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 Okechuku Nwanganga's avatar and link to their profile

Okechuku Nwanganga

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepression
10 years of experience

My name is Robert and I would be honored to be your Therapist. I would like to tell you about myself. I have been a Social Worker for the past 20 years and I have worked with a lot of different people in a variety of situations. I am working on a new schedule. My schedule is 6am to 2:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6 am to 11 am then 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as Sundays from 1pm to 8 pm Sundays Pacific Standard Time. I am very comfortable conducting therapy via video or phone but not Live chat The most important thing I need you to know about me and how I work is that I believe Social Work to be a calling and I truly believe in the power of Therapy to change lives. I believe that talking about the things that hurt us provides us with the power to overcome them. I am more interested in your strengths than your diagnoses. I am more interested in empowering you to make your own decisions than I am in you doing what is “right.” Regarding therapy, I am not bound to any one theoretical approach. I tend to utilize a variety of approaches in therapy because I want to provide you with a personalized therapeutic experience. I need you to know that I will only focus on what you think is important. I will not push you to share anything that you are not comfortable sharing but I will ask you questions about things I think are important to provide insight into the situation at hand. I will always be honest with you in every situation and I will continue to exhibit compassion and empathy towards your situation. One of my favorite sayings regarding therapy is that “It matters because it matters to you.” I look forward to working with you.

Get started View profile
This is Mitch Artman's avatar and link to their profile

Mitch Artman

Offering therapy in CA
License: LCSW,MA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I became a therapist to help people suffer less and grow more. I believe that therapy is a journey and that just as you wish to move past your pain, your pain has a meaning. Our goal is not to get you back to who you were before your issues began, but to integrate the lessons life is offering you through this challenging time. I've worked in private practice, a mental health jail, a high-needs public clinic and in people's homes; I've exposed myself to a variety of human challenges and triumphs. Over a decade of practice, I've learned to have space for people's processes, to be a safe space as a container, to remain grounded in my listening and to be authentic in my practice. I often use a spiritual approach in treatment -- not of any religion, but in the sense that a deeper, more meaningful and integrated you seeks to come forth. This approach has been fruitful for people of all beliefs, including atheists. I believe your life has a meaning, and that you are it. I only do teletherapy via video - no messaging or phone calls. I also need to know the basics of your case and your needs before agreeing to beginning treatment, even if the algorithm matches us. This is to ensure I am a good clinical fit for you, and can responsibly and compassionately support you in therapy. Finally, I write about therapy at https://medium.com/@myartman and https://medium.com/@myartman/membership Thank you. Mitch

Get started View profile
This is Amy Durst's avatar and link to their profile

Amy Durst

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

Life can be overwhelming and full of challenges. I believe we all have the need for a little help at times; someone who listens without judgment and encourages personal growth. I focus on providing compassionate, quality counseling and support individuals in developing new tools to better address troubling issues.

Get started View profile
This is Hoang Tran's avatar and link to their profile

Hoang Tran

Offering therapy in CA
License: LMFT
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
18 years of experience

I am a family and marriage therapist, licensed in California with over 13 years of experience working as therapist. I have worked with clients between the ages of 7 to 70, with issues ranging from ADHD, depression, anxiety, marriage, divorce, relationships, parenting, anger management, and co-parenting. My therapeutic orientation is Client-Centered, Gestalt, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I use different modalities of treatments, including CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), rational-emotive therapy, motivational interviewing, from studies and data to help clients achieve maximum recovery. I know the ultimate decision is the client’s and often times a sounding board from someone who is objective, caring and verse in the helping field is all that one needs. We will be partners in developing a treatment plan that will meet your needs and unique lifestyle. Know that you are loved.

