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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Krista Zabor

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Hi, I’m Krista. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of California with over 11 years of experience providing counseling and mental health care. I received my Masters in Social Work from the University of Southern California. In my personal life, I enjoy swimming, yoga, podcasts and time with my kids. In my professional life, I have worked with a broad range of adults in outpatient settings experiencing a wide variety of life challenges including substance abuse, anxiety, depression, trauma and stress. My counseling style is centered on compassion and non-judgement. It would be my privilege to work to build a therapeutic rapport with you and listen deeply to your life concerns. When we confide in a trusted outlet, we can reflect and learn more about ourselves and our relationships and choices-- and hopefully, we can work to improve and adopt new and healthier ones by breaking negative patterns. I tend to favor person-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches to therapy, but I am also open to tailoring my approach to you based on your unique needs and preferences. I also have a lot of experience and training with motivational interviewing. I am also a huge fan of mindfulness exercises and would love to incorporate that into our sessions if you are open to it. I strongly believe everyone could benefit from counseling. We all deserve to live abundant lives and embody our best selves. It shows true courage to reach out and be willing to access our vulnerability. I’m happy you have taken the first step toward new possibilities. I look forward to working with you!

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Jared Maloney

Offering therapy in CA
License: MA,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hello and welcome. Allow me to share with you a little bit about my experience and how I approach therapy. I have five years of experience working as a therapist with teens, adults, couples and families. Helping people manage their thoughts and emotions in a healthy way that improves their experience in the world. I’ve worked with clients who were worried, anxious, grieving, feeling lost, sad, depressed, struggled with self worth, intrusive thoughts, addiction, relationships and anger management. I’ve also helped coach people on how to reach goals, find what direction they wanted to go in and create a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their life. I’m always willing to find the style or technique that will be the most helpful for my clients but here are style I use the most: Client centered- letting you guide us to what you feel needs to be addressed and working on that together. Holistic - including all the parts that make you who you are, such as your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations, hopes, spirituality and relationships. Depth Psychology- explores what things mean for you, why you react to things the way you do, what is your unconscious may be saying to you. Psychosynthesis – working with all the parts of your personality healthy way, building personal recourses to improve your life. Solution focused – building self esteem by setting and achieving goals and knowing your self worth. CBT- becoming more aware of your thoughts and what you can do to change them. Some of the techniques I’ve incorporated in the past are journaling, art, guided meditations, dream analysis, mindfulness practices, somatic exercises (I don’t mean going to the gym, but that could be helpful) and role-play. My goal is to help you find your way through whatever it is you’re going through and to develop tools and skills that you can use for the rest of your life. If this sounds like something that would be helpful for you I look forward to hearing from you.

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Juline Hobson

Offering therapy in CA
License: M.A. LMFT,M.A. LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with National University and my Master’s degree in Psychology with California Southern University. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with six years of experience providing direct mental health therapy. I have worked with individuals ages three to adults with a variety of presenting issues, including mood disorders, anger management, parental and family conflicts, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, as well as adjustment issues and phases of life issues. I am very conscious of cultural factors and I am sensitive and respectful of people’s values. I believe counseling offers healing, growth and clarification for individuals as they courageously decide to work with me in a safe, trusting warm and confidential environment. My therapeutic approach is mainly cognitive and behavioral (CBT) and Client/Centered Therapy but use other therapeutic approaches as needed. I strive to meet you where you are at, then we decide the style that fits your needs, as we are going to be working together to help you meet your goals. I believe in people’s inner strengths and capacity to succeed and grow even during difficult times. My purpose is to help you gain or regain the level of functioning that you desire. I value the courage it takes to make this first step and I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Dov Paz

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
21 years of experience

Hello I am a Clinical Psychologist practice in Los Angeles with years of experience treating individuals, couples and families with a wide array of issues. Forming a trusting relationship and a therapeutic alliance is the base for a therapeutic and coaching process. Together we will unpack and examine the immediate challenges that you might be facing. We will be working on increasing self awareness and insight while creating a conceptual framework that will foster personal growth. I practice a non-judgmental eclectic reality based therapy that is based on acceptance and a positive goal oriented psychological and philosophical approach in helping you to negotiate your life’s journey.

