked successfully with people experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, marriage, relationship and parenting issues, grief and loss, domestic abuse, substance and alcohol addiction, OCD, as well as personal growth and adjustment issues. I also have extensive experience with anger management issues, multicultural concerns and personality disorders. In my work with you, as appropriate I will use the most successful psychological modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Solution-Focused Therapy. I also utilize solution-focused therapy, meaning that in addition to working on solving your personal dilemmas, you will gain insight in how to deal with complex issues in your future. My Educational Credentials include: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with California Board of Behavioral Sciences since 2003 Four advanced degrees in Psychotherapy, Educational Psychology, Writing and Literature Extensive training in Self-Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Anger Management, Narrative Therapy and Family Systems University and college professor for 35 years who has been a therapist for many, including students facing academic, career, and life adjustment issues. I believe in creating a space where we can have difficult conversations, work on resolving issues and collaborate on treatment plans that are tailored to your personal needs and experiences. It takes a lot of courage and motivation to reach out for additional support. I am here for you and thank you for trusting me with your utmost personal dilemmas. I look forward to working with you!

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Claudia Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

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Richard Alongi

Offering therapy in CA
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
36 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 36 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, intimacy related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Monica Garnett

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCPC,LAADC,CADTP
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

Hi I’m Monica, Are you feeling stuck, unsettled and ready to regain some normalcy in your life? Are you hoping to become the best version of yourself? Allow me to assist you in becoming more self-aware and regaining more control of your life. I am a licensed counselor for the state of Illinois and a certified substance abuse counselor for California. My experiences have allowed me to work with diverse clientele ranging from children and adolescents to adults with varying needs. My therapeutic style is collaborative and engaging and I assist you in learning to live an enriched and full life. I have fifteen years’ experience working with individuals who needed help with emotional regulation, developing coping strategies, struggling with alcohol, drug or behavioral addictions as well as with individuals or couples needing to enhance their communication skills. I also have several years of experience working with veterans. I offer phone and video sessions for clients who are distancing or quarantined. I have immediate openings for new clients. Allow me to assist you in taking the next step towards living a more fulfilled life!

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This is Dr. Maisha Haywood Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Maisha Haywood Smith

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesADHD
10 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. 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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Alyssa Stone

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

I am licensed in California with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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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saundrea young

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
40 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional clinical knowledge. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety related to Phase-of-Life issues, medical diagnosis and treatment issues, and grief and loss. I also work with relationship concerns, issues related to aging, identity, and sexuality. I am committed to treating everyone with unbiased respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize that taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage, insight, and strength. It is my privilege to help you investigate and grow those inner strengths.

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This is Alicia Lammers's avatar and link to their profile

Alicia Lammers

Offering therapy in CA
Self esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon and California with over 10 years of professional work experience in community mental health, child welfare, and clinical supervision. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, & compassion fatigue. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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 92027 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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