San Diego is one of the biggest cities in California and is often considered to be the birthplace of the state. San Diego is also known for its extensive beaches. Sometimes, life can be like a beach. It can be relaxing, fun, and a nice place to stay. However, there are also problems with a beach. Sometimes, a storm can ruin the fun, or a tidal wave appears to sweep everything you know away. 

A counselor can be your lifeguard who helps you have an entertaining day on the beach. They can give you advice and mental health treatment that will calm any storms and tidal waves before they cause damage. Speak to a San Diego-based counselor and see what they can do for you.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): PsyD,MA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 20

Welcome to your journey toward healing and wholeness. ✨ Whether you feel completely overwhelmed by life or are just looking for some support, I hope you recognize that by reaching out you have already overcome one of the most difficult parts of the journey. What gives me the authority to make such a claim? I stand by this belief as a product of my 20 years of clinical experience practicing as a psychologist but more profoundly based on my own personal journey toward healing and wholeness. It is my goal to ensure a positive, trusting therapeutic relatio...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LCSW
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief
Years of Experience: 3

Hello there, I am a license clinical social worker, licensed in the state of California. I have 10 years of experience working both as a case manager and a therapist. I have worked with a wide rate of clients and helped them manage or reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety ,relationship issues, family issues, grief and loss, stress related to work or school, lgbt issues. I work with multiple approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, solution focused therapy and strengths based. I am here to help you in your journey. My approach...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): M.A.Ed.,LCSW,PPSC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 10

Hello! I am so glad that you are taking steps in your healing and empowerment journey. We all hold so much, numerous responsibilities and roles, especially in these unprecedented times. I want to acknowledge how amazing it is that you are making time for you! My name is Linnette Haynes, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I earned my Master of Social Work degree (MSW) and Pupil in Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) in 2007, my LCSW in 2015, and most recently, my Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed.) in 2020. I have over 10 ...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): LMFT,ATR-BC
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue
Years of Experience: 9

I am an ATR-BC and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing since I graduated in 2013. I have experience working in a wide variety of settings such as, hospitals, inpatient, residential programs, schools, and outpatient clinics. I work with all ages, couples and families struggling with mental illness, grief and loss, adjustment issues, anxiety, serious medical issues, trauma, death/dying, dementia/ Alzheimer’s, personality disorders, and and a variety of other issues. I draw from an eclectic person-centered approach, incorporating theo...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): MS,LMFT
Specialties: Addictions, Grief, Parenting issues
Years of Experience: 9

I know it can be overwhelming to take early steps toward the changes you want in life. Coping with our struggles already takes a huge amount of energy. Choosing a therapist is a big step. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where I can use my professional tools while we work on mental, emotional, and relationship issues. I will provide transparency throughout the process, so you are informed and know what to expect. I am a culturally competent Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 7 years of counseling experience. I recei...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Type Of Therapy License(s): MA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Years of Experience: 6

Hello ~ I am glad you are here! :) I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California since 2016. I believe our success in the ‘game’ of life is directly related to the quality of our relationships and the ability to establish and maintain, life long, healthy relationships. My experience extends to having worked with culturally diverse individuals, couples, and families of all ages, who are encountering life’s challenges. I have worked in both government settings and community mental health settings, helping clients to cope with and heal fro...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Parenting issues, Depression
Years of Experience: 13

My name is Luanne Hernandez and I am a couples and individual therapist specializing in parenting, family and motherhood. My passion is helping mothers be their best selves both as an individual, but also as a mom and creating harmony for a family system through mindfulness, boundaries, and assertive and compassionate communication and parenting skills. I attended Stanford University for undergrad where I majored in Psychology with an emphasis on the Health and Development of Children. I received my MA in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. I have ...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Anger management, Depression
Years of Experience: 60

I am licensed in California with 60 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & anger management. 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!

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Sleeping disorders, Self esteem, Coping with life changes, ADHD
Years of Experience: 15

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional experience. I enjoy helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes….and eventually rendering myself irrelevant. I know…strange job description. Generally, I believe people are doing the best they can in life but occasionally hit a sand trap, finding themselves more deeply entrenched with the struggle. If this is you, welcome to the human race :-) Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and meaningful life takes cou...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Depression
Years of Experience: 20

I am a licensed Psychologist in California with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
Years of Experience: 8

I am licensed in California with 8 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, & 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.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Family conflicts, Anger management, Depression
Years of Experience: 15

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & anger management. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Addictions, LGBT, Eating disorders
Years of Experience: 6

Hi!!! I am Dr. Stephen Gonzalez, a clinical psychologist in California with more than 6 years working in inpatient, outpatient, and teletherapy settings. My previous therapeutic emphasis has been on addiction recovery and LGBTQ+ identity issues. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community who struggled with addictions myself more than 15 years ago, I understand the struggles and frustrations individuals go through when trying to beat their addictions. I am here to help you through that journey. My goal is to provide an engaging and solutions-focused approach to therapy. ...