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Estela Rodriguez Jebril

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoaching
15 years of experience

Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Estela Rodriguez Jebril, I am a Bilingual (Spanish) and Bicultural practicing licensed therapist in California. I am also a transformational coach. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations for 10 years. I graduated from California State University of Long Beach in 2008 with a Master in Social Work. For five years, early in my clinical career, I did in-home family therapy with Medi-Cal recipients. I provide services to the elementary, middle school and high school at risk students and their families to help improve communication, improve problem-solving skills and help heal any trauma the student or family had experienced using a variety of therapeutic modalities. Since 2016, I have been working as an Independent Therapist in private practice and offering coaching, all online to women, families, adolescents and couples. I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind difficult situations, and so change the way they think and feel. This helps people identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learn better ways of coping with all the stressors life brings. Challenges and painful times are part of the human experience. I understand seeking help can be a vulnerable step to take. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth, first and foremost, requires establishing a trusting and an emotional supportive relationship. Change is not easy, and it is possible. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Henry Ostendorf

Offering therapy in CA
License: LPCC
LGBTGriefCareer difficultiesDepression
20 years of experience

I am Henry William Ostendorf. My gender pronouns are He/Him/His. I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in San Francisco, California with over twenty years of experience counseling others to better cope with psychological and social distress. I'm a helper by nature. I consider myself to be respectful, kind, empathetic and resourceful. I limit my practice to male-identified clients. Cisgender and Transgender males of any sexual orientation. Please note my schedule is often more open than just the slots shown. If you wish a specific day or time just ask. I will book you anytime if my schedule (and life) allow. Unfortunately the platform sometimes makes an error and a female subscriber will be matched with me. If you notice this has happened it is easily rectified by clicking on the "change counselor " link where you will see other available counselors to choose from. I practice Client Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sometimes known as CBT. This type of counseling has been clinically proven to provide positive therapeutic outcomes. With CBT you may feel better, quicker, and with less financial investment than from other types of talk therapy. There is also evidence that CBT may be as effective as medication in treating anxiety and depression problems, Psychotherapy is used to facilitate optimal adjustment, either to situations of ongoing stress, such as chronic mental or physical illness or in acutely stressful situations as, for example, following the death of a spouse or loved pet. Such supportive therapy may consist of a number of regular weekly contacts. These sessions may be frequent and brief, or more structured up to 30-45 minutes over a period of time chosen by the participant. It is my sincere goal is to assist you to become self-sufficient and independent as possible. Our work starts with our identification of your goals, examining and understanding the barriers you face (which may be physical, social and/or psychological) and developing a realistic plan to move forward. This often requires changing old patterns of behavior that no longer works for you and reevaluation of our plan as new information comes forward. An action-oriented focus does not, however, preclude us from taking the smallest of steps -- especially as we begin our work together. Psychotherapy involves the use of many and varied psychological techniques including: • Empathy • Sympathetic Listening • Confiding Relationship • Ventilation and Expression of Emotional Material • Encouragement • Opportunities for Corrections • Explanation and Education • Appropriate Reassurance • Guidance • Practical Help • Behavior Modification I also specialize in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and Pet Loss Grief. Vocational rehabilitation is a process which enables persons with functional, psychological, developmental, cognitive and emotional impairments or health conditions to overcome barriers to accessing, maintaining or returning to employment or other useful occupation. As a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the California Department of Rehabilitation I've assisted over 800 disabled job seekers on their path to employment. My clients have included those with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, alcohol and other drug issues, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, carpal tunnel and other repetitive strain disorders, and developmental issues. Many of my clients have come from the LGBT+ community. For over two years I've facilitated a monthly pet loss support group for the Peninsula Humane Society in Burlingame, CA. Loss of a pet is disenfranchised grief. Family, friends and coworkers often don't understand the depth of loss experienced when a pet dies. The inability for others to hear and understand one's grief can prolong or stunt the healing process. I understand and work to provide space to ventilate this sorrow and express the deep love one has for their lost friend.

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Diane Cullen

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
AddictionsGriefCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience in the Human Services field. I am based out of the Los Angeles, CA, area, My interest as a clinician is to work as a therapist who is resourceful, motivated, passionate, approachable, non- judgmental, diverse and informed. I have the interest and ability to offer assistance through the various stages and experiences of life as well as mental health issues for you. . My ability is to bring education, resources, hope and comfort to you. I will provide positive regard, respect, honesty and caring. We will examine the emotional experiences of life challenging mental health concerns. It takes courage to seek a more balanced and fulfilling life. I can create comprehensive therapy and treatment planning. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

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Laura Moore

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in a profession where I could help others. I have been blessed for over 20 years to work with adult of all ages, children, adolescents and families who want to make positive changes and live a happier and more fulfilling life. I want to walk this journey with you. I am a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in Florida with over 20 years expereince working with a wide range of concerns depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, self-esteem, trauma and abuse, ADHD, Autism, health issues and grief and loss. I am skilled in multiple therapeatic modalitie, Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist and a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist. As a counselor my goal is to provide you with a safe and supportive space where you can face issues you are experiencing and explore different ways of positively dealing with them. I will be your listening ear, cheer leader and emotioal support. Making the decision to start counseling is not an easy one, but often is one of the best decisions anyone can make. I look forward to working with you and walking this journey with you.

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April Mack

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & depression. 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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Melissa Beck

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
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, intimacy related issues, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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 92128 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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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