Get started View profile
This is Neil Martin's avatar and link to their profile

Neil Martin

Offering therapy in CA
Addictions
23 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 23 years of professional work experience. My expertise is sex and porn addiction and other addiction issues. I am nonjudgemental and I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Sirena Campagna's avatar and link to their profile

Sirena Campagna

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

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California with 7 years of professional work experience. My therapeutic approach is through a trauma informed lens. My primary theoretical approaches are Person-Centered, Attachment, and Psychodynamic with trainings in CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) and TF-CBT (Trauma Focused CBT). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I have six years of experience as a mental health clinician where I primarily worked with families, teens, and young adults within a non-profit organization. Additionally, within those six years, I worked as a clinician at a high school, for four years, where I engaged with students in coping with mental health conditions that are common for that developmental stage due to stressors (e.g. depression, trauma, social anxiety, ADHD, ODD, and OCD), as well as collaborated with school staff in support of the students. In the last year of my professional experience, I transitioned to a private practice to continue to diversify and build on my current clinical experience working with clients ranging from ages 6 to 60. I have experience providing family, individual, and couple’s counseling. I focus on the therapeutic relationship where I connect with each of my clients personally through their interests, strengths, passions, and values. I prioritize establishing a safe space for people to be authentic and engage in self-exploration (i.e. who they are/how they want to show up in the world). I believe that if you carry your genuine self to any life role that decision-making, coping with mental health, family conflict, etc. will be more effectively navigated from a strong sense of self. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in navigating life challenges. Each person has the wisdom within to answer questions and navigate life – my role as a guide is to support and facilitate clients to build a healthy relationship with themselves and then with others. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Miguel Gomez III's avatar and link to their profile

Miguel Gomez III

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Marcus Christmas's avatar and link to their profile

Marcus Christmas

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Joni De Groot's avatar and link to their profile

Joni De Groot

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoaching
34 years of experience

I've been licensed in California for over 3 decades supporting individuals, couples, groups, children in play therapy, and entire families - across the life span (ages 3 - 83). Each of us has patterns, themes, or stories that express or describe how we experience ourselves, others, our culture, the world. I'm grateful to help clients discover those, entirely as a collaborative process of exploration. My approach, therefore, is client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, family systems and mindfulness - oriented. My professional history includes employment as Intake Coordinator/case manager and therapist in a sub-acute care facility, individual - couples - group - family therapist on multi-disciplinary teams in outpatient, school and residential care settings; working with teams of psychiatrists, social service agencies such as Children’s Services, County Mental Health, Juvenile Justice system/Probation, and within educational settings - both public and private schools. I'm a uniquely practical yet holistic person with a wide-angle lens, big-picture approach to supporting individuals, couples, and families on the path to greater social and emotional health. My goal, always, is to enliven clients' perspective to experience relief and stronger skills to deal with stress/anxiety, depression, relationship issues at home and in their employment/professional lives, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues within the home environment, as well as with their children's educational needs at school. I'm totally at home with online tele-therapy, and your time with me offers 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 happy life; and to take the first steps towards change. I am absolutely with you, to support these steps in practical and measurable ways. Welcome!

Get started View profile
This is Alana Hendrix's avatar and link to their profile

Alana Hendrix

Offering therapy in CA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issues
24 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 24 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!

Get started View profile

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 92196 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a San Diego counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A San Diego licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in San Diego, California can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

San Diego has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of San Diego.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in San Diego:

92014, 92025, 92027, 92037, 92038, 92039, 92071, 92072, 92092, 92093, 92101, 92102, 92103, 92104, 92105, 92106, 92107, 92108, 92109, 92110, 92111, 92112, 92113, 92114, 92115, 92116, 92117, 92119, 92120, 92121, 92122, 92123, 92124, 92126, 92127, 92128, 92129, 92130, 92131, 92132, 92134, 92137, 92138, 92139, 92140, 92142, 92143, 92145, 92147, 92149, 92150, 92152, 92153, 92154, 92158, 92159, 92160, 92161, 92163, 92165, 92166, 92167, 92168, 92169, 92170, 92171, 92172, 92173, 92174, 92175, 92176, 92177, 92179, 92182, 92186, 92187, 92190, 92191, 92192, 92193, 92195, 92196, 92197, 92198, 92199

Popular cities near San Diego, CA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist