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. Natalie Feinblatt's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Natalie Feinblatt

Offering therapy in CA
License: Psy.D.
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I want to help you heal & thrive! If you are experiencing psychological suffering allow my warmth, humor, structure, & experience to help you stop hurting and gain balance and serenity. Almost 15 years of experience in the field of mental health have helped me become a skilled & empathetic facilitator of psychological healing. I believe in the inherent healing ability of all individuals. I have developed specific expertise in the treatment of: Addictions (chemical & behavioral), co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis), trauma, LGBTQ issues, & recovery from cult involvement.

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Tara Tobin

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionADHD
19 years of experience

Hello, my name is Rhiannon (I go by my middle name). I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have been providing therapy since 2005, primarily working with children, adolescents, parents, families, and couples. I specialize in helping children, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and attention difficulties as well as assisting parents with skills to help their children develop emotionally, academically, and socially. My passion is to help all ages learn effective coping strategies to manage challenges related to focus, anxiety, depression, and anger/aggression. Another strong focus of my practice is with couples and the various relationships in our lives. Here, learning and mastering positive and effective communication and problem-solving skills is key to creating supportive partnerships and increasing our quality of life. Originally from New York, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Minor in Studio Art in Baltimore, Maryland, and then obtained my Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy with a concentration in Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. I utilize interventions from cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, art therapy, and mindfulness practices. These approaches support the processes of increasing awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, developing more effective strategies/skills to make changes and reach personal goals, and ultimately lead to a sense of feeling more balanced and satisfied with our lives. I believe that in order for the therapeutic process to be successful, we will focus on your strengths and you being the “expert” in your life. As a facilitator of growth and awareness, I look forward to working with you!

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Sederia Moore

Offering therapy in CA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Welcome, and thank you for reaching out! My name is Sederia Moore, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Texas and California with over 5 years of experience working in the mental health field. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work, focusing on Children and Families from the University of Southern California in 2012. I have worked with clients with a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, grief/loss, and life transitions. I also have experience and a passion for working with the LGBTQ+ population. My counseling style is nonjudgmental and integrative. I believe in meeting people where they are at, and helping clients access their internal compass to guide them toward solution. My primary therapeutic approaches are Acceptance and Commitment, and Mindfulness inspired treatment. I am also EMDR trained for those who are appropriate for this protocol. I believe that every person is unique, and therefore my treatment plans and support will be geared toward your specific needs. I applaud you for taking the first step in finding fulfillment and support in your life. Lets work together and build a trusting relationship that will help see you through your challenges, and support your continued emotional growth. I look forward to connecting with you!

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This is Cynthia Moreno's avatar and link to their profile

Cynthia Moreno

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with over 13 years of experience providing counseling to individuals and families. I offer a nurturing and accepting space to begin or continue your journey of personal and relational growth. My extensive experience working with diverse populations within various community mental health systems makes me especially effective with those who are new to therapy and those who are hesitant or unsure about how to start. My gentle, supportive, and strength-based approach provides a safe space to for you to grow. Mood disturbances (like depression), anxiety, trauma symptoms, and relational issues are my specialty. I work from a systems perspective and address problems with consideration of contextual and cultural factors. I believe strongly in the human capacity to use existing internal and external resources to improve one's quality of life. I am looking forward to working with you to clarify your therapy goals and develop a treatment plan unique to your needs and desired outcomes.

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Alvin Tan

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

Hi, I am a licensed clinical social worker in San Diego, California. My primary background experience is in helping clients to regain/increase control over their mental health, via developing increased insight/understanding of symptoms, identifying and utilizing coping skills, developing positive support systems, and increasing ability to problem-solve/navigate challenges. I have worked with adults in multiple settings, including those experiencing active crisis within acute locked psychiatric care, clients coming into an outpatient clinic for mental health services and counseling/groups, clients utilizing substance use disorder treatment individually and in groups, and adult clients with developmental disabilities in the group home setting. Professionally, I've worked both as direct care staff as well as in management and supervisor roles, and have also mentored undergrad and grad students. I'm looking forward to meeting you and offering you support.

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Hilary Gordon

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I currently reside in Phx, AZ where I live with my husband & 2 daughters. My mission is to empower individuals in a time of crisis & assist them in personal growth and looking at new perspectives. I can provide a safe & nurturing virtual environment for anyone to open up & seek a better understanding of their feelings. I'm here to help you work through all of the things that get in your way of finding your identity & true connection. We can work through it together in order find a sense of empowerment and peace within yourself, your relationships, and your life. I am and LCSW in CA and in AZ.

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This is Jennifer Uribe-Sanchez's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Uribe-Sanchez

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
6 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I received my master's degree in counseling psychology from Santa Clara University with an emphasis on Latino Studies. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and parenting issues. I have specialized experience in working with children, youth and their caregivers to help them improve their relationships with each other and those around them. I believe in the power of healing through relationships by treating everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion. In our conversations I will use curiosity to engage you in a self-reflection process to help you feel validated and enable you to move towards your goals. My therapy style is warm and calm to help you move at your own pace through this journey. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, attachment-based and narrative therapy. What I love the most about being a therapist is having the privilege to hear your unique story. I believe therapy is a sacred space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings in-depth to help you communicate better with those around you. I believe everyone can take small steps everyday to live a more fulfilling life by being kind to themselves and others. It takes a lot of courage to seek change in search of a happier life. I believe we all have a great capacity for growth and healing. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. I look forward to working with you. Session Availability: Weekdays 8:15am-9:00am & Weekends 8:15am-11:00am

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Xkizin Wright

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Often times we go through tough situations by ourselves because we feel no one will understand us or we are told "get over it". So we suffer in silence. I am here to tell you that you do not have to be alone. My name is Xkizin Wright, LMFT and with my support you can become the best and healthiest version of yourself in ALL aspects of your life. I help individuals, couples, and families with: the inability to deal with negative emotions and negative thinking, not feeling supported, loneliness, not being heard and feelings of uncertainty due to life tribulations. Individually, I can help you quiet those unwanted thoughts or feelings by acknowledging, releasing and replacing them with positive ones to help increase belief in yourself and improve your relationships. As a couple and/or family, learn ways to communicate and interact effectively as a unit in a healthy matter. My mission is to provide a SAFE, Non-Judgmental, Understanding and Encouraging space for you to be your true self, so you have the opportunity to Heal, Ease into Forgiveness, Let go and Push Forward to live the life you have always wanted too. H.E.L.P is Here. ***** ATTENTION ATTENTION PLEASE READ: If you find me to be a potential fit, in supporting you on this journey and due to the federal health laws and regulations set by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, the organization that monitors my license, there are expectations as a therapist I will have to abide by. With that, Immediately after scheduling an appointment this information would need to be submitted: full name, date of birth, phone number, email address, the address of where you will be when we will meet, the name of the local police department that serves that address, the name, relationship and the phone number of a local emergency contact, any medications you are taking and the name of the treating psychiatrist, if there is one, and upload a copy of a state or federal issued photo ID. After this information is received the appointment will be confirmed. If the information is not received immediately or within a 24 hour window of scheduling, the appointment will be delayed and removed off the schedule until the information is received. All this information is deemed confidential and cannot and will not be shared with anyone else. Thank you for your understanding. **** Updated: September 20, 2023

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This is Melissa Reyerson-Slifer's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Reyerson-Slifer

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Iowa with 3 years of therapy experience, and over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients of all ages, and have worked with clients with a variety of concerns. I specialize in helping clients with anxiety disorders, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, and stress. 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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Linda Bramel

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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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 92093 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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