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Anger management
Years of Experience: 9

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!

One Of Many Online Therapists Serving - San Diego, CA
Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Self esteem, Depression
Years of Experience: 11

I am licensed in California with 11+ 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.

How To Find The Right Therapist For You

Finding the right therapist close by in San Diego can feel intimidating. However, there are a few methods you can try to narrow your search for a therapy with a counselor near the San Diego area if you find it challenging to find therapists accepting new clients.

First, research what type of therapy you'd like to pursue before finding a therapist or psychologist. You might be interested in psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, marriage and family therapy, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits. If you're still unsure, consider asking your prospective counselors which methods they practice.

When you're ready to search, search for 'therapist near me in San Diego and scroll through the options. Next, consider your goals for the gender of your psychotherapist, the type of therapy they're most experienced with, and their specialty. Finally, choose a therapist located near you in the city of San Diego or elsewhere in San Diego or the state of California.

Mental health professionals working through their own practice or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships and communication skills, working through life's obstacles, or changing negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a listening ear and validation. Verified San Diego therapists can provide licensed marriage and compassionate counseling, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

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 Do Costs Of Conventional Counseling Compare To BetterHelp With A San Diego Counselor?

Forbes reports that the average price of an in-person therapy session with a counselor 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 in San Diego: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists in San Diego: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist in San Diego: $100
  • Therapy with a mental health counselor in San Diego: $80

Some counselors 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 therapists serving the city of San Diego and elsewhere throughout the state of California you can expect significantly more affordable options, with counselor sessions ranging from $60 to $90 per week (billed every four weeks).

How Does Working With A Counselor On BetterHelp Work?

It's important to note that these therapists treat clients online. Online therapists, including the US-based therapists above, can work with people like you in or around San Diego virtually. You do not have to commute to a therapist's office to meet with one of these counselors.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, receive worksheets, and sign up for mental health webinars. Additionally, the BetterHelp app offers a journaling feature.

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy with a counselor. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists specializing in behavioral health and relationships. You can also try a provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. Look through the available counselors above and consider which might work for you. There are therapists on BetterHelp specialize in several mental health issues and modalities. See below for examples.

Therapist specialties on BetterHelp include:
  • Therapists specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Therapists specializing in behavior therapy
  • Depression therapists
  • Anxiety therapists
  • Stress therapists
  • Eating disorder therapists
  • Grief therapists
  • Therapists specializing in attachment therapy
  • Relationship therapists
  • Child and adolescent therapists
  • Addiction therapists
  • Divorce therapists
  • Trauma therapists
  • Bipolar therapists
  • Psychodynamic therapists

San Diego has many professionals who provide client-centered individual counseling in person and through online therapy. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with therapists all over the US. Many individuals gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy. In San Diego, therapy can be easily to use and a click away.

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 they may struggle to provide objective guidance as a psychotherapist can. Therapists are also professionals trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist may support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health or life concerns. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another benefit of therapy with a licensed counselor is having a 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 can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With almost one million people in San Diego, CA, finding a therapist can be costly, and therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of counselors above and others through BetterHelp, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching for a nearby psychotherapist close to 92198 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp therapist page. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy in San Diego can be a great option.

How Should I Prepare For My First Session With A San Diego Counselor? 

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading about the counseling process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist. 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 why you're attending therapy.

Should I See A Counselor 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 therapists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend counseling. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general advice. A therapist 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 with a counselor.

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 Crying In Therapy A Breakthrough?

Crying can be a breakthrough for some individuals who struggle to express emotions. Others might find that they often cry during sessions with their counselor. Crying can be normal and healthy, so whether you cry or not may be a personal aspect of sessions.

Is Mental Health Care Worth It?

We may all be on different paths in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, therapists are trained to meet you where you're at. Counseling can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy each year, showing it's a popular option and may be often effective when working with a licensed counselor.

Do Therapists Judge You? 

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Therapists are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. Their job as your counselor is to support you and make you feel safe and respected. 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and FacebookFor mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time to learn more about BetterHelp therapists to understand the services available to you clearly. If you have any questions, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online counseling, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched with a counselor 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:

There are all kinds of therapists in the San Diego area, including:

  • CBT in San Diego
  • DBT in San Diego
  • Substance use therapy in San Diego
  • Couples therapy in 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